Urological Health Penis Health Balanitis: Inflammation of the Penis Head By Jerry Kennard Jerry Kennard Jerry Kennard, PhD, is a psychologist and associate fellow of the British Psychological Society. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 07, 2022 Medically reviewed by Matthew Wosnitzer, MD Medically reviewed by Matthew Wosnitzer, MD LinkedIn Twitter Matthew Wosnitzer, MD, is board-certified in urology. He is an attending physician at Yale New Haven Health System, Northeast Medical Group and teaches at the Frank Netter School of Medicine. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Symptoms Complications Causes Treatment Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis (also known as the glans). When the foreskin is also inflamed, it is referred to as balanoposthitis. Balanitis and balanoposthitis mainly occur in uncircumcised men. Balanitis is a condition affecting about 11% of adults with penises and 4% of children with penises. It is most common in those over 40, although it can occur at any age. Adam Hester / Stockbyte / Getty Images This article describes the symptoms, causes, complications of balanitis and balanoposthitis. It also provides an overview of the treatment options. Balanitis Symptoms Balanitis and balanoposthitis can cause the following symptoms: Redness, swelling, and tenderness of the penis head A thick discharge from under the foreskin (called smegma) Bleeding under the foreskin A foul odor Itching Painful urination Recap Symptoms of balanitis include pain, redness, and a foul-smelling discharge from under the foreskin. There may also be itching, bleeding, and pain with urination. Complications Though rare, balanitis and balanoposthitis can lead to complications that can affect both urinary and sexual function. This is especially true if the condition is severe or recurrent. Possible complications include: Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO): A progressive skin condition that can cause the hardening of the glans and foreskin Meatal stenosis: The abnormal narrowing of the urethra (the passage through which urine exits the body) Paraphimosis: The inability to pull the foreskin over the head of the penis Phimosis: The inability to retract the foreskin Balantitis is also associated with a three-fold increased risk of penile cancer. Recap In rare instances, balanitis can lead to the inability to retract the foreskin (phimosis) or pull it back over the head of the penis (paraphimosis). Severe or recurrent balanitis can cause changes in the penis that can interfere with urination or sex. It also increases the risk of penile cancer. What Is Penile Cancer? Causes The exact cause of balanitis and balanoposthitis is often unclear. Poor hygiene is thought to play a central role. In people with foreskins, the accumulation of smegma can cause an inflammatory reaction that leads to swelling and redness. The warmth and moisture under the foreskin also provide the perfect environment for bacterial and fungal infections. Risk factors of balanitis include: Having a foreskin Poor penile hygiene Scented soaps or shower gels Harsh detergents and fabric softeners Overwashing the penis Physical friction Spermicidal lubricants Diabetes Antibiotic use Allergies (such as an allergy to latex condoms) Infections Infections, whether viral, bacterial, or fungal, can cause balanitis and balanoposthitis. These include: Penile thrush: A yeast infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans Sexually transmitted diseases: Including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis Staphylococcus aureus: A bacteria commonly associated with skin infections Streptococcus pyogenes: The same bacteria associated with strep throat Recap Balanitis is mainly associated with poor hygiene in uncircumcised males. Other contributing factors include harsh soaps or detergents, spermicidal lubricants, and overwashing. Penile thrush, STD, and other infections can also lead to balanitis. Treatment If you develop the signs and symptoms of balanitis, it is important to seek medical attention. If left untreated, balanitis can lead to complications like paraphimosis. Treatment options include: Improved hygiene: With water and gentle soap rather than harsh detergents Avoidance of irritants: Including harsh soaps and spermicidal lubricants Oral or topical antibiotics: Used to treat bacterial infections Topical antifungals: The standard treatment for penile thrush Diabetes management: If diabetes is a contributing factor Circumcision: May be advised for recurrent balanitis or in the event of phimosis or paraphimosis Recap The treatment of balanitis involves improved hygiene and the avoidance of irritants. Infections may be treated with antibiotics or antifungals. Circumcision may be recommended for recurrent balanitis or if there is phimosis or paraphimosis. Summary Balanitis is the inflammation of the head of the penis. Symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, and a foul-smell discharge from under the foreskin. In rare instances, balanitis can lead to phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin) or paraphimosis (the inability to pull the foreskin back over the head of the penis). Balanitis mainly affects people with penises who are not circumcised. Poor hygiene, diabetes, harsh soaps and detergents, and bacterial or fungal infections contribute. The treatment of balanitis varies by the cause. The treatment options include antibiotics, antifungals, and, in severe or recurrent cases, circumcision. Good penile hygiene is also essential. 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Morris B, Krieger JN. Balanitis and related inflammatory conditions affecting the penis. In: Bjerklund Johansen TE, Wagenlehner FME, Matsumoto T, Cho YH, Krieger JN, Shoskes D, Naber KG, editors. Urogenital Infections and Inflammations. Duesseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2017. doi:10.5680/lhuii000027 Dayal S, Sahu P. Zoon balanitis: A comprehensive review. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2016;37(2):129-138. doi:10.4103/2589-0557.192128 By Jerry Kennard Jerry Kennard, PhD, is a psychologist and associate fellow of the British Psychological Society. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit