Patient's question:
Hello! I've noticed patches on my glans with different colors, and there's a ring of white substance around the edge of the glans that can't be washed off. Is this a sign of balanitis? If it is balanitis, could you please tell me how to treat the redness and swelling?Doctor's answer:
Erythema and swelling of the glans are the most common symptoms of balanoposthitis. The infection that causes this condition can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Among the fungi, the most common cause is Candida albicans. In addition to redness and swelling of the foreskin or glans, small, irregular, and disordered white patches may sometimes be observed covering the surface of the glans. Balanoposthitis caused by vaginal trichomoniasis (a parasite) is typically characterized by ulcers. There is also a type of disordered balanoposthitis caused by bacterial infection, which is more common in patients with phimosis. This usually involves foul-smelling discharge, and the surface of the glans may show many small, round, and superficial disordered areas. Regardless of the cause of glans redness and swelling, attention should be paid to local hygiene and the prevention of various irritations.