Balanitis

Balanitis. Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans penis, and balanoposthitis is confined to the skin of the glans penis and the foreskin. The picture presents a rather clearly defined ulceration of the foreskin with fiery reddening. Dermatitis-producing common Staphylococcus or Streptococcus is often detected in bacterial culture. Treatment consisting of an effective topical antibiotic is usually adequate, combined with frequent showers or potassium permanganate baths. Herpes-induced inflammation may also become ulcerated in a similar manner. A syphilis-induced ulcer is hard and insensitive on palpation, but often associated with a secondary infection.

Picture: Raimo Suhonen