Erosive balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis, associated with erosions, which may be few in number or involve large areas of the glans. The etiology may be varied. It may be secondary to neglected balanitis of unknown etiology, or secondary to trauma, chronic urinary incontinence, damage by chemical agents, infections such as herpes (particularly in the immunosuppressed), gonorrhea, syphilis or other STDs.

Uncontrolled diabetes, as well as inflammatory diseases such as lichen planus, psoriasis, contact dermatitis or a fixed drug eruption, frequently precipitates a secondary candidal infection.

The condition may be seen at any age. It seems more frequent in low socioeconomic patients.

The patient presents with a red, irritated glans penis, usually with red erosions of various sizes and number, which are moist and tender. Before the erosions appear, there usually is redness and irritation of the glans. Generally, systemic symptoms are absent unless the condition is caused by an infection such as syphilis.