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Circumcision and genital dermatoses
E Mallon1, D Hawkins, M Dinneen
1Department of Dermatology, Imperial College School of Medicine, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London, England.
Archives of Dermatology
|March 21, 2000
Summary
Circumcision is associated with a lower incidence of penile dermatoses, including infections and inflammatory conditions. This study suggests that circumcision offers protection against common penile skin diseases in men.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Urology
- Public Health
Background:
- The foreskin is a known risk factor for penile carcinoma and sexually transmitted infections.
- Penile dermatoses represent a significant clinical challenge.
- Investigating the association between circumcision and penile dermatoses is crucial for understanding disease prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between circumcision status and the occurrence of penile dermatoses.
- To evaluate the protective effect of circumcision against various penile skin conditions.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case-control study was conducted.
- The study included 357 male patients with genital skin conditions and 305 controls without these conditions.
- The relationship between circumcision and penile dermatoses was analyzed.
Main Results:
- The most common diagnoses included psoriasis, penile infections, and lichen sclerosus.
- An increased odds ratio (3.24) for penile skin diseases was observed in uncircumcised individuals.
- Conditions like Zoon balanitis, bowenoid papulosis, and most penile infections were exclusively diagnosed in uncircumcised patients.
Conclusions:
- Most inflammatory dermatoses were diagnosed in uncircumcised men, indicating a protective role for circumcision.
- Circumcision may prevent penile dermatoses through mechanisms like reduced inflammation or protection against infectious agents.
- The findings suggest circumcision is protective against common infective penile dermatoses.