Patient's question:
I have had balanoposthitis for a while, with recurring episodes. Now, the itching has increased, and there are noticeable white, scaly-like substances in the grooves of the inner foreskin and glans, which can be wiped off. What kind of infection does this indicate? What are the causes of balanoposthitis?Doctor's answer:
Often due to excessive foreskin, smegma, when local hygiene is not paid attention to, accumulates in the foreskin and bacterial infections occur, leading to the onset of the disease. In the early stages of the illness, mild cases may only present with redness of the glans and inner foreskin, accompanied by itching. Severe cases may involve recurrent pain and tenderness; in later stages, superficial ulcers may develop in the foreskin, with yellow or cottage cheese-like discharge, often accompanied by a foul odor. Significant local redness and swelling can affect urination and cause dysuria. For any disease, early detection, early prevention, and early treatment are fundamental to safeguarding health. Severe cases must be treated at a professional urological hospital.