Penile Itching
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Penile Itching
There are many things that cause an itch in the penile region. Furthermore the itch can be experienced at different parts of the penis, from the opening of the urine hole (urethra), to the foreskin area, to the head of the penis, up to the shaft and even at the scrotal area.
This penile itch can take place during urination or simply at rest , when nothing is done. What is more important is whether the itch settles on its own or whether it continues to persist.
For persistent penile itches, this warrants a checkup with a medical professional rather than just using over the counter creams. In fact over the counter treatments or home remedies can mask a bigger problem such as a STD causing urethritis (inflammation of the tube where urine passes through)
A Urine STD test and a full urine STD test at DTAP express reveals if one has picked up any urinary STDs such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, and lesser known ones such as Mycoplasma Hominis and Ureaplasma Urealyticum.
Besides urine STDs, the other thing is infections that can hide in and around the foreskin. These are the yeast infections, gardnerella and even urine bacteria. These may be hygiene related or sexually transmitted including via oral sex with or without condom usage. Having an accurate test will allow for the right treatment to be given and the Full Urine STD test will pick this up.
If the cause of the infections are because of a long foreskin or conditions such as balanitis, a doctor’s review at DTAP clinic would be useful to obtain the best treatment, including the option of circumcision (sutureless, no downtime) at DTAP clinic.
Ultimately a persistent penile itch is not normal, especially one that is concentrated in and around the foreskin. It can be a combination of hygiene germs or even sexually transmitted germs.
Causes of penis itching
Balanitis
Balanitis is inflammation of the glands of the penis. Other symptoms include soreness, itchiness, redness, and swelling. Some men also experience painful urination.
Candidiasis (male thrush)
Also known as a male yeast infection, candidiasis can develop on the head of the penis. Along with itching under the foreskin and the tip of the penis, this condition can cause burning, redness, a rash, and cottage cheese-like discharge under the foreskin.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), can trigger pain and itching in the genital area and on the penis. The virus can lie dormant in the body for years, so some people infected with HSV don’t know. Along with itching, an outbreak can produce tiny clusters of fluid-filled blisters.
Genital warts
These small bumps are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease. Genital warts are flesh-colored, resemble cauliflower, and can sometimes itch and bleed during intercourse.
Ingrown hair
An ingrown hair at the base of the penis can itch and produce a soft bump or a painful blister.
Lichen planus and psoriasis
Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that affects the hair, nails, and skin, including the penis. It can cause itchy, flat-topped bumps or blisters.
Psoriasis is another chronic skin condition that can affect the penis. Skin cells develop too quickly with this condition, resulting in the accumulation of skin cells on the skin’s surface. This causes itchy, red patches of scaly skin.
Lichen nitidus
Lichen nitidus is inflammation of the skin cells that causes tiny bumps on different parts of the body, including the penis. Bumps are normally flat-topped, pin-sized, and flesh-colored.
Scabies
Scabies is a condition where tiny mites burrow underneath the skin’s surface. These mites tend to burrow in the folds of the skin, but can also burrow in the skin around the penis and male genital area.
Scabies causes an intense itch, and you may notice tiny burrow tracks on your penis.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a rash that may develop on your penis if you come in contact with an allergen. This can include soaps, fragrances, and fabric. Along with itching, contact dermatitis can cause dry skin, a red genital rash, and tiny bumps.
Urethritis
This is inflammation of the tube (urethra) that carries urine from the bladder to the outside the body. Other symptoms of urethritis include frequent urination, difficulty urinating, and blood in the semen.
Test & Treat (Express Treatment for PULSE clients)
If left untreated, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea or NSU can cause further health complications such as pain and swelling in the testes or prostate, fertility issues in males and females and even organ damage.
If your partner has been diagnosed with an STI or STD, PULSExpress offers rapid testing and expedited treatment for you and your partner. Speak to our doctors at PULSE Clinics for Men’s Health related issues.
Learn more about our STD testing & HIV testing in our Self STD Testing Clinic
Get tested today. We accept both walk-in and appointment booking!
Medical treatments for penis itching
You may need an over-the-counter or prescription topical cream if home remedies aren’t effective. The type of medication depends on the underlying cause of penile itching.
Options include:
- antibiotic (relieves an infection caused by bacteria on the skin)
- steroid creams and hydrocortisone (relieves skin itching, redness, and inflammation)
- antifungal medication (eliminates fungal infections, including yeast infections)
- antihistamine (relieves skin irritation caused by allergies)
When to see a doctor?
Some causes of penis itch don’t require you seeing a doctor. For example, an ingrown hair will heal on its own in about a week. Likewise, itching, redness, and inflammation from contact dermatitis may go away once you’re no longer exposed to the allergen or irritant.
Some conditions, however, may not go away without treatment.
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.
A doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of penis itch after examining your skin. Or, they may swab your penis and send the sample to a lab. This can confirm or rule out a virus, bacteria, and fungal infections.
Preventing penis itching
Avoid substances that cause irritation if you have contact dermatitis. This includes scented and perfumed soaps, and certain fabrics or materials.
Practicing good hygiene can also reduce itching. Bathe or shower daily and thoroughly rinse soap from your private area. Make sure you clean underneath your foreskin to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria, which can cause irritation and itching.
It’s also important to completely dry your body after bathing. Moisture can encourage the growth of yeast.
If you have a history of ingrown hairs, avoid close shaves, shave in the direction of hair growth, and apply shaving cream before shaving to soften your skin.
Also, wear loose-fitting underwear. Tight underwear can cause friction and a skin rash.
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