Dermatoses of the glans penis and prepuce

Cutaneous Fungal Infections in Older Adults

The population of older adults continues to increase in the United States, leading to a concomitant increase in cutaneous disease. Fungal disease, specifically, commonly affects this population but often goes undiagnosed for too long. It is therefore important that providers be aware of common fungal pathogens, recognizable symptoms of disease, and treatment options. This article discusses 3 groups of pathogens: dermatophytes, Candida species, and Pityrosporum species, all of which cause a host of conditions that can be debilitating for older adults.

Decline in Frequency of Newborn Male Circumcision After Change in Medicaid Coverage Status in Selected States in the United States

OBJECTIVES

Male circumcision is linked to a reduction in the risk of HIV infection, sexually transmitted infections, penile inflammatory skin disorders, cancers, urinary tract infections, and other complications. We examined the extent to which the change in circumcision recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1999 and Medicaid coverage status in states affected the total number of procedures performed.

METHODS

We used data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 1998-2011 collected annually by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. We examined data on all male births in the United States with Medicaid and private health insurance. We then categorized births into 4 groups: (1) births with newborn male circumcision procedure, (2) births with Medicaid or private health insurance, (3) births that occurred in states where Medicaid coverage for newborn male circumcision was removed, and (4) births that occurred before or after the policy change. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate the adjusted odds of newborn male circumcision.

RESULTS

In the 10 states where a change in Medicaid policy occurred, circumcision frequency had a mean percentage-point decrease of 21.4% among Medicaid beneficiaries and 3.2% among private health insurance beneficiaries from before to after the policy change. In states where coverage was maintained, the change in circumcision frequency was negligible for Medicaid and private health insurance beneficiaries. These changes resulted in an estimated 163 456 potential circumcisions not performed.

CONCLUSION

Decreases in newborn male circumcision frequency correlated with the Medicaid policy change for the procedure. Efforts should be made to reduce barriers for cost-effective preventive procedures that promote health, such as newborn male circumcision.

Itch in Organs Beyond the Skin

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review was to explore mechanisms, causes, and therapies of itchy conditions involving organs beyond the skin including the eyes, ears, nose, and genital region.

RECENT FINDINGS

Conditions which cause itch in these locations vary from skin diseases that extend to these areas (i.e., atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis) to allergic conditions (i.e., allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis) and to neuropathic conditions that relate to afferent nerve fiber damage (i.e., lumbosacral radiculopathies in genital disease) as well as some psychological components. Similar to the skin, itch in these locations involves a complex interaction between epithelial cells, unmyelinated C nerve fibers, and cytokines. There is also a significant component of neural sensitization phenomena. Mechanisms of itch beyond the skin are currently an understudied topic that affects millions of patients. Future research should be done in order to further understand the pathophysiology of itch in these body sites.

From Ancient to Emerging Infections: The Odyssey of Viruses in the Male Genital Tract

The male genital tract (MGT) is the target of a number of viral infections that can have deleterious consequences at the individual, offspring, and population levels. These consequences include infertility, cancers of male organs, transmission to the embryo/fetal development abnormalities, and sexual dissemination of major viral pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus. Lately, two emerging viruses, Zika and Ebola, have additionally revealed that the human MGT can constitute a reservoir for viruses cleared from peripheral circulation by the immune system, leading to their sexual transmission by cured men. This represents a concern for future epidemics and further underlines the need for a better understanding of the interplay between viruses and the MGT. We review here how viruses, from ancient viruses that integrated the germline during evolution through old viruses (e.g., papillomaviruses originating from Neanderthals) and more modern sexually transmitted infections (e.g., simian zoonotic HIV) to emerging viruses (e.g., Ebola and Zika) take advantage of genital tract colonization for horizontal dissemination, viral persistence, vertical transmission, and endogenization. The MGT immune responses to viruses and the impact of these infections are discussed. We summarize the latest data regarding the sources of viruses in semen and the complex role of this body fluid in sexual transmission. Finally, we introduce key animal findings that are relevant for our understanding of viral infection and persistence in the human MGT and suggest future research directions.

Median raphe cyst of the penis: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

A defect in embryological development or closure of median raphe may lead to formation of cyst(s) anywhere in the midline from glans to anus. These cysts are referred to as median raphe cysts, an uncommonly encountered clinical condition. The cyst is generally solitary, with the penile shaft being the most common location, with average size of around 1 cm. The diagnosis is mostly clinical and confirmed histologically. We report a case of a patient with a rare histological variant of median raphe cyst and provide a focused review on presentation, histopathology, and management.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 29-year-old unmarried Nepali man presented to our clinic with an asymptomatic, solitary, soft, translucent, nontender cystic lesion of about 1-cm diameter at the ventral aspect of glans penis, close to the meatus, that had been noticed at the age of 3 and was nonprogressive for the past 15 years. Ultrasonography demonstrated an isoechoic cystic lesion at the tip of the penis, separated from the urethra, and lying entirely within the mucosa without any evidence of solid component, septation, or vascularity. On the basis of clinical and ultrasonographic findings, a diagnosis of median raphe cyst of the penis was made. The cyst was excised with the patient under local anesthesia, and there was no evidence of recurrence in 2 years of follow-up. The histopathological examination with Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed the cyst wall was lined partly by ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium and partly by columnar epithelium with apical mucin.

CONCLUSIONS

Median raphe cyst is an uncommon, mostly asymptomatic condition in young patients. The cyst may occur anywhere along the midline from glans to anus. The diagnosis is clinical with histological confirmation. Excision is the treatment of choice with minimal chance of recurrence.

Cutaneous Lesions of the External Genitalia

Individuals with cutaneous diseases of the external genitalia often initially present to their primary care provider. When present, these conditions may be associated with considerable physical symptoms and psychological distress. Dermatoses affecting the genitals may be of infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic cause, and can be processes confined to the genitalia or a manifestation of a more widespread dermatologic condition. This article provides a guide to recognizing and managing common genital dermatoses and when to refer for specialist opinion.

[Dermatological diseases of the male genital tract]

During complete inspection of skin a variety of penile skin alterations may be found. Not all dermatological findings have clinical relevance. Pearly papules and heterotopic sebaceous glands are physiological variations. Most penile melanotic macules, angiokeratoma, fibroma and angioma have not to be treated. However, other more severe diseases such as malignant skin lesions (erythroplasia of Queyrat), infectious disease (human papillomavirus-induced penile warts) or systemic skin diseases (psoriasis) may be detected. Since patients are alarmed by genital skin lesions and their sexuality may be affected, the initiation of adequate therapy is an important task for urologists and dermatologists.

[Dermatological diseases of the external male genitalia : Part 2: Infectious and malignant dermatological]

The urological and andrological examination of male patients should include inspection of the genital skin in order to detect malignant neoplasms, such as erythroplasia of Queyrat and infectious diseases, such as genital warts (condylomata acuminata). Independent of the incidental finding of relevant dermatological alterations in the genital area, sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis must again be considered more often as the incidence has greatly increased in Germany during the last few years. In addition, urologists should be able to adequately advise patients on all aspects of diseases caused by human papillomavirus. As patients are often alarmed by genital skin lesions and worried that the sex life can be impaired, the initiation of adequate therapy is of great importance.

[Dermatological diseases of the external male genitalia : Part 1]

The urological examination of male patients includes an inspection of the external genitalia whereby a variety of dermatological alterations can be found. Not all dermatological findings are of clinical relevance. Pearly penile papules and heterotopic sebaceous glands are examples of normal physiological variations. Most penile melanotic macules, angiokeratomas, fibromas and angiomas do not have to be treated; however, penile skin lesions may also be symptoms of other diseases, such as circinate balanitis in Reiter's syndrome and multiple angiokeratomas in Fabry's disease. A typical manifestation of reactions to various drugs is the fixed drug eruption of penile skin. The differential diagnosis of various forms of balanoposthitis may be difficult and requires histological investigations (e.g. plasma cell balanitis or Zoon's disease). In contrast, the clinical manifestation of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is easy to recognize. The clinical relevance of this disease is due to phimosis and problems during sexual intercourse.

Penile Inflammatory Skin Disorders and the Preventive Role of Circumcision

Penile inflammatory skin conditions such as balanitis and posthitis are common, especially in uncircumcised males, and feature prominently in medical consultations. We conducted a systematic review of the medical literature on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cohrane databases using keywords "balanitis," "posthitis," "balanoposthitis," "lichen sclerosus," "penile inflammation," and "inflammation penis," along with "circumcision," "circumcised," and "uncircumcised." Balanitis is the most common inflammatory disease of the penis. The accumulation of yeasts and other microorganisms under the foreskin contributes to inflammation of the surrounding penile tissue. The clinical presentation of inflammatory penile conditions includes itching, tenderness, and pain. Penile inflammation is responsible for significant morbidity, including acquired phimosis, balanoposthitis, and lichen sclerosus. Medical treatment can be challenging and a cost burden to the health system. Reducing prevalence is therefore important. While topical antifungal creams can be used, usually accompanied by advice on hygiene, the definitive treatment is circumcision. Data from meta-analyses showed that circumcised males have a 68% lower prevalence of balanitis than uncircumcised males and that balanitis is accompanied by a 3.8-fold increase in risk of penile cancer. Because of the high prevalence and morbidity of penile inflammation, especially in immunocompromised and diabetic patients, circumcision should be more widely adopted globally and is best performed early in infancy.

Dermatoses of the Glans Penis in Korea: A 10-Year Single Center Experience

Background

A variety of infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic dermatoses can develop on the glans penis, and definitive diagnosis in such cases may be difficult owing to their non-specific symptoms and clinical appearance. Furthermore, data on dermatoses of the glans penis in Korea are limited.

Objective

In the present study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of dermatoses of the glans penis in Korea and provide clinical data to assist in making an accurate diagnosis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records, clinical photographs, and histologic slides of 65 patients with dermatoses of the glans penis that visited the Pusan National University Hospital between January 2004 and August 2013.

Results

Twenty-six types of dermatoses were identified: inflammatory dermatosis was the most common (38/65, 58.5%), followed by infectious (13/65, 20.0%), neoplastic (10/65, 15.4%), and other dermatoses (4/65, 6.2%). The most common dermatosis of the glans penis was seborrheic dermatitis, followed by lichen planus, herpes progenitalis, condyloma accuminatum, erythroplasia of Queyrat, Zoon's balanitis, and psoriasis. In the topographic analysis, the most common type of dermatosis was dermatoses that localized to the glans penis (39/65, 60.0%), followed by dermatoses involving the extra-genitalia and glans penis (22/65, 33.9%), and the genitalia (glans penis plus other genital areas) (4/65, 6.2%).

Conclusion

This study shows the usefulness of a topographic approach in the diagnosis of dermatoses of the glans penis in Korea. The findings could be used as baseline data for establishing an accurate diagnosis in Koreans.

[Differential diagnosis and management of balanitis]

Balanitis is a descriptive diagnosis for a heterogeneous group of infectious or inflammatory dermatoses which have to be differentiated from malignant conditions. Balanitis is caused not only by Candida spp. and bacterial infections, including anaerobic bacteria: viral infections, parasites and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) also have to be considered. Lichen planus, psoriasis and contact dermatitis can characteristically lead to inflammatory conditions of the glans penis. In addition to a complete skin examination, a thorough patient history with respect to topically applied products and sexual behavior is essential. Infections must be treated and the glans penis should be kept dry. It is important to ensure a balanced genital hygiene in patients. As a last resort therapeutic circumcision can be considered for most forms of chronic balanitis.

[Penile dermatoses]

The diagnostics of penile skin alterations represent a urological and dermatological challenge. The spectrum of differential diagnoses ranges from benign skin alterations with no clinical significance, through infections, vesiculobullous diseases and neoplasms up to acute diseases necessitating emergency interventions. Evidence-based therapy concepts are not available for all these diseases and due to the rarity an interdisciplinary cooperation is expedient and promising.

Evaluation and Treatment of Penile Thrombophlebitis (Mondor's Disease)

Superficial penile thrombophlebitis or penile Mondor's disease (PMD) is an underreported condition that causes anxiety and embarrassment in affected men. Patients usually present with a smooth, cord-like induration on the dorsal penile shaft 1-7 days after prolonged or intensive sexual intercourse, but other presentations of disease and triggers for endothelial damage are possible. The condition is typically self-limited with expected spontaneous resolution within 4-8 weeks of initial presentation, and absolute diagnosis is usually not necessary with management including supportive care and pain control. However, when disease course is prolonged or there are concerning risk factors, it may be important to differentiate PMD from other conditions such as Peyronie's disease, hypercoagulability, blood stasis, genitourinary infection, and malignancy. History and physical are often sufficient to distinguish these conditions from PMD, but providers may employ ultrasound to assist with the diagnosis. If PMD does not spontaneously resolve, patients may be considered for thrombectomy, at which point histological analysis can confirm the diagnosis.

Circular Abscess Formation of the Inner Preputial Leaf as a Complication of a Penile Mondor's Disease: The First Case Report

Introduction. Mondor's disease of the penis is an uncommon condition characterized by thrombosis or thrombophlebitis involving the superficial dorsal veins. An accompanied lymphangitis is discussed. There is typical self-limiting clinical course. Case Presentation. This paper firstly reports a secondary abscess formation of the preputial leaf two weeks after penile Mondor's disease and subcutaneous lymphangitis as complication of excessive sexual intercourse of a 44-year-old man. Sexual transmitted diseases could be excluded. Lesions healed up completely under abscess drainage, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory medication. Conclusion. Previous reports in the literature include several entities of the penile Mondor's disease. Our patient is very unusual in that he presented with a secondary preputial abscess formation due to superficial thrombophlebitis, subcutaneous lymphangitis, and local bacterial colonisation. Abscess drainage plus antiphlogistic and antibiotic medication is the treatment of choice.

[Urological dermatosis]

Urologists are often confronted with venereal and dermatological diseases during clinical evaluation of the external genitals. Dermatosis of the male genitalia ranges from infectious (viral and bacterial) lesions and inflammatory conditions to neoplastic alterations. There are also more general skin diseases (e.g. psoriasis) which occur as genital manifestations. In this case they often show unusual characteristics or the genitalia might be involved only incidentally. This review highlights the clinical diagnosis and therapy of the most common genital skin disorders and demonstrates the medical features.

Cutaneous fungal infections in the elderly

This article summarizes the common, superficial, cutaneous, fungal infections that are found in older adults. The epidemiology, classic appearance, and current treatments of these fungal infections are discussed. These common skin pathogens occur in many older adults.

Candida balanitis: risk factors

BACKGROUND

The amount of available information on the prevalence and incidence of candida balanitis is still surprisingly scarce.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of candida colonization and candida balanitis in men attending a Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) clinic. To identify risk factors associated with candida balanitis.

METHODS

During a 36-month period, a cross-sectional study was carried out on consecutive men attendees of the STD clinic in Hospital S. João, Porto. Clinical and epidemiological data were recorded. Specimen collection from the glans penis and the coronal sulcus followed two procedures: a cotton tipped swab and the direct impression on the surface of CHROMagar Candida medium. Risk factors were considered singly and in combination through logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Among 478 men enrolled, the prevalence of candida colonization was 26.2% and the prevalence of candida balanitis was 18%. Candida colonization was strongly associated with an age above 60 years (OR = 3.375; 95% CI: 1.547-7.362) and with the presence of other cause of balanitis apart from Candida organisms (OR: 2.466; 95% CI: 1.491-4.078). An age above 40 years (OR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.005-4.500), diabetes mellitus (OR: 19.390; 95% CI: 7.789-48.273) and more than ten candida colonies recovered by culture (OR: 9.586; 95% CI: 2.682-34.263) were risk factors for candida balanitis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the impact of factors other than sexual behaviours upon the epidemiology of this infection. For both candida colonization and infection, age was an important risk factor. Diabetes mellitus was an independent risk factor for candida balanitis. More than ten colonies recovered from culture are associated with clinical signs and symptoms.

Balanoposthitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa co-producing metallo-beta-lactamase and 16S rRNA methylase in children with hematological malignancies

Balanoposthitis is defined as the inflammation of the glans penis and its foreskin. In the presence of other underlying medical conditions, this localized infection may spread systemically, serving as a source of fever and bacteremia in neutropenic males. Two rare cases of balanoposthitis caused by a clonally related Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate co-producing the SPM-1 metallo-beta-lactamase and the novel 16S rRNA methylase RmtD are described. Four multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa isolates were successively recovered from glans/foreskin swabs and urine cultures from two uncircumcised pediatric patients, one with Burkitt's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and one with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Clinically, preputial colonization by MDR P. aeruginosa evolved to severe balanoposthitis with glans/foreskin lesions as a source of fever. Combination therapy of ciprofloxacin and/or aztreonam (systemic) plus polymyxin B (topical) was effective once reversion of the neutropenic condition was achieved. Although P. aeruginosa remains an unusual cause of balanoposthitis, these cases should alert the physician to the potential pathogenicity of this bacterium. Furthermore, co-production of metallo-beta-lactamase and 16S rRNA methylase has a potential impact on the empirical management of complicated infections caused by P. aeruginosa.

Infectious balanoposthitis: management, clinical and laboratory features

BACKGROUND

Balanitis is defined as inflammation of the glans penis, often involving the prepuce (balanoposthitis). It is a common condition due to a wide variety of causes with infection being the most frequent and several microorganisms reported. The clinical aspect is often non specific. The management of balanoposthitis remains a clinical challenge.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of infectious balanitis, its management, clinical features, laboratory procedures and treatment options.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

One hundred eighteen patients with infectious balanitis were evaluated between 1995 and 2004 and laboratory data were collected.

RESULTS

Balanitis was diagnosed in 219 (10.7%) of the men that have attended the sexually transmitted disease (STD) Clinic. One hundred eighteen (53.9%) had clinically been assumed to suffer from infectious balanitis. In 75 (63.6%) patients the diagnosis was confirmed by culture studies. Candida albicans was isolated from 24 patients. Staphylococcus spp. and groups B and D Streptococci were the most frequently isolated bacteria. All men were uncircumcised. Ninety-one (77.1%) of infectious balanitis patients were treated with antifungal agents. Twelve patients with infectious noncandida balanitis were treated with general antibiotic therapy. Fifty-five (46.6%) patients had a follow-up of 3 to 12 months during which recurrences were registered in 7 (12.7%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Infectious balanitis was a common condition, affecting 53.9 % of male STD clinic patients in this study. Candida spp. were the most frequently isolated microorganisms. The clinical aspect is of little value in predicting the infectious agent associated with balanoposthitis.

Male genital dermatoses in old age

This review aims to highlight the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of the most common dermatoses of the male genitals in old age. Diseases of the male genitalia range from infectious problems to inflammatory and neoplastic dermatoses. These can affect sexual and urinary functions. The importance of the former in older men should not be underestimated. Pre-malignant and malignant penile lesions are discussed. Although rare, penis cancer is preventable and curable if diagnosed early.

Progressive painless swelling of glans penis: uncommon clinical manifestation of systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Malignant lymphomatous involvement of the glans penis is a rare phenomenon that can be observed in either primary or secondary cutaneous lymphoma. Multiple papules, solitary nodules of variable size, ulcers, or painless masses have rarely been reported as specific and early manifestations of systemic lymphoma. Other unusual manifestations include priapism (manifested as a painless persistent erection with a flaccid glans penis) and progressive diffuse penile swelling. We report the case of a 74-year-old man presenting with progressive painless induration and swelling of the glans penis associated with mild preputial edema as the initial manifestation of systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Why circumcision is a biomedical imperative for the 21(st) century

Circumcision of males represents a surgical "vaccine" against a wide variety of infections, adverse medical conditions and potentially fatal diseases over their lifetime, and also protects their sexual partners. In experienced hands, this common, inexpensive procedure is very safe, can be pain-free and can be performed at any age. The benefits vastly outweigh risks. The enormous public health benefits include protection from urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted HIV, HPV, syphilis and chancroid, penile and prostate cancer, phimosis, thrush, and inflammatory dermatoses. In women circumcision of the male partner provides substantial protection from cervical cancer and chlamydia. Circumcision has socio-sexual benefits and reduces sexual problems with age. It has no adverse effect on penile sensitivity, function, or sensation during sexual arousal. Most women prefer the circumcised penis for appearance, hygiene and sex. Given the convincing epidemiological evidence and biological support, routine circumcision should be highly recommended by all health professionals.

RACP's policy statement on infant male circumcision is ill-conceived

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a critical peer-review of the 2004 Policy Statement on routine male circumcision produced by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).

METHOD

Comprehensive evaluation in the context of the research field.

RESULTS

We find that the current Statement downplays the wide-ranging life-long benefits of circumcision in prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs), penile and cervical cancer, genital herpes and chlamydia in women, HIV infection, phimosis, and various penile dermatoses, and at the same time overstates the complication rate. We highlight the many errors in the RACP Statement and note that it sidesteps making a conclusion based on circumcision's well-documented prophylactic health benefits by instead referring to the status of the foreskin at birth. In the era of preventative medicine we view this as irresponsible.

CONCLUSION

The RACP's Statement on routine male circumcision is not evidence-based and should be retracted.

IMPLICATIONS

In the interests of public health and individual well-being an extensive, comprehensive, evidence-based revision should be conducted so as to provide scientifically accurate, balanced information on the advantages, and also the low rate of mostly minor complications, associated with this simple procedure, which for maximum benefits and minimal risk should ideally be performed in the neonatal period.

Pimecrolimus 1% Cream in Non-Specific Inflammatory Recurrent Balanitis

BACKGROUND

Non-specific balanitis is a common inflammatory dermatosis with frequent relapses and considerable impact on male sexual life.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus 1% cream in recurrent non-specific balanitis.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients with recurrent flares of non-specific balanitis were randomly assigned to 1 group applying pimecrolimus cream 1% and 1 group applying placebo on the glans twice daily for 7 days. The patients were assessed on day 14. They were instructed to continue applying the agent whenever symptoms initialized for the following 90 days and take account of the cumulative days with symptoms.

RESULTS

Seven out of the 11 (63.6%) patients in the pimecrolimus group and 1 out of 11 (9%) in the control group were free of all symptoms and lesions after 14 days, 3 (27.3%) in both groups reported improvement, while 1 (9.1%) in the pimecrolimus and 7 (63.6%) in the control group remained unaffected. (chi(2) = 9.0, d.f. = 2, p = 0.011). Days with symptoms during the 90-day follow-up period were 7.50 +/- 3.02 for the pimecrolimus and 17.62 +/- 4.40 for the control group (p = 0.000064).

CONCLUSIONS

Pimecrolimus 1% cream is promising in relieving symptoms and signs of non-specific balanitis during flares and controlling the disease during long-term follow-up.

Cutaneous reaction to drugs used for erectile dysfunction: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

In the past 9 years, drugs for erectile dysfunction (ED) have been increasingly prescribed for men with erectile difficulty. These drugs, phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, help men with ED obtain and sustain an erection, improving both sexual function and sexual performance satisfaction. However, these drugs contain side effects.

OBJECTIVES

A 56-year-old man developed an erythematous, circle-shaped lesion on his penis. The lesion was recurrent, with evidence of desquamation. The aim was to determine the source of the recurrent lesion based on its morphology and the patient's verbal history.

RESULTS

A clinical diagnosis of fixed drug eruption owing to use of the PDE5 inhibitor tadalafil (Cialis) was made. He was not rechallenged with the drug. However, he experienced a subsequent recurrence of the eruption on inadvertent rechallenge.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe this case to be the first report of this type of reaction owing to tadalafil. Therefore, fixed drug eruption is a newly observable side effect of this drug.

[Balanitis: diagnosis and treatment]

Balanitis refers to a variety of unrelated conditions. It results from infective, irritative, allergic, traumatic, or inflammatory causes; pre-malignant lesions have been also identified. All these causes are successively reviewed regarding their positive diagnosis and their treatment. Normal aspects of the balanopreputial area will be explained because they may cause some anxiety in certain patients. The difference between the circumcised and uncircumcised penile skin that cause differences in the incidence and appearance of dermatoses of the glans and corona will be studied. Pre-malignant lesions of the balanopreputial area, although not frequent, represent a difficult diagnosis and therapeutic challenge. The major problem is the earliness of the diagnosis that may avoid the occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma. Moreover, lichen sclerosus may develop into squamous cell carcinoma and therefore a lifelong follow-up must be implemented. Thus, any fixed, chronic or suspicious Lesion must be rapidly assessed by a biopsy.

Syphilis: Uncommon presentations in adults

The clinical manifestations of syphilis are variable in appearance and have been described for centuries. The disease has been arbitrarily divided mainly into three stages. Uncommon presentations of syphilis in adults include (a) primary syphilis-atypical forms of chancre vary in size, shape, morphology, and color. Small ulcus durum is single or multiple, grouped, or herpetiform. Giant necrotic and phagedenic chancres are resolved with scar formation. In intratriginous areas, ulcus durum is rhagadiform, linear, "rocket type," or bilateral. (b) Secondary syphilids include macular (roseolas, leukomelanoderma), papular (small miliar or lichenoid, or with large size-lenticular or nummular), papulosquamous, syphilis cornee, psoriasiform, annular en cockade, nodular, condylomata lata, malignant syphilis, and others; there are also mucosal lesions, loss of the hairs, and alteration of the nails. (c) Tertiary syphilis occurs decades after infection in three main forms: gummatous, cardiovascular, and neurosyphilis (asymptomatic, meningeal, meningovascular, and parenchymatous-such as general paresis or tabes dorsalis). Early recognition of the clinical manifestations of syphilis is important for the start of treatment, recovery of patients, and the prevention of the spread of disease.

Dermatoses of the male genital area

This is an overview of dermatoses which are predominantly seen in the genital area. Five large groups of dermatoses can be distinguished: inflammatory dermatoses without any causative organism, infections and dermatoses originating from cutaneous appendages, precancerous lesions, pigmented lesions and genital pruritus. The etiology, causative factors, clinical features and newer treatment options are considered. Because of local environmental factors, genital dermatoses often present in a different way than in other localizations.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Condoms: Description of a Clinical Case and Analytical Review of Current Literature

We describe the case of a 42-years-old non-atopic man who developed a severe eczematous reaction in the genital area some hours after the use of a condom (Settebello-Hatù Durex) containing a retarding cream. Patch test revealed a strong allergic reaction to the retarding cream and to benzocaine and paraben mix contained in the cream itself. Condoms with retarding cream should be avoided in man sensitized to local anestethetics.

An approach to the treatment of anogenital pruritus

The anogenital area is a common location for pruritic complaints. Specific terms for chronic itch in this location have included pruritus vulvae, pruritus ani, lichen simplex chronicus, and neurodermatitis. A male counterpart to pruritus vulvae, pruritus scroti, is less common. Acute anogenital pruritus is usually caused by infections or contact dermatitis. In chronic pruritus, inflammatory dermatoses and malignancies must be ruled out. In idiopathic anogenital pruritus or neurodermatitis, the skin findings should be limited to lichenification and excoriations. Skin findings may be entirely absent. When treating anogenital pruritus, topic irritants and potential sensitizers must be eliminated. Cleansing and toilet habits must be addressed. A short course of a high-potency topical steroid should bring moderate to complete relief. Sedating antihistamines may limit nighttime symptoms. In some patients, psychotropic agents are required to achieve adequate sedation. Antidepressants may be required in patients refractory to treatment or with underlying psychiatric disorders.

Análise clínica e estudo anatomopatológico do prepúcio de pacientes submetidos à postectomia

FUNDAMENTOS E OBJETIVO: Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar as características histológicas do prepúcio na presença de fimose e a incidência de líquen escleroso (LE) como causa de fimose. MÉTODOS: O Estudo prospectivo incluiu 40 pacientes do sexo masculino com idade entre cinco e 14 anos, com diagnóstico de fimose e indicação cirúrgica como tratamento. Os pacientes - distribuídos em dois grupos em relação ao tempo de doença: fimose primária e secundária - foram submetidos à postectomia no Hospital Infantil Joana de Gusmão, e as peças excisadas, examinadas separadamente por três patologistas. De acordo com as características histopatológicas, os pacientes foram distribuídos em três grupos: achado histológico normal de pele, infiltrado liquenóide e LE. RESULTADOS: As intercorrências clínicas mais freqüentes relatadas pelos pacientes com fimose foram a balanopostite e a infecção do trato urinário (ITU). A maioria deles, 65%, não apresentou alteração histológica da pele; em 22,5% encontrou-se infiltrado liquenóide; e 12,5% dos casos apresentaram alterações próprias de LE. Predominaram os casos de fimose adquirida, representando 57,5% do total. Todos os casos de LE ocorreram nos pacientes com fimose adquirida. A principal indicação cirúrgica desta casuística foi a falência do tratamento clínico (45%), seguida por balanopostite de repetição (25%), estenose grave do prepúcio (17,5%), ITU de repetição (10%) e doença urinária associada (2,5%). CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo, os autores concluíram que o LE, como causa de fimose, mostrou a incidência de 12,5%.

Fixed Drug Eruption Due to Influenza Vaccine

Two females, one 28 years old and the other 32 years old, developed dusky red macules with pain and a burning sensation within 24 hours of receiving influenza vaccine. One patient had blisters within the lesion. A clinical diagnosis of fixed drug eruption (FDE) due to influenza vaccine was made. Histopathology was consistent with the diagnosis of FDE. The lesions subsided within 2 weeks of topical corticosteroid treatment. The diagnosis was confirmed by topical provocation test with influenza vaccine. A Medline search revealed these cases to be the second report of this kind of reaction due to influenza vaccine.

Microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma arising on lichen sclerosus of the penis

The case of a 70-year-old white man with a 10-year history of penile lichen sclerosus (LS) who developed microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma on LS is described. A high incidence of penile cancer arising on genital LS has recently been observed. The authors stress the importance of an adequate diagnosis and long-term follow-up in patients with penile LS because of the malignant potential of the disease.