Patient's question:
Hello! I noticed patches on my glans with different colors, and there's a ring of white substance around the edge of my glans that can't be washed off. Is this condition caused by balanitis? If it is balanitis, could you please explain how to diagnose it?Doctor's answer:
The main causes of balanoposthitis include infectious and non-infectious factors. Infectious factors are often caused by pathogens such as Candida albicans, mycoplasma, chlamydia, and trichomonas. Non-infectious factors are due to having an overly long foreskin, long-term inadequate hygiene leading to the accumulation of smegma, which irritates the mucosa and causes inflammation. This is also a primary cause of balanoposthitis. It is recommended to seek medical treatment to identify the underlying cause of the infection and receive targeted medication to alleviate the pain and inconvenience caused by the disease. For those with an overly long foreskin, it is advisable to undergo circumcision to remove the factors contributing to the disease and improve quality of life.