Balanitis involving the foreskin or prepuce is termed balanoposthitis. The most common complication of balanitis is phimosis or inability to retract the foreskin from the glans penis. Uncircumcised men with poor personal hygiene are most affected by balanitis. Lack of aeration and irritation by smegma and discharge surrounding the glans penis causes inflammation and edema. There is no mortality associated with balanitis.
Morbidity is associated with the complications of phimosis.
If the glans penis is adherent to the foreskin, the procedure may be contraindicated. Perform a dorsal slit incision by cutting the foreskin over the dorsal shaft of the penis to enlarge the foreskin opening. This procedure requires local anesthesia and, possibly, sedation. Retract the foreskin daily and soak in warm water to clean penis and foreskin. Apply topical clotrimazole for adult men with probable candidal balanitis.