What is Balanitis?

Inflammation of the head of the penis is known as balanitis. It is a rare condition.  Approximately 1 or 2 males in 30 are affected. It is a condition in which there occurs reddish and orange discoloration in the affected area with yellow pinpoint swelling.

Who is Affected more with Balanitis?

Mostly, the men in which circumcision is not done get affected more but it can also occur in circumcised males. Before circumcision, the head of the penis is covered by a foreskin or prepuce. Young boys are mostly affected

What are the Causes of Balanitis?

• Infections: Bacterial or yeast infection that affects the skin can be one of the major cause of this problem.
• Sexually transmitted diseases like herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis or trichomonas also cause balanitis.
• Use of irritants like soaps, spermicidal jelly or any detergents.
• Psoriasis
• Skin cancer
• Improper hygiene cause skin irritation. Improper or too forceful cleaning cause this problem.
• Injury of penis tip which causes swelling and inflammation.
• Some painkillers, laxatives, antibiotics or sleeping pills cause side effects and arise this problem.
• Arthritis
• Diabetes

What are the Symptoms of Balanitis?

• White, sticky discharge.
• Itching and pain in genital areas
• Foreskin become tight
• Pain in the foreskin of the penis
• Due to swelling, the pressure is felt on urethra which causes painful urination.
• The shaft or head of the penis becomes inflamed and red.
• A burning sensation is felt
• Bad smell from that area if not cleaned properly.
• Affects sex life, cause erectile dysfunction.

What are the Conditions Resembles Balanitis?

• Phimosis: Difficulty in retracting the foreskin of the penis
• Balanitis: Inflammation of the glans penis
• Balanoposthitis: It is inflammation of foreskin and glans penis

How Balanitis can be Prevented?

• Maintain hygiene and keep the penis clean
• Avoid strong or harsh soaps which cause irritation of the skin
• Avoid perfumes, deodorant, and chemicals on the penis
• Dry the penile area after wash or shower.
• Use condoms to avoid STI, e. sexually transmitted infections.
• Use latex-free condoms if one is allergic
• Fix the foreskin properly after proper cleaning.

How it can be Diagnosed?

• • Physical examination is done by the doctor
  • A swab or scrapping of skin or discharge is taken and examined under a microscope.
  • Biopsy
  • Serum glucose test
  • Test to check STD

How it can be Treated?

• Take antibiotics in case of bacterial infection. Use ointment and pill to kill the infection.
• Use of antifungal cream
• Use of steroids
• Maintain hygiene

What is the Complication one can get?

• Urethral strictures occur due to narrowing of the opening
• Scarring of penis
• Retraction of foreskin become painful
• Urine retention
• Supply of blood to penis become inadequate
• Vesicoureteral reflux (backflow of urine towards the kidney)

What is an Ayurveda Aspect of Balanitis?

Among the three doshas, imbalance of Pitta and Kapha doshas leads to balanitis. So treatment is, done to balance vitiated Kapha and Pitta doshas.

The main aim of treatment is to treat symptoms like painful urination and sexual impairment.

What does the Planet Ayurveda Offer?

To treat balanitis, there is a pack known as Eminent Care Pack which includes:

• Kaishoor guggal
• Manjistha capsules
• Chanderprabha Vati
• Varunadi Vati
• Jataydi oil+ nirgundi oil

How Kaishore Guggal helps in Balanitis?

It is mainly anti-inflammatory in nature and also boosts immunity. It balances the vitiated Kapha and Vata doshas. It mostly balances pitta doshas. Because of its healing properties, it maintains skin health. It also treats infection and fights against infection-causing organism by boosting the immune system of the body.

It consists of a number of herbs like:

• Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
• Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
• Guggul (Commniphora mukul)
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• Black pepper (Piper nigrum)
• Long pepper (Piper longum)
• Vidanga (Embelia Ribes)
• Red Physic nut, danti (Baliospermum montanum)
• Indian jalap (Ipomoea turpethum)

Dosage: 2 capsules twice or thrice daily with plain water after 30 mins of meals

How Manjistha Capsules work in Balanitis?

It is formed from the extract of Rubia cordifolia. It has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. These properties of manjistha are helpful in managing the symptoms of balanitis. It mostly balances pitta doshas and acts as a blood purifier.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain lukewarm water after 30 mins of meals.

How Varunadi Vati helps in Managing the Symptoms of Balanitis?

It is the best remedy to balance aggravated Vata and Pitta doshas in a body. It mainly works in a burning sensation, Itching, and pain during urination.

It consists of herbs like:

• Varun
• Punarnava
• Gokshuru
• Purified guggal
• Varun: It balances tridoshas and has antitoxic properties. It also has antioxidant, antimicrobial and diuretic properties. It relieves the pain
• Punarnava: It has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce pain and inflammation
• Gokshuru act as an aphrodisiac. It is best for urinary tract infections.

Dosage: 2 tab twice or thrice daily with plain water after 30 mins of meals.

How Chanderprabha Vati helps in Balanitis?

Infection due to bacteria, yeast, and fungi are treated by Chanderprabha vati. It also balances Vata and pitta doshas. It also acts as a painkiller.

What are the Local Application in case of Balanitis?

Jatayadi Oil:

It heals ulcers. It balances the vitiated Pitta doshas in the body.

It consists of an extract of neem leaves, patola leaves, Nisha, mulethi, darvi, etc. It also treats the bacterial infestation.

Nirgundi oil:

It has anti-inflammatory properties. It also balances the vitiated Kapha doshas. It acts as a pain killer and reduces swelling. It also works in case of itching and irritation caused by various causes and improper hygiene.

The ingredients are:

• Tila thaila (sesame oil)
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
• Manjishta (Rubia cordifolia)
• Nirgundi (Vitex negundo)
• Langali (gloriosa superb)

How to use?

Mix jatayadi and nirgundi oil in equal amount. Apply over the skin and massage gently on the affected skin

Let it rest for 15 mins

Wash it with lukewarm water.