Balanoposthitis (Child)

The tip or head of the penis is known as the glans penis. In uncircumcised boys and men, the foreskin covers and protects the glans. Sometimes both the glans and foreskin can become inflamed or infected. This condition is called balanoposthitis.

Balanoposthitis may be caused by bacteria, fungus, or yeast. It may also be caused by chemicals or medicines. Cleaning the penis too much or too little can cause balanoposthitis. Babies can develop balanoposthitis when they have diaper rash.

Symptoms of balanoposthitis include pain, redness, and swelling. Fluid may leak from the glans and have a foul odor. The area may itch. In severe cases, it may be hard to urinate. Balanoposthitis caused by bacteria causes the skin to be bright red. Yeast can cause white spots, as well as fluid leaking.

The condition is treated first by cleaning the area. It may be soaked in warm water to reduce symptoms. Your child’s healthcare provider will prescribe medicine to treat an infection. This may be an antibiotic or antifungal medicine. Low dose steroids may be beneficial. Hydrocortisone cream may be used to reduce inflammation. Children who are not able to urinate may need a urinary catheter. This is a thin, flexible tube put into the opening of the penis.

Symptoms usually go away 3 to 5 days after treatment is started. If the problem keeps coming back, your child may need to have his foreskin removed. This is called circumcision. Your child’s healthcare provider will tell you more about this procedure if it’s needed.

Home care

Follow these guidelines when caring for your child at home:

• Your child’s healthcare provider may prescribe medicines to treat the infection and swelling. Follow all instructions when giving these to your child. Be certain to give all of the medicine as prescribed, even if your child feels better or the symptoms disappear.

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after caring for your child’s penis. This is to prevent the spread of infection. Teach your child to wash his hands before and after touching his penis.

• Have your child soak in a bathtub with clean, warm water and a teaspoon of salt. The water should be deep enough to cover the penis. This will help reduce inflammation. Repeat the soak 2 to 3 times a day, or as advised by your child’s healthcare provider.

• In babies and young children, clean the area daily or as needed. If there is foreskin, gently pull it back from the glans. The foreskin will pull back (retract) only slightly, so don’t force it. Rinse the area with clean water. Use a cotton swab to gently clean any drainage. Don’t use soap, bubble bath oils, or talc powder. They may cause irritation.

• Teach your child how to clean the area daily.

• If your child has a foreskin, gently retract it regularly when your child is young. Have older children gently retract their foreskin regularly, even after the infection is cleared. The foreskin will be fully retractable by 10 years of age. If the foreskin gets trapped in a retracted position, seek medical care right away.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your child’s healthcare provider, or as advised.

Special note to parents

If you have any questions or concerns about how to care for your child’s penis, talk with the healthcare provider.

When to seek medical advice

Unless your child's healthcare provider advises otherwise, call the provider right away if:

• Your child has a fever (see Fever and children, below).

• The foreskin becomes trapped in a retracted position.

• Your child has trouble urinating.

• You see signs of infection, such as warmth, redness, swelling, or foul-smelling fluid leaking from the penis.