BALANOPOSTHITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Balanoposthitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the glans penis (head of the penis) and the foreskin (prepuce). It primarily affects uncircumcised males, although circumcised individuals can also develop this condition if there is excessive foreskin remaining.
The inflammation in balanoposthitis is usually caused by poor hygiene and the buildup of smegma, a substance consisting of dead skin cells, oils, and other bodily fluids that can accumulate under the foreskin. This environment can provide a favorable breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms, leading to infection and subsequent inflammation.
Symptoms of balanoposthitis may include redness, swelling, pain, itching, and a discharge from the penis. In severe cases, there may be difficulty retracting the foreskin, leading to phimosis. Patients with balanoposthitis are also prone to recurrent urinary tract infections.
Treatment for balanoposthitis typically involves improving personal hygiene practices, including regular washing of the genital area, and cleaning the glans and foreskin thoroughly. Topical antifungal or antibiotic medications may be prescribed to treat the infection and reduce inflammation. In severe cases, circumcision may be recommended to prevent recurrent episodes.
If left untreated, balanoposthitis can lead to complications such as scarring, skin adhesions, and even penile cancer in rare cases. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention if any symptoms of balanoposthitis arise.
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Inflammation of the glans penis and overlying prepuce.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BALANOPOSTHITIS
- valanoposthitis
- nalanoposthitis
- halanoposthitis
- galanoposthitis
- bzlanoposthitis
- bslanoposthitis
- bwlanoposthitis
- bqlanoposthitis
- bakanoposthitis
- bapanoposthitis
- baoanoposthitis
- balznoposthitis
- balsnoposthitis
- balwnoposthitis
- balqnoposthitis
- balaboposthitis
- balamoposthitis
- balajoposthitis
- balahoposthitis
Etymology of BALANOPOSTHITIS
The word "balanoposthitis" comes from Greek roots. "Balano-" derives from the Greek word "balanós" (βαλανός), meaning "acorn", which refers to the glans penis. "Posthi-" is derived from the Greek "posthē" (πόσθη), meaning "foreskin" or "prepuce". Lastly, "-itis" is a suffix commonly used in medical terminology to indicate inflammation. Therefore, "balanoposthitis" refers to the inflammation of the glans penis and the foreskin.
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