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Balanitis - Management
How should I assess a child with balanitis to identify the cause?
- For a list of causes of balanitis in children, see Causes in children.
- Ask about:
- Hygiene practices (for example, how often is the nappy changed or penis cleaned?) — lack of hygiene predisposes to non-specific dermatitis.
- Exposure to irritants — such as bubble bath, detergents, or creams.
- Trauma — from 'foreskin fiddling'.
- Other skin conditions (such as eczema).
- Look for clinical features and skin conditions which may suggest a specific underlying cause.
- Take a sub-preputial swab if balanitis is:
- Severe (suggesting a secondary infection).
- Mild, but persists despite treatment.
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