Balanitis in Babies

Balanitis in babies is the inflammation of the glans, that is, the head of the penis, which can also extend to the shaft affecting the foreskin. This inflammation is due to several factors such as the Candida fungus, which is the most common, bacteria, allergens and viruses. It is estimated that at least 35% of cases are due to the presence of Candida, followed by the bacteria Streptococcus and Staphylococcus.

Although balanitis is more common in children, it is not a disease exclusive to men. Women can also be affected to a lesser extent; in this case, it affects the clitoris. This condition can be classified into three types: chronic when it lasts more than two weeks, acute when it lasts less than 2 weeks, and recurrent. It is estimated that the most frequent age in babies and children in which this disease occurs is between 2 and 5 years.

All about balanitis in babies

Symptoms and Causes of Balanitis

The main symptoms include redness of the penis, a lot of pain and discomfort when urinating. In the case of babies, who cannot yet speak and say what hurts them, you should pay attention to their behavior; for example, a baby who frequently puts his hand on his diaper as if he wants to scratch himself. It is also important that parents or caregivers notice the state of the genital area when changing the diaper; they should not only be aware of possible diaper rash .

One of the main causes of balanitis in babies is superinfection due to the accumulation of secretions under the foreskin. When the foreskin cannot be retracted, the area cannot be cleaned properly, causing drops of urine to accumulate between the glans and the foreskin. It is precisely these adhesions in the foreskin that cause infection and consequently inflammation.

Although the above is the most common cause, it is not the only one. When the infection is caused by the Candida fungus, it is common for the baby or child to take antibiotics or have problems with their immune system.

In other cases, the use of very irritating soaps or disinfectant baths not suitable for baby’s skin can also cause balanitis. This disease can also appear in diabetic children and when blood sugar is not properly controlled.

Prevention

Proper hygiene is the best way to prevent balanitis in babies. Both the foreskin and the head of the penis should always be kept clean and dry. A good habit is to change the diaper frequently, even if it only contains urine. Humid environments are ideal for the proliferation of bacteria.

It is also important to teach children to have good hygiene habits in their genital area; for example, when they are older and go to the bathroom alone, they should learn to retract their foreskin well to avoid leaving any drops.

And, although it is not necessary to dry the foreskin with toilet paper, if you do, it is recommended to check carefully to make sure that there is no paper residue left behind, as this can also cause an infection. Bath time is also important to prevent this type of disease. Children should learn to gently retract their foreskin and wash it thoroughly with water.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Balanitis

A physical exam is the first step in determining whether a baby has balanitis. The pediatrician may take a sample from the head of the penis and send it to a lab to determine the cause of the superinfection, whether it is a bacterial, viral or fungal infection.

As for treatment, it is best to receive advice from a pediatrician, but it should basically be based on proper and thorough hygiene of the baby’s penis. In most cases, treatment is outpatient and results in rapid improvement. What is true is that the cleaning process can be very uncomfortable and painful for the baby.

Depending on the type of balanitis, treatment is recommended. When there is a bacterial infection, topical treatment with an antibacterial cream is recommended, and depending on the severity, antibiotics may be used. When there is no infection, a cortisone cream is usually recommended. In cases where balanitis in babies or children is very common or the foreskin is very closed, surgery is recommended.