Balanitis
Balanitis is inflammation of the glans of the penis under the foreskin. In childhood it is usually a complication of a non-retractile foreskin, and the cause is infection by the germ staphylococcus aureus. This produces pain and swelling of the foreskin, with a discharge, and usually requires antibiotics. Recurrent attacks may be prevented by ensuring that the foreskin and glans are clean. The foreskin should be retractile - which means able to be pulled back over the glans - by the time the boy is three. If it’s not it might be gently encouraged at bath time. Recurrent attacks of balanitis in a non-retractile foreskin may predispose to the condition balanitis xerotica obliterans in adulthood, which may be an indication for circumcision.
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