Evidence-based homoeopathy: A case of acute paraphimosis with balanitis

Abstract

Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin of the uncircumcised or partially circumcised male is retracted behind the glans penis, develops venous and lymphatic congestion and cannot be returned to its normal position. This urological emergency impedes blood flow to the glans penis with potential for permanent damage and gangrene. In infants and young children, paraphimosis usually results from self-manipulation by the child or inappropriate retraction of the foreskin by the caretaker in misguided attempts at cleaning. In the sexually active adolescent or adult male, intercourse is a potential precipitant. Iatrogenic paraphimosis follows cystoscopy or bladder catheterisation if the foreskin is not pulled back over the glans penis by the medical provider. This surgical intervention can be avoided through homoeopathic treatment. A case of paraphimosis with balanitis of an adolescent treated with homoeopathy is reported here. This case shows the usefulness of homoeopathic medicines, Apis mellifica, Rhus toxicodendron, Cinnabaris and Mercurius solubilis, in not only giving symptomatic relief to the patient but also restoring the foreskin completely to its normal position.