Balanitis (balanoposthitis) is swelling of the head of the penis. The foreskin (the loose flap of skin that covers the head of the penis) is also often affected.
Balanitis is a common condition affecting both boys and men, although it happens more often in men who have not been circumcised.
Symptoms of balanitis include swelling, redness and soreness of the end of the penis. There might also be a thick discharge under the foreskin.
Read more about the symptoms of balanitis.
Balanitis is not normally serious and can usually be prevented with good hygiene.
Read more about preventing balanitis.
When to see your GP
Visit your GP or local sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic if you have any of the symptoms of balanitis. While balanitis is not usually serious, it can be a sign of another condition, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or thrush (a type of yeast infection).
Also visit your GP if your son develops balanitis. They may need prescription-only medication, such as antibiotics.
Who is affected?
Balanitis can happen at any age. An estimated one in 20 boys under five years old are affected by balanitis. One in 10 men who attend a sexual health or genito-urinary (GUM) clinic have balanitis.
Skin irritation is the most common cause of balanitis in boys. It is usually related to poor hygiene, such as not getting rid of excess urine from the end of the penis after urinating.
In men, balanitis can be caused by:
- skin irritation due to substances such as perfumed soaps or shower gels
- an allergic reaction to chemicals used in products such as soaps or detergents
- skin conditions, such as psoriasis
- sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea, genital herpes and syphilis
- persistent dribbling of urine following urination
Read more about the causes of balanitis.
Treating balanitis
Most cases of balanitis are easily managed with a combination of creams or ointments, good hygiene and avoiding substances that irritate the penis.
In rare cases of balanitis that keep coming back, circumcision (surgical removal of the foreskin) may be recommended. For example, in cases where the foreskin can’t be pulled back (phimosis) to be cleaned or there is persistent dribbling of urine following urination.
Read more about treatment for balanitis.
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