A common condition in little boys, balanitis can leave parents destitute, not knowing exactly what to do: go to the emergency room, wait? Professor Jean Bréaud, head of the pediatric surgery department of the pediatric hospitals of Nice CHU – Lenval takes stock.
What is it about?
“Balanitis is an inflammation of the inside of the foreskin.” This is explained very simply. “At birth, the boy naturally presents a phimosis, that is to say that the skin completely covers the glans. Before that, balanitis is common because the inside of the foreskin can become inflamed.”
How does this manifest?
“The penis appears swollen and red, the child complains when he pees. There may also be a whitish discharge. Be careful, these are not pus but physiological deposits“, warns the surgeon.
While the chart may be a little confusing, parents needn’t worry, it doesn’t require going to the Emergency Room. First tip: “Above all, you shouldn’t try to recap or pull on the skin. Just make a doll with Dakin, which you leave for 2 to 3 minutes and renew 2 to 3 times a day.”
The doctor warns: “we can give analgesics if the child complains of pain but above all no antibiotics, it’s useless”.
Of course, if the parents are worried, they can consult their pediatrician or general practitioner. “However, there is a scenario where you have to go to the emergency room: it is if the child has been decapped and we cannot recap it. It is imperative that the boy be seen as soon as possible because there is a risk of necrosis of the glans.” A fortunately rare situation.
By following these tips, balanitis disappears in a few days.
hygiene precautions
Regarding the precautions to take, you must obviously always be attentive to hygiene and clean the penis with clear water and soap-free products. “In summer, there are a few more cases of balanitis when children bathe in the sea and stay in their wet swimsuits. It is therefore best to rinse them well when you get out of the bath and put them back on. a dry and clean jersey.
Growing up, the balanitis will become much more exceptional since it disappears when the glans is completely decapped and there are no more adhesions. Last doctor’s advice that applies all the time: “Above all, do not pull on the skin at the risk of traumatizing the preputial ring. The child, when he is in his bath or in the toilet, will naturally touch his penis and gradually open it up. That is enough.” If, however, the phimosis persists (after 7 or 8 years), then it is advisable to consult: a doctor may prescribe local corticosteroids as first-line treatment.