Irritant Poor hygiene, retained soap, detergent, retained smegma or inadequate drying may cause an irritant dermatitis. Contact dermatitis affects the shaft rather than the glans, except when medicament or contraceptives are involved. Traumatic Frictional trauma and accidental wounds cause fissures, erosions or localised area of erythema and oedema. Postcoital frenal erosions are not uncommon. The underlying cause should be treated if possible.
Specific remedies are available for candidal balanitis.
Both partners should be treated concurrently. There is now large variety of effective anticandidal agents of the polyene or azole group. Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and fluconazole are the oral alternatives for severe cases. Cure rate is about 90 percent. Anaerobic balanitis responds to metronidazole rapidly.