Penis irritation and itchiness could look like a rash, red bumps, or blisters on the penis. An itchy penis is most commonly caused by skin infections, chemicals used in hygiene products, or a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease. Read below for more information on related symptoms, other causes, and treatment options.
6 most common cause(s)
Symptoms of genital itching in men
Itching of the genital area can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition. Fortunately, most cases of penile itching are benign and treatable.
Common accompanying symptoms of penile itch
If you're experiencing penile itching, it's likely to also experience:
- Swelling
- Painful sex
- Penile redness: Or rash on the skin
- Dry or peeling skin on the head (glans) or shaft of the penis
- Itchy or painful foreskin (also called "balanitis")
- Bumps or blisters on the skin
- Painful urination: Known as dysuria
- Increased frequency or urge to urinate
- Genital discharge
- Itching that involves other parts of the body: Such as the pubic area, buttocks, scrotum, and inner thigh
Causes of an itchy penis
Itching is the result of inflammation and is commonly due to rashes from infections, dermatologic skin conditions, and environmental exposures. Many of these rashes are due to sexually transmitted infections, but there are also conditions that are not sexually transmitted. The following details may help you better understand your symptoms and if and when you need to see a physician.
Sexually transmitted causes
Causes of an itchy penis related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) include the following.
- Bacterial: Many types of outside bacteria can enter the body easily via the urinary tract, including sexually transmitted bacteria such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. Bacterial infections are often the main cause of penile itching and associated symptoms.
- Viral: Sexually transmitted viral infections, such as herpes, can cause penile itching as well as many associated symptoms such as blistering and painful penis bumps. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a viral infection and results in itchy genital warts.
- Other: Organisms such as lice and mites that like to invade dark areas of moisture (the genital area) can also cause intense symptoms of itching. Such organisms require direct skin contact with another infected person and, as a result, can be transmitted during unprotected sexual intercourse.
Non-sexually transmitted causes
Penis itch may occur due to non-sexually transmitted causes, such as the following.
- Dermatologic: Dermatologic causes such as psoriasis, eczema, and fungal infections can involve any part of the skin, nails, and hair. Many non-sexually transmitted bacteria and fungi can infect the skin and cause itchy rashes. Fungal infections affect the skin and can cause rashes that result in intense itching and discomfort. Candida fungi (the same ones that cause a yeast infection) are common on the skin and can overgrow in the genital area, causing itching.
- Irritation: Scented soaps, lotions, toiletries, and other body products can irritate the genital tissue and cause itchy, dry skin.
- Environmental: Keep in mind that not all causes of penile itching are related to a medical condition. Environmental exposures such as sweat, poor hygiene, and even uncomfortable underwear can irritate the penis and cause symptoms.
This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have.
Urinary tract infection
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, can involve any or all parts of the urinary system but most often affects the bladder and urethra.
Bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract – especially Escherichia coli (E. coli) – are the most common cause of UTIs. These bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. Sexual activity can do this, but a UTI is not considered a sexually transmitted disease.
Women are more at risk for UTI than men. Due to female anatomy, the urethral opening is a short distance from the anus. Anyone who uses catheters to urinate is also prone to UTIs.
Common symptoms of less-serious UTIs include lower abdominal discomfort and pressure; burning or discomfort on urination; and cloudy or discolored urine.
Left untreated, the infection could spread to the kidneys and cause a medical emergency.
Diagnosis is made by having the patient describe the symptoms and by testing a urine sample for bacteria.
UTIs are caused by bacteria and so can be treated with antibiotics.
Prevention involves good hygiene and drinking plenty of water.
Scabies
Scabies is a rash caused by the microscopic human itch mite. It burrows into the top layer of skin to feed and causes severe itching and irritation.
The mite spreads through direct contact or through infested bedding or furniture. It can infect anyone, though most susceptible are:
- Children.
- Sexually active young adults.
- Anyone with a weakened immune system.
- Patients in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
Symptoms include intense itching, especially at night, and a rash of tiny red bumps. Scratching may cause the rash to form sores, scales, or crusts. The rash most often forms between the fingers, in the folds of the wrists and elbows, and any place normally covered by clothing.
It is important to get treatment because the scratching can cause an infection in the skin. In children, mites can cover nearly the entire body.
Diagnosis is made through physical examination and skin test.
Treatment involves a prescription for skin cream. Everyone who has come into contact with the affected person must be treated, even if they show no symptoms.
Rarity: Rare
Top Symptoms: vaginal itch or burning, vulvovaginal redness, feeling itchy or tingling all over, butt itch, elbow itch
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Penile irritation
Irritation of the penis is common and can come from a number of benign causes. Common causes include cleaning with a new kind of soap, cleaning too much, or chafing.
You should only clean your penis very lightly with a damp cloth. Do not use soap or scrub very hard. You should not wear tight underwear or pants until symptoms resolve. Petroleum jelly can help with irritation, but avoid lotions or cremes, as the perfumes and other chemicals in them can worsen irritation.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: penis itch, penile redness
Symptoms that never occur with penile irritation: fever, painful urination, testicle pain
Urgency: Self-treatment
Lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a rare skin condition that can occur on any part of the body but usually affects the vulva, penis, and anus.
The cause is unknown. It may be an autoimmune disease linked to a hormone imbalance and may start with skin that was previously damaged.
Lichen sclerosus is not contagious and is not considered an STD (sexually transmitted disease.)
Most susceptible are children; women after menopause; and uncircumcised men.
Symptoms include thin, fragile skin with patches of white. There may be pain and severe itching, sometimes with bruising, bleeding, and ulceration.
It is important to seek treatment from a medical provider, because lichen sclerosus has been associated with skin cancer. It can also make sexual intercourse very painful for both men and women.
Diagnosis is made through physical examination and skin biopsy.
In children, symptoms often improve at puberty. For mild cases in adults, no treatment is necessary. But if the condition interferes with quality of life, corticosteroid creams can be tried. In some cases, circumcision is recommended for male patients.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: vaginal itch or burning, vaginal pain, painful sex, dry skin on the outside of the vagina, painful urination
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Jock itch (tinea cruris)
Tinea cruris is a common fungal infection of the skin in the groin area. It can cause ring-shaped redness, and sometimes itching or pain.
Over-the-counter antifungal ointments should be enough to clear up the infection. Apply directly to the rash and the surrounding skin. Try to keep the area as dry as possible.
Rarity: Uncommon
Top Symptoms: groin redness, groin itch, scabbed area of the groin, rash, itchy rash
Symptoms that always occur with jock itch (tinea cruris): groin redness
Urgency: Self-treatment
Genital warts
Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is caused by infection by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). While it cannot be cured, treatment may help.
Genital warts often resolve on their own within a few weeks, but you should see a physician to determine the best course of action. Some topical treatments are effective, while other warts require surgery, depending on the size and location.
Rarity: Uncommon
Top Symptoms: small groin lump, skin-colored groin bump, marble sized groin lump, painless groin lump, scaly groin bump
Symptoms that always occur with genital warts: scaly groin bump
Urgency: Primary care doctor
How and when to get treated for an itchy penis
When to see a doctor
See a physician for a penis itch that continues or worsens. To better understand the cause, your physician may complete the following.
- Test your urine to see if you have an infection
- Swab the penis: This swab collects skin cells and can determine if bacteria, yeast, or other organisms are causing inflammation.
- Prescribe antibiotics: Take the antibiotics as instructed.
- Prescribe topical steroid cream: If your itching is due to a dermatologic condition, your doctor may prescribe a topical steroid cream to reduce the inflammation and skin changes.
- Prescribe anti-fungal medication or cream: Similar to antibiotics that treat bacteria, antifungals treat fungal causes of penis itch.
Prevention
Keep the following practices in mind.
- Use mild hygiene products: Limit the use of any scented bath and body products (like creams and other types of substances) to reduce your risk of irritation.
- Use lubrication and condoms during sexual activity: These measures protect you from irritation from friction and sexually transmitted infections (STIs a.k.a STDs). Beware of latex allergies and switch the condom material type if you suspect an allergy.
- Wear breathable clothing around the genital area: Such as cotton or bamboo. Maintain proper hygiene to keep your genital area clean.
Here are some over-the-counter options that may help alleviate your symptoms
Antifungal Creams: For fungal infections like jock itch, which can cause an itchy rash in the groin area, antifungal creams can be effective. Consider products like clotrimazole or miconazole.
Hydrocortisone Cream: This can help reduce itching and inflammation if the cause is dermatitis or mild skin irritation.
Moisturizers: If dry skin is causing itchiness, a fragrance-free moisturizer can be helpful.
When it is an emergency
Seek immediate medical care if you experience the following.
Questions your doctor may ask about penis itch
- Do you notice anything going on with your penis?
- Do you feel pain when you urinate?
- Do you notice anything going on with your testicles or scrotum?
- Have you noticed any changes in the color of your urine recently?
Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions.
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