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.
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.
# YogurtApplying 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.
# SaltTry 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.
# GarlicGarlic 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.
# Angelica rootAngelica 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.
# GingerGinger 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.
# Coconut OilCoconut 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.
# Apple Cider VinegarApple 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.
# Tea Tree OilAustralian 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.
# Aloe Vera GelAloe 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.
# CalendulaCalendula 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.
# Colloidal SilverColloidal 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.