Inflammation of the glans in medicine is called balanitis, inflammation or cracks in the foreskin - this is another disease called post. Typically, both of these ailments come together, causing inflammation of the foreskin and genitals. This disease is called balanoposthitis.
The first cause of a fissure in the penis is genital irritation:
- urine, especially in people with diabetes,
- smegma, in case of non-hygiene,
- chemical preparations (condom lubricant, gels, soap).
The second reason for the formation of a crack on the foreskin is associated with mechanical stress (masturbation, rough sex, trauma during sports).
The third reason is allergic diseases and allergies to chemicals, foods, and contraceptives (creams, vaginal suppositories, pills, sponges). Sometimes taking medications (antibiotics, painkillers , sleeping pills , etc.) can negatively affect the genitals in the form of rashes and microcracks. In this case, it is necessary to undergo an examination, and only after that the doctor will be able to understand which drugs cause this reaction.
The next group of causes is infectious diseases:
- trichomoniasis;
- candidiasis;
- bacteria (gonorrhea, Escherichia coli, ureoplasma, etc.);
- viral infections (papillomas, herpes, penile warts);
- skin cancer;
- psoriasis, dermatitis, lichen planus.
More often balanoposthitis develops against the background of phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin). This is due to the accumulation of smegma in the preputial sac, which is located under the foreskin. It is there that the remains of semen and urine are collected, and if hygiene rules are not followed, harmful microorganisms begin to multiply in this area. Often due to tumors and purulent diseases of the penis, cracks appear on the penis and foreskin.
Sometimes inflammation and cracks in the foreskin and directly on the head of the penis occur due to reduced immunity, this is due to STDs, diabetes, anemia, hypovitaminosis. There are frequent cases of infection through sexual contact. If the disease is not treated for a long time, then the microbes adapt to the immune defense, and the disease goes into a chronic stage.
Sometimes balanitis develops in young children, which is associated with a congenital anomaly of the foreskin (its tension). This causes difficulty in exposing the flesh in boys and leads to rupture of the senichial membranes, resulting in wounds.
Balanoposthitis can have acute and chronic forms. The acute stage is divided into erosive, simple, gangrenous and pustular-ulcerative balanoposthitis.
1. Erosive is characterized by the appearance of white areas of dead tissue, subsequently degenerating into painful erosion. After treatment, no trace remains.
2. Simple balanoposthitis is characterized by swelling, redness of the glans penis and foreskin with further formation of erosion.
3. With gangrenous balanoposthitis, purulent ulcers of various sizes and redness of the genitals are observed. These ulcers heal very slowly, the patient has a fever, chills, fatigue, weakness.
4. The chronic form is the most dangerous and difficult to cure. This form is characteristic of fungal and sexually transmitted diseases.
Symptoms
- pain, difficulty opening the head of the penis;
- severe itching, burning;
- hyperemia of the foreskin and penis;
- swelling;
- unpleasant odor when neglected;
- purulent discharge from the prepuce sac;
- sharp pain on contact and urination;
- premature ejaculation.
Symptoms can occur in different combinations or separately. In any case, if cracks are noticed on the foreskin or on the head of the penis, it is urgent to visit a urologist.