In uncircumcised and uncircumcised boys, only the inflammation of the glans penis is called “balanitis” and is often associated with diaper rash. It heals quickly with local care and topical creams. Inflammation of the foreskin (prepisium) in uncircumcised children is called “postitis”, and the condition where both are seen together is called “balanoposthitis”. The underlying causes are varied, but generally occur as a complication (irritant nonspecific balanoposthitis) due to poor hygiene and secondary infections.
Underlying causes in the history should definitely be investigated:
Circumcision: Circumcised boys are less likely to get this disease.
Hygiene: Poor genital hygiene is closely associated with nonspecific balanoposthitis.
Irritants: Excessive cleansing of the genital area with soap and shampoo, especially in children with atopic dermatitis.
Presence of urethral discharge: Balanitis and balanoposthitis must be differentiated from sexual diseases, systemic diseases and precancerous lesions. Although these diseases are seen in older children and adults, every possibility should be considered.
The most common complaints are pain, itching and irritation in the genital area, discharge from the penis, red rashes in the groin area and painful urination. In small babies, swelling in the penis can be manifested by excessive crying. In addition, boys with uncircumcised balanoposthitis have been found to have a degree of phimosis to prevent complete peeling of the penile skin. When balanoposthitis progresses, patients and families find that the foreskin scars and its appearance changes.
With general treatment, the majority of patients recover uneventfully. However, in some patients, it may be necessary to give local or oral antibiotics. A pediatric surgeon or pediatric urologist should examine the patient in case of sudden onset of urinary incontinence, prolonged, refractory and recurrent disease and pathological phimosis.
