Meatitis

Inflammation of the urethral meatus, characterized by erythema, tenderness, irritation, and sometimes erosions or crusting at the external urethral opening, potentially causing dysuria and irritative urinary symptoms.

Causes

• Infectious causes

  • Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae)

  • Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis)

  • Mycoplasma infection (Mycoplasma genitalium)

  • Streptococcal infections

  • Candidal infection

  • Viral infections

• Chemical irritants

  • Ammonia exposure from diapers

  • Soaps and detergents

  • Bubble baths

  • Hygiene products

  • Spermicides or other topical irritants

• Mechanical causes

  • Diaper friction

  • Bicycling-related friction or pressure

  • Catheterization

  • Sexual activity-related trauma

  • Local irritation from tight clothing

• Inflammatory and dermatologic causes

  • Contact dermatitis

  • Eczema affecting the genital area

  • Lichen sclerosus

• Other causes

  • Poor local hygiene

  • Foreign body irritation

  • Post-procedural irritation