What Complications Can Occur With HIV?
What To Know About Penis Irritation
Penis irritation is an uncomfortable, unpleasant, or painful sensation on or around the penis. In some cases, the penis may become red and swollen.
There are many reasons why the penis may become irritated. These include injury, infections, or a skin reaction. In most cases, penis irritation is not a significant source of concern, but a person may require treatment.
Read on to find out the causes of penis irritation, treatments, home remedies, prevention, and when to see a doctor.
Depending on the cause, people may experience irritation on any part of the penis and genital area. Below are images detailing different visual presentations of penis irritation causes.
The penis consists of several areas:
Irritation may occur in one, multiple, or all areas of the penis. Some reasons for irritation include the following:
Sexually transmitted infectionsA sexually transmitted infection (STI) may cause the penis to become irritated. STIs may affect the whole penis and area around it or just one area. Some examples include:
Some common symptoms of STIs are soreness on and around the penis, pain during urination and sex, discharge, and lumps.
For example, syphilis causes small ulcers (chancre) in its early stages. These can cause irritation and skin discoloration in the surrounding areas and secrete fluid if broken. Herpes can also cause irritation, discoloration, and blisters, while gonorrhea can cause discoloration and swelling in the penis and foreskin, leading to discomfort.
Fungal infectionsSeveral fungal infections can occur on the penis.
Balanitis is an infection that affects the tip of the penis. Typical symptoms of balanitis include redness around the tip, unpleasant smell, tight foreskin, and in extreme cases, creamy discharge under the foreskin.
Although balanitis is typically a fungal infection, it can also result from bacterial or viral infection.
Penile thrush is a yeast infection that the fungus candidiasiscauses. Signs that someone may have penile thrush include:
If a penis sustains a physical injury, inflammation and swelling may occur. Common causes of penile injury may be from sex, accidents, burns, or sports.
For example, a penile fracture may occur during sexual intercourse.
Chemical irritationIf a person has recently used a new laundry detergent, soap, or lotion, this may cause the penis to become irritated. This may also happen if a person is using perfumed soap or lotion.
Condom useSome people may find that wearing a condom irritates their penis. If this occurs after using a latex condom, they may want to consider using a hypoallergenic condom.
Poor hygieneA penis may become swollen and irritated if a person does not clean it well. If there is a foreskin, the individual may develop smegma as a result of poor hygiene. Smegma is a thick, white substance that may smell. It consists of oil, moisture, and dead skin cells.
SexEngaging in sex without enough lubrication may cause friction that irritates the penis. A person may wish to consider using a water-based lubricant to increase lubrication during sex.
Skin conditionsIf a person notices flaky, dry skin on the shaft of their penis with irritation, itchiness, and redness, this may mean they have a skin condition.
Some skin conditions that affect the penis include eczema and psoriasis.
If the penis is irritated, a person can first see a pharmacist. These healthcare professionals can offer recommendations about over-the-counter (OTC) treatments.
However, it may be necessary to visit a doctor to determine the underlying cause of penis irritation.
Depending on the cause of the penis irritation, a person may receive the following treatments:
If the penis looks and feels irritated, a person may want to try some home remedies to soothe the pain.
Depending on the cause of the penis irritation, a person may take steps to prevent the irritation from occurring. Some preventive measures include:
A person may wish to consider seeing a doctor if their penis irritation:
A doctor will examine the penis to assess the cause of irritation and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
People may experience penis irritation on the shaft, tip, pubis, or all of the penis. Reasons the penis may become irritated include bacterial infections, skin conditions, yeast infections, fungal infections, and poor hygiene.
If a person is experiencing penis irritation, home remedies may provide some relief, or a pharmacist can suggest OTC treatments. If the irritation becomes very painful, appears with other symptoms, or does not improve with OTC treatment, a person may need to visit their doctor.
Avoiding sexual activity with anyone who has an STI, using mild or unscented soap products, and maintaining good hygiene can help prevent an irritated penis.
What Natural Treatments Work For H. Pylori?
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Some natural treatments, including probiotics and broccoli sprouts, may help reduce the number of H. Pylori bacteria in your stomach. However, eradicating the bacteria typically requires antibiotics.
Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) are bacteria that can cause an infection in the lining of your stomach.
The use of conventional treatments like antibiotics can cause challenging side effects in some people. It's possible to experience nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Some people are resistant to antibiotics, which can complicate traditional approaches to treatment. As a result, interest in natural treatments for H. Pylori infection is growing. These may be used in addition to conventional, prescribed treatments.
Many in vivo and in vitro studies on natural H. Pylori treatments have been done. Most treatments reduced the number of bacteria in the stomach but failed to eradicate them permanently.
Be sure to talk with your doctor before beginning a natural treatment regimen. You shouldn't replace your recommended treatment for H. Pylori with natural remedies.
That said, read on to learn more about H. Pylori and what natural remedies may help treat it.
H. Pylori infections are really common, representing about 50% of bacterial infections in the U.S. It's also common in children and teenagers, although research shows the prevalence has been going slightly down in adults.
H. Pylori infections can be asymptomatic. Many people with H. Pylori don't know they have it. However, this bacteria can cause duodenal and peptic ulcers, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as:
It's also a risk factor for stomach cancer.
Can H. Pylori be treated naturally?Eradication rates of H. Pylori are high when antibiotic treatment is used. Rates are highest when antibiotics are combined with an acid reducer. That said, adding natural treatments may offer additional healing benefits.
With your doctor's approval, you can try natural treatments as adjuvant therapy.
Probiotics help maintain the balance between good and bad gut bacteria. According to a 2020 study, taking probiotics before or after standard H. Pylori treatment may improve eradication rates.
Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria in your stomach, so probiotics help replenish good bacteria. They may also reduce your risk of developing yeast overgrowth.
Learn more: The benefits of probiotics.
Honey has been found to have antibacterial abilities against H. Pylori. A systematic review supports this conclusion.
No research to date has shown that honey can eradicate the bacteria on its own, but it may help inhibit its growth. Raw honey and Manuka honey may have the most antibacterial effects.
Learn more: Everything to Know About the Health Benefits of Honey.
A 2020 review found that licorice root increased the eradication rate of H. Pylori and has an antibacterial effect.
Licorice root may also help prevent H. Pylori from sticking to cell walls and promote ulcer healing. Talk with your doctor before adding licorice root to your treatment plan.
Learn more: What are licorice root's benefits and downsides?
LED blue light therapy might be a way to treat antibiotic-resistant H. Pylori. Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light to help eliminate H. Pylori in the stomach.
A 2020 study found that using blue LED endoscopy enhanced curcumin therapy, resulted in less tissue damage, and reduced the production and activity of H. Pylori.
Learn more: Everything you need to know about phototherapy (light therapy).
Curcumin is an active ingredient found in turmeric, a spice. A 2019 study discussed how curcumin reduced inflammation and prevented H. Pylori from entering and damaging gastric cells.
The antioxidant and antimicrobial action of curcumin led the authors to suggest that adding curcumin to a combination of medications that include antibiotics can be beneficial.
Learn more: 10 health benefits of turmeric and curcumin.
Doctors typically prescribe a combination of two antibiotics and an acid-reducing drug to treat H. Pylori. This is known as triple therapy.
If you're resistant to the antibiotics, your doctors may add another medication to your treatment plan. The goal is to get rid of 90% or more of the H. Pylori bacteria present.
Treatment usually lasts no more than 2 weeks, but recovering from an ulcer due to H. Pylori can take longer. Using two antibiotics instead of one may reduce your risk of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics used to treat H. Pylori include:
Acid-reducing medications help your stomach lining to heal. Some of these are:
Certain vegetables, such as broccoli sprouts, may have a protective mechanism against H. Pylori. Some studies have also found that berries like cranberry may have a similar effect. That said, more research is needed to verify this. In addition, there's also evidence that some foods, such as refined grains and certain fruits, may have a higher association with the infection.
Can activated charcoal cure H. Pylori?Activated charcoal may help stop the growth of H. Pylori. However, the supporting evidence is old and inconclusive.
What probiotic gets rid of H. Pylori?Research suggests that probiotics more likely to help with H. Pylori are bifidobacterium-lactobacillus or bifidobacterium-lactobacillus-saccharomyces.
The source of H. Pylori is unclear. There are no formal recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent it.
In general, you should practice good hygiene by frequently washing your hands and properly preparing your food.
Also, note that doctors seldom test for H. Pylori unless you have symptoms. If you have symptoms, call your doctor for an evaluation.
H. Pylori infection shares symptoms with other stomach conditions, such as acid reflux and GERD. It's important to get the right diagnosis to ensure correct treatment.
You may need to have an endoscopy, a colonoscopy, or both to check for other possible diagnoses.
If you test positive for H. Pylori, the sooner you start treatment, the better. Natural treatments aren't likely to harm you, but they aren't proven to eliminate the infection. Don't use them instead of conventional treatments without your doctor's supervision. If you're diagnosed with H. Pylori, complete your full course of treatment to reduce your risk of recurrence.
Eczema Home Treatment
Home remedies for eczema can be simple or complex. The easiest, most effective treatment is to make changes to avoid or remove whatever is causing the allergic reaction. But try not to expect a quick response. Eczema is easier to control than cure.
Here are some things you can try on your own to ease the irritation of eczema.
Change your laundry detergent or fabric softener. Liquid detergents may be less irritating than powders or tablets. Use an extra rinse cycle when you wash to remove residue.
Put on a cool compress. Holding a clean, damp cloth against skin can ease itching.
Take lukewarm (not hot) showers or baths for no more than 10 or 15 minutes to prevent dry skin. Dry yourself very carefully (pat dry, instead of rubbing hard) and apply moisturizing lotion, cream, oil, or ointment all over your body.
Add colloidal oatmeal to the bath or as a paste on your skin. This finely ground oatmeal helps with itchy, dry skin. Or try a baking soda bath or paste.
A mild solution of bleach and water may ease inflammation and itching, as well as killing the bacteria that can cause skin infections when you have eczema. Add a half-cup of household bleach to a full tub of water, soak for 10 minutes, and rinse. Talk to your doctor before giving this a try because chlorine can cause problems for some people.
Add apple cider vinegar to bath water. Use an amount between 1-2 cups.
Use mild soaps or body cleansers. Look for something that's superfatted (with extra fats) and non-alkaline (with a lower pH level). Watch out for sodium lauryl sulfate, which can irritate skin. Rinse completely to get rid of residue.
Moisturize your skin twice a day. But avoid lotions with fragrances or other irritating ingredients.
Apply coconut oil to damp skin once or twice a day. It may fight the bacteria that can cause skin infections. Check the label to be sure it's "virgin" or "cold-pressed" oil.
Put on sunflower oil twice a day. It helps your skin hold moisture and eases inflammation. But don't use it if you're allergic to sunflower seeds.
Ask your doctor about vitamins or supplements. Some people who have eczema use things like vitamin D, fish oil, zinc, selenium, prebiotics and probiotics, turmeric, and CBD to feel better.
Stay away from wool, mohair, and other irritating fibers. Linen, cotton, and silk are better options. It may help to choose organic fabrics in light colors.
Avoid tight-fitting, rough, or scratchy clothing. Wear soft, loose, breathable clothes.
Try not to scratch the rash. If you can't stop yourself, cover the area with a bandage or dressing. Wear gloves at night to minimize skin damage from scratching.
Limit high-intensity exercise during a flare. Anything that causes sweating can irritate the rash.
Manage physical and mental stress. A balanced diet, light activity, and plenty of sleep will help you stay healthy, which can help prevent flares.
Get a massage. This is another good way to relieve stress. Look for a massage therapist who has experience with eczema or similar skin conditions. Be sure they use oils or lotions that won't irritate your skin.
Look into acupressure. This is similar to acupuncture but uses pressure at certain spots on your body, instead of needles. Some research shows that it can help with the symptoms of eczema.
Use wet wraps to hydrate and calm skin during a severe flare. Dampen clothing or gauze in warm water and wrap it around the affected area. Cover it with a dry layer and loose clothing. You can leave this on for several hours or overnight. Adding apple cider vinegar may help your skin's pH. Try a solution of 1 cup warm water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Check with your doctor first because it can cause a reaction in some people.
Change jobs or move to a new climate. These are extreme solutions, but they're worth considering if eczema is severely affecting your day-to-day life.
If you can't identify or remove the thing that's causing the problem, the next step is to lessen the inflammatory response.
Cool compresses and colloidal oatmeal baths can help many children who have eczema. Parents might also:
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