Korean J Med Mycol.  2017 Dec;22(4):167-171. 10.17966/KJMM.2017.22.4.167.

A Case of Candida Balanitis Masquerading as Herpes Genitalis

• Choi YW
• Kim H
• Kwon H
• You MH
• Choi JS
• Chung H
• Park J

• KMID: 2403737
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17966/KJMM.2017.22.4.167

Abstract

A 46-year-old male presented with skin lesion on the tip of penis, occurring a month ago. Erythematous macules and grouped vesicles on the glans penis and upper side of prepuce area were noticed. In addition, scales were noticed on the tip of glans penis. The lesion was first diagnosed as herpes genitalis based on the clinical manifestation, but had failed to improve with systemic and topical antiviral and topical antibiotics. KOH examinations were performed on his upper glans penis, and we detected pseudo hyphae and spores. Fungal culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) study were revealed as Candida albicans. He was successfully treated with topical isoconazole cream twice a day. Candida balanitis refers to candida infections of glans penis. Infectious balanitis presented various clinical presentations, it is not easy to diagnose with clinical presentation only. Therefore, it is essential to include other examination such as KOH examination, microorganism exam, and/or biopsy in the differential diagnosis when cutaneous lesions are noticed in patients. Herein, we present a candida balanitis with atypical features that clinically mimicked herpes genitalis.

Keyword

Balanitis; Candida balanitis; Herpes genitalis; Infectious balanitis

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Balanitis*
Biopsy
Candida albicans
Candida*
Diagnosis, Differential
Herpes Genitalis*
Humans
Hyphae
Male
Middle Aged
Penis
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Skin
Spores
Weights and Measures
Anti-Bacterial Agents