J. Raju1, B. G. Prakash2
INTRODUCTION: The inflammation of the non-keratinized epithelium of the glans penis (i.e., Balanities) and that of prepuce (i.e., posthitis) together comprise the term Balanoposthitis.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the aetiological and predisposing factors for the development of Balanoposthitis, and to know its relation with venereal and nonvenereal disease, local and systemic precipitating factors. To know the prevalence of Balanoposthitis in STD clinic. Study design-retrospective study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study material consists of 75 cases of balanoposthitis attending out-patient department Skin & STD clinic during a period extending from Feb, 1998 to Feb, 1999
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF A CASE: Only those cases which have a history of redness of glans or mucous surface of prepuce, with or without genital discharge or ulcer on glans or mucosal surface of prepuce with or without discharge or growth on the penis or fissuring of fore skin were selected for the study.
RESULTS: Incidence of balanoposthitis during the period from Feb. 98 to Feb.99 was – 11.53%, out of 650 new STD cases. It was observed that maximum number of patients was in the 21-30 age group (33.34%). The next predominant groups affected were 17-20 & 31- 40 age group (20% each). The third most common age group affected was 41-50 (16%). In this study 69 patients (92%) who presented with balanoposthitis of whatever cause were found to be uncircumcised, only 6 cases (8%) were found to be circumcised. Most cases who presented with balanoposthitis gave a history of exposure to STD risk.
CONCLUSIONS: Balanoposthitis is very commonly encountered condition in the STD clinics with a multi factorial aetiology. Infective causes dominated over the other possible causes, and 30% of the candidial infection had diabetes mellitus as a predisposing factor.
