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Balanitis - Management
Clinical features of underlying causes
- Non-specific dermatitis — redness of the glans penis which often extends onto the skin of the shaft of the penis.
- Contact balanitis — redness of the glans penis with localized swelling. This is most commonly irritant contact dermatitis; allergic contact dermatitis is unusual in children.
- Candidal balanitis — redness on the undersurface of the glans penis, with sparing around the urethral meatus. Small, eroded papules may be present with a white cheese-like matter, that can be rubbed off easily.
- Bacterial infection (for example group A beta-haemolytic streptococci or Staphylococcus aureus) — penile redness and pain, often accompanied by a purulent exudate. Systemic symptoms, such as fever, may also occur.
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