22 Home Remedies for Balanitis

Balanitis is the term used to describe the medical condition whereby males experience a swelling in the head of the penis or foreskin. It affects approximately one out of twenty men and is predominant with those who are not circumcised. Although the condition causes severe discomfort and pain, it is such that can be relieved and treated fairly simply by applying topical medications.

Possible Causes of Balanitis

Balanitis can be caused by an allergic reaction to any of the various chemicals used in soaps or ointments.  Men who suffer from diabetes are at a high risk for balanitis, as the high amounts of glucose excreted in their urine can get trapped under the foreskin where it accumulates, causing a breeding ground for bacteria.

Balanitis is sometimes the result of a sexually transmitted disease or poor personal hygiene.  Bacteria and sweat can build up under the foreskin which creates a breeding ground for bacteria, thus proper personal hygiene is paramount in preventing this infection.

Possible Symptoms of Balanitis:

The symptoms of balanitis are reasonably easy to recognize and include but may not be limited to:

• Rash and redness on and around the penile head
• Itching and discomfort
• Foul smelling discharge

 

Home Remedies for Balanitis Symptoms

 

1. Yogurt

Applying plain yogurt to the infected region has shown to be an effective and soothing home remedy.  It is easily applied by pulling the foreskin back slightly and placing an adequate amount of plain yogurt onto the infected areas. It is also useful to eat cranberries mixed with yogurt daily as a healthy snack to aid your body in fighting the infection. Do not use either of these home remedies if you are allergic to dairy products.

2. Salt

Try adding a few spoons of salt to your bath to help fight infection and treat balanitis. This should reduce the swelling of the area. Do not rub salt on the affected area, as that will make matters worse.

3. Garlic

Garlic has strong antibiotic, antifungal, and infection-fighting properties that have been used in medicine for centuries.  This makes garlic a great home remedy for the treatment of balanitis. Garlic also contains high amounts of vitamin C ,which will assist in strengthening the immune system and help your body fight the infection. Garlic paste can be applied topically to the infected areas as an effective way to combat the infection. You can also/instead add more garlic to your meals.

4. Angelica root

Angelica root is an herb with powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to treat balanitis.  Please remember to consult with your healthcare provider before pursuing this treatment. Only use dry herbs as fresh roots can be poisonous. Use this as directed by your doctor.

5. Ginger

Ginger is a fantastic home treatment for balanitis. As with garlic, ginger has strong antibacterial properties.  It can simply be grated and added to curries, stews, and stir-fry dishes as a healthy flavor enhancer. Ginger also makes a delicious tea which is easily prepared by boiling ginger in water for a few minutes before straining and drinking.

6. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ingredients, namely Lauric acid and caprylic acid.  This makes it remarkably effective in treating balanitis at home. For relief from your symptoms and to help fight the infection, apply coconut oil to the infected are three to four times daily. Coconut oil can also be taken orally, for effective results ingest between two and three teaspoons per day.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a good way to try gain control of balanitis. Never apply the vinegar straight to the inflamed areas as it is very strong.  Instead, add a cup of apple cider vinegar and an equal amount of salt to a lukewarm bath submerge your body in the water. You can also mix a very small amount of apple cider vinegar with antifungal cream. Use this cream as you would usually use it.

8.  Tea Tree Oil

Australian tea tree oil is highly effective at combating most skin abrasions and infections and can definitely be used in the treatment of balanitis.  Add a few drops of tea tree oil to water and use the mixture to thoroughly clean your penis every day and you should achieve successful results quickly. One can also apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly to the infected areas because tea tree oil has powerful anti-fungal properties and could successfully treat and cure the balanitis.

9. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera gel has been shown to have antibacterial properties and successfully treat balanitis. Simply rub this gel on the affected area two or three times a day until you see results. This home remedy can also help with dry skin and anal itching.

10. Calendula

Calendula can be taken orally as a tea or applied directly to infected areas. Be sure to only use the amount directed on the package, as applying calendula too heavily can cause the skin infections to ooze and weep and this aggravates the balanitis. This treatment will minimize the pain and discomfort of the infection as well as clear it up.

11. Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver is well known for its antibacterial properties and can be used successfully to prevent wounds and burns from becoming infected if applied regularly.  Due to these properties, colloidal silver also makes a good cure for treating balanitis at home. Be sure to buy genuine colloidal silver from a reputable pharmacy and apply it to the infected region (as directed on the container) after cleaning the penis and foreskin thoroughly.

12. Cranberry Juice

Cranberries and blueberries contain powerful antioxidants and can be used to boost the immune system and ward off infection. All you have to do to use this home remedy is drink a glass of cranberry juice at least once a day.

13. Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey has excellent anti-microbial properties and can be applied to infected regions as a worthy remedy. Rub the honey on your affected area and keep it on for at least fifteen minutes. It is recommended that you do this before showering, so you can easily clean off the honey afterward.

14. Chamomile and Green Tea

Make a mixture of chamomile and green tea and add in a little bit of vodka.  Store it a one-liter bottle and apply to the area after washing every day. This should help to reduce the inflammation of the area.

15. Potassium Permanganate

Potassium Permanganate is a great treatment for balanitis. Dissolve the crystals or one tablet in a liter of boiling water.  Allow cooling. Apply between three and four times per day as needed.

16. Sodium Borate

Dissolve a teaspoon of sodium borate in a liter of boiled water.  Once cooled, store in a container with a cover or lid. Apply a small amount of this mix to the affected area each time you shower.

17. Hand Washing

Be sure to wash your hands properly as you proceed to the toilet, as chemical and bacteria on the hands can worsen your infection.  Obviously wash your hands thoroughly afterward as well. This can help the infection from becoming worse, and it may help to prevent future infections.

18. Proper Diet

It is important to follow a healthy eating regimen. Avoid foods that are oily, processed, and high in sugar as it can promote the growth of candida and other yeast infection strains. Try to avoid these types of foods entirely while you are trying to recover from your balanitis.

19. Ventilation

In order to minimize and heal the infection as well as prevent further occurrences, one should ventilate the penis as often as possible. Avoid tight-fitting synthetic underwear. Instead, wear cotton underwear, as this will help your penis to “breath” better. Do your best to keep the penis and foreskin as dry as possible.

20. Glycerine Wash

Cleaning the areas thoroughly with glycerine soap, as opposed to normal soap, has proven to be of more benefit in curbing balanitis.  This is an important step in ensuring that the infection is contained within the penile organs and doesn’t spread throughout the body.It is best to use Lukewarm water when cleaning the penis with glycerine soap instead of normal cleansers.  Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly after using any soaps or cleansers.

21. Sugar Intake

Recent research reports show that this condition is common in men who also have diabetes,  and it will do them a lot of good to avoid sugars. Often, skin infections that affect this class of persons will go away when they stick to medications and stick to a healthy diet.

22. Avoid Irritants

There is a class of irritants that could worsen the condition and it is advisable to avoid them. These include baby wipes, condoms, extra-active soaps, bubble baths, and certain sprays used for better hygiene. Eliminating irritants often eliminate balanitis so that there won’t be a need for medical care. You need to wash your penis properly when you pee to eliminate urine traces as well.

Do you have any other tips for those suffering from balanitis? Comment below.

 

Remedies

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Balanitis/Pages/Treatment.aspx

http://patient.info/health/balanitis-leaflet

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/777026-treatment

http://www.geekloveshealth.com/inflamed-glans-or-balanitis-remedies/

http://mangoboss.com/Balanitis-CausesandCures.html

http://preventioncausessymptomstreatment.blogspot.co.za/2014/03/home-remedies-on-how-to-treat-balanitis.html