Balanitis plasmacellularis

Balanitis plasmacellularis, also known as balanitis circumscripta plasmacellularis, Zoon balanitis, or plasma cell balanitis, is a cutaneous condition characterized by a benign inflammatory skin lesion characterized histologically by a plasma cell infiltrate.

Balanitis plasmacellularis is typically asymptomatic. It appears as an orange-red, moist, glossy macular to slightly elevated plaques. Balanitis plasmacellularis most commonly effects the glans penis.

The cause of balanitis plasmacellularis is unknown however heat friction and rubbing are possible contributing factors.

A biopsy is needed to make the diagnosis. Balanitis plasmacellularis can be managed with good hygiene and medications. Circumcision is curative.

Balanitis plasmacellularis is also known as Zoon balantitis, named after its discoverer Zoon.

A similar condition has been described in women (i.e. "Zoon's vulvitis"), although its existence is controversial due to the possibility of diagnostic error in many of the cases that have been reported in the medical literature.

The patient typically just exhibits a change in genital look and no other symptoms. On the other hand, symptoms including pruritus, dysuria, discomfort, and a burning sensation may occasionally accompany it. Rarely, reports of dyspareunia or blood-stained discharge have been made.

Balanitis plasmacellularis appears as one or more orange-red, glossy, moist, glistening, well-circumscribed, macular to slightly elevated plaque(s). Due to microhemorrhage and hemosiderin deposition, there may be several pinpoint, brighter red spots scattered across the orange-red plaque's backdrop. These spots are referred to as "cayenne pepper spots." On regions that are in close proximity to the lesions, prepuce occasionally exhibits "kissing lesions." These could then deteriorate and leave a "rusty stain" in their wake.