Inflammation in the penis head (glans penis) is known as Balanitis. Around 3-11% of males are affected with this disease in their lifetime [1]. Sometimes the inflammation can occur in the foreskin, especially in uncircumcised males which are known as Balanoposthitis. Both balanitis and balanoposthitis can commonly indicate balanitis.
The major cause of balanitis is improper personal hygiene. Bacteria and Fungi start to grow in the penis which gives this infection. This condition can be cured with natural remedies and by practicing better personal hygiene in intimate areas. Let us find out the remedies and understand how to cure this condition.
How to Get Rid of Balanitis Naturally?
Except for a few cases of balanitis, most of them can be easily cured at home with natural remedies. Those few cases require medical attention and proper care. Therefore, it is better to seek a physician’s consultation if you have the symptoms of balanitis. Now to the remedies.
Coconut Oil
We have established the benefits of coconut oil multiple times and it is an excellent remedy for skin-related conditions.
Coconut oil has lauric acid which is found only in breast milk. This lauric acid provides anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits that aid in curing the infection.
Balanitis patients will complain of severe itching and pain. Application of coconut oil or cream over the area can reduce the itching. It will soothe the skin and helps in healing the affected areas.
Indications
- Before applying coconut oil, wash the genital area completely. You can use mild organic soaps to remove dead skin.
- Then dry the area completely with a cotton towel. Do not use rub the area vigorously. Rather, gently pat the towel over the affected part and let the towel absorb the wetness.
- You can apply both organic coconut cream and unprocessed coconut oil.
- Apply the oil/cream over the affected part and don’t wear any innerwear. It is best to avoid wearing innerwear till the condition is cured completely.
- Do this twice per day, once in the morning and once before going to bed. You will have faster results and relief from symptoms.
Aloe Vera
Nothing can cool and soothe itchy skin like Aloe vera. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits which can aid in faster recovery.
It has anthraquinones and salicylic acid which have antibacterial properties. It contains Glucomannan and gibberellin which aids in mending the wounds on the skin by stimulating the fibroblast [2].
Also, it contains Mucopolysaccharides that help in retaining the moisture in the skin and softens it. Therefore, it can maintain the skin smooth and young.
It has around 6 antiseptic agents that can inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria which can cure as well as prevent balanitis.
Indications
- You must not use commercially available Aloe Vera gels. For better results, you need to harvest fresh organic aloe vera and extract the gel from it.
- Remove all the thorns and peel the skin. Scrape the gel into a clean bath of water and rinse thoroughly.
- Put the gel in a blender and with some drops of water, blend it into a fine paste.
- Follow the cleaning instructions mentioned in the previous remedy and apply the gel.
- Whenever you get intense itching, you may use this remedy. It is also better to use it once or twice per day.
Yogurt
Applying yogurt to the affected area can cure the condition soon. Yogurt contains many probiotics, in other words, there are many beneficial bacteria present in it that can aid in fighting the infection.
These bacteria don’t harm the body. The lactic acid produced by the action of these bacteria will inhibit fungal growth.
Also, excessive growth of bacteria can hinder fungal reproduction and thus cures the condition effectively.
Indications
- You can intake yogurt regularly as well as apply it topically over the affected area.
- For topical application, prepare or get fresh yogurt. Don’t use old or sour yogurt because it is more acidic.
- Clean the area thoroughly as mentioned earlier and apply the yogurt to the affected area.
- Let it sit for half an hour. Then wash it thoroughly with cold water and pat it dry completely.
- Do this twice per day till the symptoms reduce and you can get better results effectively.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for its action against fungal infections like yeast infections. It can help in fighting against fungal growth as well as reduce pain and swelling.
When the infection is too high and you have severe swelling, you can apply the solution of apple cider and reduce the inflammation.
Indications
- Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and you need to dilute it in water before application.
- Take two tablespoons of vinegar and dilute it in a cup of water. Mix it thoroughly.
- Clean the area as mentioned previously and using a cotton ball or cloth, apply the solution to the affected area.
- Keep it for 15 minutes and wash it thoroughly. You can also keep it longer if you find the swelling and pain to be intense.
- Repeat this thrice per day and get good relief from the symptoms.
Is balanitis contagious?
No, balanitis doesn’t spread to other parts of the body or infect another person directly by giving balanitis to them. But the organisms causing balanitis can transfer to other people and can cause other infections.
It is also not sexually transmitted. If a woman has vaginal thrush, it doesn’t cause balanitis in them. But people with STDs can get balanitis and that particular infection is considered contagious.
Therefore, you need not worry about sharing a bed with a person having balanitis. Since the condition is painful, you cannot have intercourse and it is best to avoid it till the condition is cured completely.
Men’s Health Related Remedies
- Why Does Prostatitis Cause Erectile Dysfunction
- How To Prevent And Reverse Prostate Cancer
- How to increase Testosterone very fast in Home
Conclusion
Most men don’t have to worry if they get balanitis. It might be itchy and painful but it doesn’t harm your health or infects others. With proper care, it can go away on its own after some time. These remedies will help you to overcome the painful symptoms and allow the body to recover from the condition effectively.
References
1. Balanitis – https://europepmc.org/article/NBK/nbk537143
2. ALOE VERA: A SHORT REVIEW – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
