Homoeopathic treatment for Balanitis

It is a common condition,Boys under the age of 4 years and uncircumcised men are at the highest risk, but it can happen at any age.

Women can also have balanitis, as the term is used to describe an inflammation of the clitoris. 

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of balanitis include:

• Tight, shiny skin on the glans
• Redness around the glans
• Inflammation, soreness, itchiness, or irritation of the glans
• A thick, lumpy discharge under the foreskin
• An unpleasant smell
• Tight foreskin that cannot be pulled back
• Painful urination
• Swollen glands near the penis
• Sores on the glans

Soreness, irritation, and discharge may occur under the foreskin 2 to 3 days after sexual intercourse.

Types

There are three types of balanitis:

Zoon’s balanitis: inflammation of the head of the penis and the foreskin. Usually affects middle-aged to older men who have not been circumcised.

Circinate balanitis: normally occurs as a result of reactive arthritis.

Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis: characterized by scaly, wart-like skin lesions on the head of the penis.

Causes

Infection with Candida albicans is the most common cause. Candida is the fungus that causes thrush.

Other infections that can cause balanitis include:

• Bacteria: These can multiply rapidly in the moist and warm conditions under the foreskin
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Examples include Herpes simplex virus, Chlamydia, and syphilis.

Examples include:

• Lichen planus, a skin disease with small, itchy, pink, or purple spots on the arms or legs
• Eczema, a chronic, or long-term, skin condition that can lead to itchy, reddened, cracked, and dry skin
• Psoriasis, a dry, scaly skin disorder
• Dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin, due to direct contact with an irritant or an allergic reaction

In very rare cases, balanitis has been linked to skin cancer.

Irritation of the skin of the glans can lead to inflammation.

Irritants include:

• Chemicals used in condoms, lubricants, and spermicides
• Detergents or washing powders and fabric conditioners that are not completely rinsed
• Perfumed soaps and shower gels

Washing daily and drying the penis carefully so no moisture remains under the foreskin helps reduce the risk, although excessive genital washing with soap may aggravate the condition.

Diabetes increases the risk of infections, especially if blood sugar levels are poorly controlled. If glucose is present in urine, some of it may remain on the foreskin. Glucose helps bacteria multiply more quickly.

Phimosis is when the foreskin is too tight, and it is difficult or impossible to retract it, or pull it back, fully over the glans. Sweat, urine, and other substances can accumulate under the foreskin, causing irritation and allowing germs to multiply. Phimosis is rare in teenage and adult males.

Unprotected sex, poor hygiene, and having a urinary catheter also increase the risk. A woman who has vaginal thrush can infect a man, increasing the risk of developing balanitis.

Complications

Balanitis is easy to treat, but complications can occur in some cases.

These may include:

• Scarring of the opening of the penis
• Inadequate blood supply to the penis
• Retracting the foreskin is painful

A foreskin that does not retract can be the result of long-term, untreated balanitis.

The earlier treatment is sought, the better the outlook will be.

Prevention

To prevent infections, the head of the penis and the foreskin should be kept clean and dry. Daily washing, with particular attention to cleaning the penis, is essential.

Here are some hygiene tips:

• The foreskin should be pulled back so that the glans is exposed.
• The area should be washed thoroughly and gently with warm water. Soap may irritate, so it should be avoided.
• An aqueous cream or some other neutral nonsoap cleanser may be used, but it should be completely rinsed off.
• Before replacing the foreskin, the glans should be completely dry.
• Men who tend to develop balanitis after sex should wash their penis after engaging in sexual activity.
• Clean the penis every day.
• Do not use soap or bubble bath or anything that could act as an irritant.
• After peeing, dry underneath the foreskin gently.

Avoiding irritants

If symptoms appear to be linked to substances present in condoms or lubricants, there are condoms available for sensitive skin.

It is best to use non-biological washing powder for underwear and to make sure all the detergent is rinsed out. People who work with chemicals or have traces of potential irritants on their hands should wash them before using the bathroom.

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Apis Mellifica – For Balanitis with Burning, Stinging Pains

Apis Mellifica is a natural medicine for balanitis. In cases needing Apis Mellifica, there is marked inflammation and swelling of glans. The foreskin is also inflamed. This inflammation is attended with an intense burning and stinging pains. A thin discharge may be present under the foreskin. Painful urination is frequently present along with the above symptoms.

Caladium – For Balanitis with Marked Redness of the Glans

Homeopathic medicine Caladium is prepared from a plant called Caladium Seguinum or Arum Seguinum. The natural order of this plant is Araceae. Caladium is useful for cases of balanitis with marked redness of glans. The glans is covered with reddish spots, and there is marked dryness. The foreskin is also swollen and sore, especially along the margins. Biting pain while urinating is a marked feature in cases needing Caladium.

Merc Sol – For Balanitis with Marked Swelling and Painful Sensitivity

Merc Sol is a natural remedy for balanitis where there is marked swelling and painful sensitivity of the glans and the prepuce. Small vesicles may be present on the glans and prepuce. There may be oozing of fluid from these vesicles along with a burning sensation. Thin milk-like discharge may be present under the glans penis. Severe burning on urination may also be felt.

Rhus Tox – For Balanitis with Dark Red Swelling and Pain

Rhus Tox offers a natural cure for balanitis where there is dark red swelling of the glans and prepuce. It is attended with a lot of pain, itching and stinging sensation on the prepuce. Moist vesicles may also appear on the glans in few cases where Rhus Tox is indicated.

Cinnabaris – For Balanitis with Itching

Cinnabaris offers a natural treatment for Balanitis where there is itching attended with redness and swelling of the glans and prepuce. Fetid, yellow-green discharge may be present under the prepuce. An attending complaint of phimosis may also be present in some cases.

Sulphur – For Balanitis with Marked Itching and Burning

Sulphur is a natural remedy for balanitis where there is marked itching and burning on the glans and prepuce. The glans and prepuce become swollen and red. Offensive sweat is present around the genitals in most cases. Copious secretion of fetid smegma may be present. Sulphur is also indicated for cases of phimosis when attended with a discharge of fetid pus.

Nitric Acid – For Balanitis with Reddish Spots on Glans with Offensive Moisture

Nitric Acid is an effective homeopathic medicine for balanitis where reddish spots appear on the glans along with moisture. The moisture is foul smelling, and small pimples may appear on the glans penis. The foreskin is also inflamed and swollen along with soreness. Burning, sticking or tearing pains may appear in the foreskin along with the presence of itchy vesicles. Nitric Acid is also indicated for cases of phimosis and paraphimosis along with sharp and stitching pains in prepuce.

Rhododendron – For Balanitis with Throbbing, Shooting Pain under Glans

Homeopathic medicine Rhododendron is prepared from the fresh leaves of a plant Rhododendron Chrysanthum or Yellow Snow-Rose. The natural order of this plant is Ericaceae. Rhododendron is well-indicated for cases of balanitis along with throbbing and shooting pain under the glans. Sometimes there is crushing pain felt in glans penis. The prepuce is swollen and enormously distended like a bladder. Slight discharge from the glans may be present with the above symptoms.e.t.c