Patient's question:
I recently noticed that I have inflammation of the glans, and it also hurts and itches. The doctor said it seems like I have balanitis. I would like to ask how balanitis is diagnosed?Doctor's answer:
How to diagnose balanitis indeed requires careful attention. Balanitis refers to the inflammation of the inner foreskin and glans penis. Normal foreskin cavity secretes a type of lipid substance. When the foreskin is too long or phimosis occurs, this substance can accumulate as smegma, irritating the foreskin and glans penis, leading to balanitis. Fungal culture or examination of foreskin samples can detect Candida. Trichomoniasis balanitis requires metronidazole for treatment. For Candida-induced balanitis, itraconazole or griseofulvin is commonly used. Trichomoniasis balanitis can be identified by detecting Trichomonas in secretions. Candida antibody testing using immunodiffusion or latex agglutination methods can detect antibodies to Candida. For acute superficial balanitis and annular purulent balanitis, erythromycin and tetracycline are essential for treatment.