How to check the symptoms of balanitis

Patient's question:

How to perform a thorough examination of balanitis?

Doctor's answer:

I. Careful Examination
Candidal balanitis can be identified by selecting samples from the inflamed glans or foreskin for microscopic examination or culture, where Candida can be found. Trichomoniasis balanitis can be identified by detecting Trichomonas in the discharge.
II. Direct Microscopy
For this type of balanitis, the examination involves scraping off scales from the affected areas of the glans, coronal sulcus, or foreskin to prepare the specimen. The specimen is then prepared with 10% potassium hydroxide or physiological saline and examined under a microscope, revealing clusters of oval-shaped spores and pseudohyphae. If a large number of pseudohyphae are found, it indicates that the Candida is in a disseminated stage.
III. Staining Examination
The examination of balanitis can also be performed using Gram staining, Congo red staining, or PAS staining, followed by microscopic observation.