Definition

1. Noun:
   • A medical condition involving inflammation of the foreskin (prepuce) of the penis: Posthitis is specifically the inflammation of the loose skin covering the head of the penis. This condition is typically, but not exclusively, caused by a bacterial infection.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient was diagnosed with posthitis and prescribed a course of antibiotics.
  • Poor hygiene can be a contributing factor in the development of posthitis.
  • Symptoms of posthitis include redness, swelling, and discomfort of the foreskin.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Context: The term is used almost exclusively in clinical and medical writing. It is often discussed in relation to balanitis (inflammation of the glans, or head, of the penis). When both the glans and foreskin are inflamed, the condition is called balanoposthitis.
  • The study compared treatment outcomes for balanitis and posthitis.

Variants and Related Words

• Balanoposthitis (n): Inflammation of both the glans penis and the foreskin.
• Balanitis (n): Inflammation of the glans (head) of the penis.
• Inflammation (n): A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful.

Synonyms

• Foreskin inflammation: A descriptive, non-technical synonym.
• Prepucitis: A less common technical synonym derived from "prepuce," another term for foreskin.

Notes on Meaning

• Posthitis refers strictly to inflammation of the foreskin. It is distinct from other penile conditions. The primary cause is usually infection, but it can also result from irritation, trauma, or underlying skin conditions.

Noun

1. inflammation of the foreskin of the penis; usually caused by bacterial infection