Every man falls prey to an itchy member at one time or another, inevitably finding themselves caught while scratching away when they thought they were in a private situation. Often that itchy member is caused by some male organ health condition, hopefully one that is fairly minor and basically benign. In that category is plasma cell balanitis, a manhood issue often accompanied by some degree of itchiness.

Plasma cell balanitis

Also known as Zoon balanitis (after the man who described it in the medical literature in 1952), plasma cell balanitis is usually considered as distinct from “regular” balanitis. The latter is an inflammation of the manhood, usually spread out over much of the prepuce of the male organ. Plasma cell balanitis differs in that it almost always presents in a much more localized form; rather than being spread out, it appears as a smaller, more concentrated area, looking like one plaque or rash. Sometimes the red plaque may also have smaller pin-sized dots of a different shade.

Plasma cell balanitis is much more common in men who are intact than in men who are cut. Although it can occur at any age, it is almost always found in middle-aged or older men. (A female variant can occur in women.)

Cause unclear

Although it was first described in 1952, not a lot is known about this condition. The cause, for example, is not well-defined. The fact that it often occurs in intact men suggests some connection with the precupe, and indeed one of the primary accepted causes has to do with irritation to the area caused by secretions building up. (Urine sneaking under the prepuce and drying may also be partially to blame.) As the skin rubs back and forth, this creates an inflammatory irritation.

This would imply that the disorder occurs only in intact men who do not practice adequate male organ hygiene. However, it has been noted in some intact men with superior hygiene, as well as in a much smaller number of cut men. In such cases, friction, heat or some form of external irritating factor may be to blame. Some doctors theorize that bacterial infection, or possibly even HPV, could be causes as well.

Benign

Although many men mistake plasma cell balanitis for a social disease, it is in fact a benign condition that is not sensually transmitted. It may cause a red, itchy member – and may in some cases be accompanied by some minor pain – but it is essentially harmless.

Treatment

In some cases, initiating and maintaining proper manhood hygiene may result in the disappearance of the balanitis. Topical steroids are often recommended, as are topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs). Photodynamic therapy (using tablets which are then exposed to special lights) has been used by some doctors. In many cases, circumcision may be recommended.

With treatment, most cases resolve within 4-8 weeks, although an individual may find that the period is longer or shorter.

Plasma cell balanitis is considered a rare dermatological issue, but its exact rate is unknown; many doctors believe it is significantly underreported and that there may be more cases than is generally thought.

When plasma cell balanitis creates an itchy member situation, a man will want to take steps to help alleviate the itchiness. One way to help treat an itchy member is to regularly use a first class male organ health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Member skin that is well hydrated is less likely to itch, so select a crème with both a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E). Skin will be further strengthened if the crème contains a potent antioxidant, such as alpha lipoic acid, to fight the free radicals that can contribute to harmful oxidative stress.

Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common member health issues, tips on improving manhood sensitivity and what to do to maintain a healthy male organ. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous websites.