Clinical study of the effectiveness of the "water of the 3 sulfates" on balanitis and balanoposthitis.

OBJECTIVES: Despite scientific literature mentions the application of "water of the 3 sulfates" (copper sulphate, zinc sulphate and alum) as a treatment for acute balanitis and balanoposthitis, no clinical trials evaluating its efficacy have been found. In our study we evaluate the efficacy of this solution in acute balanitis and balanoposthitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A double-blind randomized study was designed to compare the efficacy of "water of the 3 sulfates" (intervention) with saline solution (control) in 50 patients (30 patients and 20 patients, respectively) who suffer from acute balanitis or balanoposthitis. Exudate, erythema, oedema, burning, and itching were the clinical parameters assessed.

RESULTS: for all clinical parameters assessed, the outcomes obtained with "water of the 3 sulfates" are higher than control, although significant differences only have been found for exudate.

CONCLUSIONS: in our study, the "water of the 3 sulfates" is significantly more effective than saline solution for removing exudates in acute balanitis and balanoposthitis. Tolerability was excellent in both treatments.