Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (Male Penile Lichen Sclerosus)

Authors

Kevin Carroci
Stephen W. Leslie
Elizabeth C. Hughes
Gregory V. McIntosh, Corewell Health East

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2025

Publication Title

StatPearls

Abstract

Excerpt

Balanitis xerotica obliterans is a form of lichen sclerosus that involves the foreskin and glans penis in affected male individuals. The condition presents as white or hypopigmented macules or atrophic papules on the penis. Involvement of the foreskin leads to atrophic skin changes with depigmentation and constriction, which can result in phimosis. In the glans, these changes result in the characteristic whitish patches and meatal stenosis.

Balanitis xerotica obliterans was first described as a unique entity in 1928 by Stühmer and is responsible for about 85% of all cases of acquired phimosis. Urethral stricture disease, phimosis, and meatal stenosis are common sequelae of balanitis xerotica obliterans. For information on lichen sclerosus in women, see the companion StatPearls reference review, Lichen Sclerosus, at www.statpearls.com/point-of-care/24256.

Recommended Citation

Carocci K, Leslie SW, Hughes EC, McIntosh GV. Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (Male Penile Lichen Sclerosus). 2024 Dec 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 33620847.

Comments

Bookshelf ID:NBK567770

PubMed ID

33620847