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Balanoposthitis in children: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment

Authors
Matthew Tews, DO
Jonathan I Singer, MD
Section Editors
Gary R Fleisher, MD
Laurence S Baskin, MD, FAAP
Deputy Editor
James F Wiley, II, MD, MPH

INTRODUCTION

This topic will address the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of balanoposthitis in children. Epidemiology and pathogenesis of this condition and normal development of the uncircumcised penis are discussed separately. (See "Balanoposthitis in children: Epidemiology and pathogenesis" and "Care of the uncircumcised penis".)

DEFINITION

Balanoposthitis describes inflammation of the glans penis and the foreskin (prepuce) in uncircumcised males (picture 1 and picture 2).

CLINICAL FEATURES

History — Common symptoms in patients with balanoposthitis include genital itching, genital irritation and pain, penile discharge, groin rash, and dysuria [1-3]. In infants, penile inflammation may be the cause of excessive crying.

In addition to the above, uncircumcised prepubertal boys with balanoposthitis may demonstrate relative phimosis, that is, inability to retract the foreskin to the extent possible prior to the illness.

The patient or parents may note scarring or changed appearance when balanoposthitis is longstanding.

                      

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Literature review current through: Jun 2017. | This topic last updated: Oct 01, 2015.
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