What is Balanitis?

Balanitis is basically when the head of the penis is swollen and sore and is not usually serious, though the inflammation can cause other uncomfortable symptoms. A yeast infection is usually the cause of balanitis, but it can be due to a bacterial or viral infection under the foreskin (prepuce). Balanitis is more likely to occur in uncircumcised middle-aged men (ages 45-65) and boys under the age of 4. Balanitis is significantly more common in males who have phimosis (the inability to retract the skin covering the head of the penis).

Does this Sound Like Your Balanitis?

A 50-year-old male has a swelling, along with a red irritation and itching of the head of his penis (glans penis) and foreskin (prepuce). The doctor has diagnosed him with having a bacterial infection (Balanitis). The man also has a yellow discharge, which is sometimes greenish under the foreskin (he is uncircumcised). The foreskin is a little taunt when he pulls it back. The head of the penis feels worse when touched and the itching is worse from dampness when dribbles of urine are on his underwear. In a case like this, the man needs the Homeopathic Remedy Cinnabaris 30c, which will be taken every night at bedtime. The man will start to see improvement within a couple of days of taking the Cinnabaris 30c. The first symptom to improve in most cases is the itching along with the redness(inflammation). As the inflammation continues to decrease, the yellow-greenish discharge will also decrease in quantity, or the color will become white to clear until he no longer has a discharge. Cinnabaris will address the Balanitis symptoms along with why the gentleman has the health condition.

The 3 Types of Balanitis:

• Zoon’s Balanitis, also called balanitis – Is the primary type of balanitis that affects uncircumcised, middle-aged men and causes an inflamed, red penis head.
•  Circinate Balanitis – Is caused by reactive arthritis, which is a type of arthritis that’s triggered by infection. The head of the penis is inflamed with tiny sores.
• Pseudoepitheliomatous Keratotic and Micaceous Balanitis – Arare type of balanitis that can affecting uncircumcised men over the age of 60, causing a scaly, wart-like bump on the glans (head of the penis).

Symptoms of Balanitis

Balanitis symptoms can appear suddenly or develop gradually. Balanitis is not contagious nor is it sexually transmitted. A history of or having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can be a factor in getting Balanitis.

• Soreness, pain and irritation of the head of the penis
• Discoloration of the head of penis (red, purple, gray or white)
• Red patches on the head of the penis
• Itching under the foreskin
• Swelling of head of penis
• Tight, shiny foreskin
• White discharge (smegma) under the foreskin
• Unusual penile discharge
• A foul smell from the penis
• Painful urination
• Sores or lesions on the head of the penis (Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis)
• Swollen groin lymph nodes

What Can Cause Balanitis?

• Poor Hygiene – Not bathing regularly and not pulling the foreskin back for cleaning
• Allergic Reaction – To latex condoms and spermicides
• Allergic Reaction – To certain medications (i.e., antibiotics and pain relievers)
• Sensitivity or Allergic – To harsh soaps or chemicals
• Sexually Transmitted infections (STIs) – History of gonorrhea and trichomoniasis
• Scabies
• Injuries to the Tip of the Penis or the Foreskin
• Genital Yeast Infection (candidiasis)
• Skin Conditions (psoriasis and eczema)
• Diabetes
• Reactive Arthritis

Homeopathic Remedies for Balanitis

Apis Mellifica – Selected for Balanitis with a very inflamed and swollen head of the penis (glans penis) with intense burning and stinging pains. Apis is used when there is very painful urination with burning and stinging pains. The foreskin (prepuce) is inflamed, with a thin discharge. Urination is frequent and painful.

Caladium Seguinum – Selected for Balanitis with the head of the penis being very red and covered with reddish very dry spots. The foreskin is swollen and sore especially along the margins. Can have sharp pain while urinating.

Cantharis – Selected for Balanitis with painful urination. The head of the penis is intensely swollen and very painful to pressure. There is severe pain, burning and smarting before, during and after passing of urine. May have cutting pains while urinating, which may be scanty with frequent urgings. Violent pain in the head of the penis may precede urination.

Mercurius Solubilis – Selectedfor Balanitis with very swollen and painful sensitivity of the head of the penis and foreskin. Small vesicles (cysts) on the head of the penis and foreskin, which may have fluid oozing from them, along with a burning sensation. Can have a thin milk-like discharge from under head of the penis. May have severe burning on urination.

Rhus Toxicodendron – Selected for Balanitis with a dark red swelling with pain of the head of the penis. The foreskin is itching and has a stinging sensation that is better with heat. Moist vesicles may also appear on the head of the penis.

Cinnabaris – Selected for Balanitis with itching, redness and swelling of the head of the penis and foreskin. There is a foul -smelling (fetid), yellow-green discharge under the foreskin. May also have phimosis.

Sulphur – Selected for Balanitis with intense itching and burning on the head of the penis and foreskin with a discharge of fetid pus. Can have offensive sweat around the genitals. There is profuse secretion of foul, thick, white or yellow cheesy-like secretion under the foreskin, called smegma. Has phimosis with the foul pus discharge.

Nitric Acid – Selected for Balanitis with reddish spots (pimples) on the head of the penis with offensive moisture. The foreskin is inflamed, swollen, and very sore. There are burning, sticking, or tearing pains in the foreskin and itchy vesicles. May have phimosis and paraphimosis (when the foreskin becomes trapped behind the head of the penis), along with sharp needle-like and stitching pains in the foreskin.

Rhododendron Chrysanthum – Selected for Balanitis with throbbing, shooting pain on the head of the penis. There is crushing pain felt in the head of the penis. There is a slight discharge from the head of the penis.

Thuja – Selected for Balanitis that is linked to having a gonorrhea infection. The head of the penisis very sensitive and has red sores on it, with a burning between the foreskin and the head of the penis. The penis has a yellow-green discharge and scalding pain while urinating.

Possible Complications with Balanitis

Balanitis not treated can cause chronic inflammation and lead to complications, such as:

• Lichen Sclerosis (Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans, also called BXO) – White, hard patches form on the skin and can interfere with the flow of urine and semen through the urethra.
• Scar Tissue – Can cause scarring around the glans and make the foreskin too tight to retract back over the glans (phimosis).
• Ulcerative Lesions – Painful sores and blisters that ulcerate and bleed and can cause scarring.
• Increased Risk of Cancer – Chronic inflammation increases the risk of several types of cancer.

Proper Hygiene can Help Prevent Balanitis

• Bathing often
• Properly cleaning the penis by pulling back the foreskin and cleaning underneath
• Protected sex to avoid contracting a sexually transmitted infection, which can cause Balanitis

Though uncomfortable, Balanitis symptoms can be addressed and healed using Homeopathy. Taking steps to prevent further occurrences after treatment is vital to your ongoing health.