ABSTRACT
The red glans penis is a common clinical problem, especially in uncircumcised men. The term balanitis is used to describe inflammation of the glans penis whilst balanoposthitis refers to inflammation of both the glans and the foreskin. Patients with balanitis may complain of penile discharge, dysuria, soreness and inability to retract the foreskin. Zoon's balanitis occurs mainly in middle-aged and older men. It is almost exclusively a disease of uncircumcised men. Many patients may be unaware of symptoms. Staining of underclothes with blood and discharge may be an incidental finding. Diagnosis may be confused with other forms of balanitis, such as fixed drug eruptions, erosive lichen planus, psoriasis, seborrhoeic eczema and pre-malignant lesions such as Erythroplasia of Queryat. Zoon's balanitis may be very resistant to treatment. Topical agents are standard first-line therapy. Corticosteroids, antibacterial agents and antifungal agents have all been used with some success. Lichen planus is a common inflammatory dermatosis of unknown aetiology.
