Nonspecific balanitis - Anogenital in
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Synopsis

Balanitis, or inflammation of the glans penis, can be triggered by a number of different infections and factors. The term "nonspecific balanitis" refers to those cases where an exact etiology for this penile inflammation cannot be found (a common occurrence). Patients may experience a burning sensation, itching, pain, or tenderness. Periurethral involvement may have associated pain with urination. Balanoposthitis refers to inflammation of both the glans and of the foreskin in uncircumcised males.
Balanitis is common, affecting 11% of men presenting to urology clinics. Uncircumcised men with poor personal hygiene are most often affected.
Common infectious triggers include Candida, Gardnerella vaginalis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Streptococcus. Smegma retention, trauma from intercourse, spermicides, and deodorants are other triggers. In older males, diabetes mellitus may be a factor. Other common causes are fixed drug eruption, malignancy, and allergic contact dermatitis (eg, sensitization to an allergen within a condom). Complications include phimosis, fissuring, meatal stenosis, and involvement of the urethra requiring surgery.
Balanitis is common, affecting 11% of men presenting to urology clinics. Uncircumcised men with poor personal hygiene are most often affected.
Common infectious triggers include Candida, Gardnerella vaginalis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Streptococcus. Smegma retention, trauma from intercourse, spermicides, and deodorants are other triggers. In older males, diabetes mellitus may be a factor. Other common causes are fixed drug eruption, malignancy, and allergic contact dermatitis (eg, sensitization to an allergen within a condom). Complications include phimosis, fissuring, meatal stenosis, and involvement of the urethra requiring surgery.
Codes
ICD10CM:
N48.1 – Balanitis
SNOMEDCT:
44882003 – Balanitis
N48.1 – Balanitis
SNOMEDCT:
44882003 – Balanitis
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Candidiasis, scabies, or psoriasis if pustules are present
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Extramammary Paget disease
- Drug eruption (including fixed drug eruption, which may be erosive)
- Plasma cell balanitis
- Reactive arthritis (balanitis circinata)
- Contact dermatitis
- Lichen sclerosus
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhea
- Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.
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References
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Last Updated:10/03/2017

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Nonspecific balanitis - Anogenital in
See also in: Overview