Body & health

Balanitis

Alsobalanoposthitisinflamed glans

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

Inflammation of the head of the penis, which becomes swollen, sore or itchy. It is common, usually not serious, and treatable.

At a glance

  • Inflammation of the head of the penis.
  • More common in people with a foreskin.
  • Causes include irritation, skin conditions and infections such as thrush.
  • Usually not serious, but worth getting checked.
  • A GP or sexual health clinic can diagnose and treat it.

In detail

Balanitis can affect people of any age who have a penis, and is more common in those with a foreskin. Causes include irritation from soaps or other products, skin conditions, thrush and other infections, and sometimes conditions such as diabetes. Symptoms can include redness, soreness, discharge from under the foreskin and pain when peeing.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include creams or medicines prescribed by a clinician. A GP or sexual health clinic can examine the area and check for infections, including STIs.

In a sentence

  • The leaflet at the clinic explained that balanitis is common and treatable.
  • My GP said the redness was balanitis and suggested I stop using scented shower gel.

Common questions

Is balanitis an STI?

Not in itself. It has many causes, including irritation and thrush, but some STIs can cause similar symptoms, so a clinic may test for them.

Who should I see about balanitis?

A GP or a sexual health clinic can look at the area, find the cause and suggest treatment. Get checked if symptoms are new or do not improve.

Related terms

Sources

  1. NHSBalanitis