Patient's question:
I have balanitis, and the doctor at the hospital said it might be a fungal bacterial infection after testing. A few weeks ago, I used a topical cream containing triamcinolone acetonide and econazole, which initially helped, but the condition returned (without using any wash solution). Now, when I use it again, it's not effective—it seems I've developed resistance. What are the basic clinical manifestations of balanitis?Doctor's answer:
① The glans is affected by thickened, hyperkeratotic tissue with a mica-like crust, losing its normal elasticity and gradually expanding over time. Histopathology reveals hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and pseudoepitheliomatous fibrosis with shortened epidermal ridges.② Among the opportunistic pathogens that cause balanoposthitis, fungi, Trichomonas vaginalis, or certain anaerobic bacteria are most commonly encountered. For patients with balanoposthitis, the source of these pathogens is typically exogenous, meaning they are transmitted from a sexual partner to the male, and the disease manifests under suitable physiological conditions.