Balanitis is a term general term used to describe any inflammation of the skin covering the head (glands) of the penis. There are many possible causes for Balanitis. The earlier you treat any form of Balanitis the better and more effectively it will go away.

As the term Balanitis is used to describe a variety of different conditions the causes vary widely. The following list is a good guide but as always you should consult a doctor if you notice anything unusual.

· Irritants -neglected hygiene and tight foreskin (particularly in young boys) lead to irritation by smegma (a substance secreted under the foreskin).

· Seborrhoeic dermatitis - an inflammatory rash of uncertain cause that is commonly seen on the scalp, behind the ears and in the skin folds.

· Thrush (candida) - An infection that is probably over-diagnosed by doctors and patients.

· Contact allergy – An allergy caused by latex and additives used in rubber manufacture (eg condoms) and constituents of skincare products (used by the patient or partner).

· Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO, also termed lichen sclerosis) - this condition primarily affects the foreskin, leading to loss of skin colouration, scarring and tightness of the foreskin, and phimosis (inability to pull the foreskin back behind the glans), which may require circumcision. Involvement of the opening of the urethra (urine tube) can lead to irritation and burning. Surgery might be needed to prevent a stricture (narrowing) in the urethra. Steroid creams may help the irritation but patients require long-term follow-up to prevent recurrence.

· Balanitis circinata - a skin manifestation of Reiter's syndrome, in which the patient also has arthritis (often of the knees), urethritis (inflammation of the urine tube in the penis) and conjunctivitis (red eyes).

· Generalised skin conditions - these can also affect the penis, including: lichen planus, psoriasis, erythema multiforme, erythema fixum (particularly caused by tetracycline antibiotics), erythroplasia of Queyrat (a rare, pre-cancerous skin condition).