Zoon Balanitis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

What Are The Possible Complications Of Zoon Balanitis?

Zoon balanitis is a medical condition that advances intermittently. Therefore, it does not have the power to hinder any physiological function. But, prolonged zoon balanitis can have severe risks and complications if left untreated and can result in chronic inflammation and other complications, like:

1. Phimosis: Phimosis is a urological condition defined as the inability to retract the skin (foreskin) that covers the head of the penis. Phimosis may emerge as a tight ring of the foreskin, which circles the tip of the penis that prevents full retraction.
2. Paraphimosis: Paraphimosis is a urologic emergency that happens in uncircumcised males when the foreskin gets trapped behind the corona of the glans penis. It can lead to strangulation of the glans, distal venous engorgement, and even necrosis.
3. Ulcerative lesions: Zoon balanitis can also lead to painful sores that bleed and ultimately cause scarring.
4. Scar tissue: Prolonged zoon balanitis can lead to scarring around the tip of the penis and make the foreskin difficult to retract.
5. Risk of transformation into malignancy: Malignancy is a term for diseases where abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Malignant cells can also spread to other body parts through the lymph systems and blood. Central nervous system cancers are malignancies that begin in the spinal cord and brain tissues.

Risks Involved In Zoon Balanitis Surgery

Circumcision is the surgical procedure to treat zoon balanitis. The possibility of risks and complications of circumcision is relatively low. However, it does not mean it can’t cause complications. Therefore, listed below are some of the risks and complications linked with circumcision surgery that you should be aware of:

• Bleeding: Some patients can experience bleeding from the incision after the surgery. It is recommended to consult a doctor immediately if it does not subside independently.
• Infection: The incision risks getting infected, which may extend the recovery period of zoon balanitis.
• Foreskin issues:  In some cases, complications with the foreskin might occur after zoon balanitis surgery. The surgeon can leave the foreskin too short or too long, which can lead to other medical problems such as paraphimosis or foreskin infection.
• Necrosis of the Penis- Necrosis is a rare complication. Still, it has been reported as a complication of circumcision to treat zoon balanitis.
• Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO)- BXO happens when the skin on the glans hardens and turns white. The hard tissue can make it difficult for urine and semen to flow through the urethra. Another name for BXO is lichen sclerosus.

Postoperative Care After Zoon Balanitis Surgery

Postoperative care is important after circumcision surgery for zoon balanitis. After the surgery, your urologist will give you tips on preventing complications after surgery, and encourage recovery. Listed below are some post-surgery care tips that you must follow:

• You might experience pain after circumcision. However, it should not be a huge cause for concern. Your urologist will prescribe medicines for pain management. Make sure you take all the medicines as advised by the doctor.
• Only wear loose-fitting clothes after the surgery. Doing this will reduce the risk of pain and swelling in the operated area. In addition, wear supportive underwear that would keep the penis protected.
• Do not overexert yourself, and avoid heavy activities for some weeks after the surgery.
• Do not shower before your bandage is removed. Also, be very careful while cleaning the incision area. Always pat dry the skin carefully.
• Avoid harsh soaps, or lotions that can irritate the skin.
• Avoid having sex for at least 4 weeks after the surgery.

When To Seek Medical Attention For Zoon Balanitis?

 It is always better to seek medical attention from a professional as soon as you experience symptoms of zoon balanitis. Your doctor will evaluate the root cause of the problem and then suggest suitable treatment options to treat zoon balanitis. If your medical condition does not improve using ointments or steroid creams, and even after prolonged treatment, the problem persists, your doctor may suggest circumcision.