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Balanitis is the inflammation of the glans of the penis, commonly affecting uncircumcised males. It often leads to swelling, pain, and irritation in the affected area, accompanied by redness, discoloration, and sometimes a shiny, swollen appearance of the skin due to infection. This condition is typically caused by yeast and bacteria, with improper hygiene being a significant contributing factor. About 10% of uncircumcised male children are affected by balanitis, which can also manifest as balanoposthitis, involving swelling of the foreskin.

Various factors contribute to balanitis, including yeast infections, STDs, allergies to latex condoms or certain medications, parasitic infections, and medical conditions like diabetes and arthritis. Injury to the foreskin can also trigger it. Balanitis can be categorized into different types, such as Zoon's balanitis, circinate balanitis, and pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic balanitis, each with specific characteristics and causes.

Symptoms of balanitis include pain, irritation, discolored patches, itching under the foreskin, swelling, redness, shiny or white skin patches, white discharge, foul odor, and pain while urinating. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve antifungal or antibiotic creams, thorough cleaning, diabetes management, circumcision in severe cases, and occasionally, steroidal creams.