Balanitis xerotica obliterans
ICD-10 N48.0 · ICD-11 EB60.1

First-line treatment of Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO)

Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) presents with white plaques and induration of the glans penis and foreskin. Prompt, structured first-line treatment is aimed at achieving measurable clinical resolution within a defined timeframe.

Clinical target

The goal of first-line treatment is resolution of penile white plaques and induration at 3 months. Persistence of signs beyond this point warrants diagnostic reassessment.

Treatment approach

Guidance from the British Association of Dermatology supports a potent topical corticosteroid as the recommended first-line therapy for BXO in adult males and boys. The full structured regimen — including the specific agent, quantity, and application schedule — is available in the complete protocol.

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References

DOI: 10.1111/ijd.14236

Daily use of potent topical corticosteroids (TCS) is the recommended first-line therapy for BXO in adult males and boys, for example, one fingertip unit of 0.05% clobetasol propionate ointment, as per the British Association of Dermatology (BAD) guidelines.

BAD guidelines suggest that should signs persist beyond 3 months, the diagnosis should be reconsidered and a biopsy performed.

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