Zoon balanitis: A comprehensive review

Abstract

The diagnosis and management of nonvenereal diseases are always a tough challenge for the dermatologist due to lack of studies on its diagnostic criteria and standard treatment guidelines. Zoon balanitis (ZB) is one of the benign nonvenereal dermatoses, which presents as a solitary, persistent erythematous plaque usually on the glans penis primarily in the uncircumcised, middle-aged to old-aged men. Although it was described by Zoon in 1952, its etiopathogenesis still remains hypothetical. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, histopathological features, and diagnostic criteria and diagnostic methods of ZB. In addition to this, it is rather very important to differentiate this lesion from its clinical equivocal lesions such as erythroplasia of Queyrat, infective and other inflammatory penile dermatoses, which has been discussed in this review. The treatment modalities have also been reviewed in details, and the importance of circumcision as the treatment of choice has been emphasized.

Successful Management of Zoon’s Balanitis with Topical Mupirocin Ointment: A Case Report and Literature Review of Mupirocin-Responsive Balanitis Circumscripta Plasmacelluaris

“…However, established therapeutic efficacy of these agents has not been repeatedly confirmed in BCP [15, 22, 23]. Cryotherapy has also been used; however, this therapy is associated with little to no response [20]. …”

“…More recently, other therapeutic modalities have been used, including photodynamic and laser therapy [3, 18–20]. Photodynamic therapy, which has been used in refractory lesions, involves the application of topical porphyrin precursors (5-aminolaevulinic acid or methyl aminolevulinate) and subsequent exposure to a light source whose wavelength is appropriate for exciting the photosensitizing chemical substance [20].…”

“…Photodynamic therapy, which has been used in refractory lesions, involves the application of topical porphyrin precursors (5-aminolaevulinic acid or methyl aminolevulinate) and subsequent exposure to a light source whose wavelength is appropriate for exciting the photosensitizing chemical substance [20]. The mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated; it is thought that activated T-lymphocytes are sensitive to photodynamic therapy, which leads to inhibition of cytokines that attract plasma cells to the dermis [20]. To date, phototherapy has been well tolerated with no long-term adverse effects reported [20].…”

“…The mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated; it is thought that activated T-lymphocytes are sensitive to photodynamic therapy, which leads to inhibition of cytokines that attract plasma cells to the dermis [20]. To date, phototherapy has been well tolerated with no long-term adverse effects reported [20]. Carbon dioxide and erbium:YAG lasers have been shown to be viable treatment options which are less traumatic than circumcision; both lasers offer precise ablation and have been well tolerated by patients [20].…”

“…To date, phototherapy has been well tolerated with no long-term adverse effects reported [20]. Carbon dioxide and erbium:YAG lasers have been shown to be viable treatment options which are less traumatic than circumcision; both lasers offer precise ablation and have been well tolerated by patients [20]. …”