Most bacteria cannot live in the human body and hence play no part in disease. Many cause diseases in lower animals ; and bacterial diseases of plants are responsible for the loss of millions of pounds every year to the farmer. Bacteria are essential in the breaking down of organic tissues, reducing the complex chemical structures to simple compounds that may be used by plants. They are invaluable in thus completing the circle of balance between plant and animal life. See CAUSES OF DISEASE in INTRODUCTORY CHAPTERS (pp. 173-177).
BALANITIS.—An inflammation of the mucous membrane of the prepuce ; usually caused by uncleanliness. The secretion (smegma) which is normally present in this region decomposes if not regularly removed, and thus irritates the surface of the glans penis, the groove at the back of this, and the inner aspect of the foreskin. The mucous membrane becomes more or less sore, and gives off a thin, foul-smelling, purulent secretion. Bacteria from without may also be a factor in producing this condition, or it may be due to sexual intercourse. The trouble begins with an intense itching of the affected parts, and this is followed by the appearance of the purulent secretion, which stains the linen. If neglected, this may lead to swelling of the foreskin and bring about a narrowing known as paraphimosis. The condition may be complicated by inflammation of the lymphatics and of the nearest glands.
The disease is very often seen in small boys ; and if any inflammation of the penis is complained of, this condition should always be suspected. It is deserving of especial attention because the irritation produced is often the means of inducing masturbation in the affected child.
The best preventatives against this otherwise harmless disease are extreme cleanliness of the parts, regular washing with the foreskin retracted, and the application of a dusting-powder to maintain dryness. If suppuration is present, the patient should be kept quiet, and cooling lotions applied ; if the foreskin cannot be easily retracted, cold applications and irrigation of the preputial sac with lukewarm water are to be employed. If there is persistent contraction of the preputial opening, the physician had better be consulted in order to avoid subsequent annoyance and possible confusion with other and more important diseases. In the absence of complications, the condition itself is of little importance and usually subsides under the influence of the simple measures mentioned. Certain practitioners make much of a simple case of balanitis, usually telling boys that they have contracted a severe venereal disease. The family physician should always be consulted.