title: Balanitis xerotica obliterans and its differential diagnosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Balanitis xerotica obliterans is a subcategory of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus limited to the male genitalia and is associated with destructive inflammation, phimosis, urethral stenosis, and squamous cell carcinoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  The medical literature was searched from 1983-1998 using key words balanitis, lichen, and sclerosis using the MEDLINE system.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Balanitis xerotica obliterans can be distinguished from other genital dermatoses with similar characteristics through patient history, clinical findings, and laboratory evaluation.. Tzanck smear and cutaneous biopsy, along with a rapid protein reagin test, will provide a definitive diagnosis. Treatment with high-dose topical corticosteroids relieves symptoms, and therapy focuses on prevention of disease progression.
authors.affiliation: College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Neuhaus
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Skidmore
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001446:Balanitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D001706:Biopsy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D018459:Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones