ITCHING “DOWN THERE?”
An itchy penis can be uncomfortable, and downright embarrassing, if the itch strikes at the wrong moment.
But while awkward genital health issues might be something you’d rather ignore, it’s best to determine the cause of your itchy penis, so you can either seek the right treatment . . .
What Does It Mean if I Have an Itchy Penis?
Penis itching can be a symptom of many conditions which may be caused by skin irritation, infection, sexually transmitted diseases, and allergies.
The itchiness may be localized on the main part of the penis (the shaft); on the glans penis (the penis tip), or all over the penis.
What Additional Symptoms Should Lead to Concern?
- -Excessive Penile discharge
- -Inflammation (red and swollen penis)
- -Pain and soreness
- -Blisters, sores, spots or lumps around your penis
- -Black dots in your underwear
What Conditions Cause Penis Itching?
1. Sexually Transmited Infection (STI)
An infection caused by certain bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infection passed on during sexual activity.
2. Scabies
A transmissible skin disease caused by the ectoparasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis.
3. Pediculosis Pubic
An infestation of the pubic hair with Phthirus pubis.
4. Candidiasis (Candida Balanitis, Balanopostitis)
A fungal infection on the head of the penis, caused by a yeast called Candida.
5. Allergic and Irritant Contact Dermatitis
A group of skin disorders in which the skin reaction is due to direct contact with the causative agent.
6. Psoriasis
A chronic proliferative and inflammatory condition of the skin
7. Lichen Sclerosus
A progressive, sclerosing, inflammatory dermatosis of the glans penis and foreskin.
8. Jock Itch/Tinea Cruris
An specific form of tinea due to a dermatophyte fungus affecting the groin, pubic region, and adjacent thigh.
9. Lichen Planus
An inflammatory disorder of the skin and mucous membranes with no known cause.
How Can Penis Itching be Prevented?
- –Wash the penis well, including the area under the foreskin in uncircumcised men. Use mild soap and rinse well.
- –Wear loose, natural-fiber underwear and clothing. Change underwear twice a day.
- -Keep the genital area dry. Dry off thoroughly after bathing and swimming. Avoid staying in wet clothing for long periods of time.
- –Use mild, unscented laundry detergents to wash your underwear.
- -Avoid unprotected sex, especially if you are worried that you or your partner might have an infection.
- -Avoid close shaves, shave in the direction of hair growth, and apply shaving cream before shaving to soften your skin.
When to See a Doctor?
if a penis itch is severe or doesn’t improve, or if you have accompanying symptoms like discharge, blisters, pain, or a rash, you should consult your doctor who can work with you to make sure you are in optimal health !
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References :
- Garcia MR, Leslie SW, Wray AA. Sexually Transmitted Infections. [Updated 2022 Nov 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
- Dermnet (dermnetnz.org). Candida. (https://dermnetnz.org/topics/candida). Accessed 19/4/23
- Nair PA, Badri T. Psoriasis. [Updated 2022 Apr 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
- Arnold DL, Krishnamurthy K. Lichen Planus. [Updated 2022 Oct 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
- American Academy of Dermatology Associaiton (aad.org). 8 reasons your groin itches and how to get relief. (https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-groin-itch). Accessed 20/4/23
- American Academy of Dermatology Associaiton (aad.org). Hair removal: How to shave (https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-shave). Accessed 20/4/23
- WebMD. Genital Itching. (https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/sexual-health-genital-itching). Accesed 20/4/23
- Penile Itching: Symptoms, Signs, Causes & Treatment. MedicineNet. (2018). Retrieved 14 February 2019, from (https://www.medicinenet.com/penile_itching/symptoms.htm.) Accesed 22/4/23