Many factors can cause itching in the penile area, which may occur in various parts of the penis, including the urethral opening, foreskin, glans, shaft, and even the scrotum.

This itching can happen during urination or even at rest, and it's important to note whether the itch resolves on its own or persists.

For persistent itching, it's advisable to consult a medical professional rather than relying solely on over-the-counter creams. These treatments can mask underlying issues, such as an STD that may cause urethritis (inflammation of the urethra).

A urine STD test and a comprehensive urine STD screening at DTAP Express can determine if you have contracted any urinary STDs, including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and less common ones like Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum.

In addition to urinary STDs, infections that can reside in and around the foreskin include yeast infections, Gardnerella, and urinary bacteria. These may arise from hygiene issues or be sexually transmitted, including through oral sex with or without condom use. Accurate testing is essential for effective treatment, and the full urine STD test will help identify these conditions.

If the infections are related to a long foreskin or conditions like balanitis, a doctor's consultation at the DTAP clinic can provide the best treatment options, including circumcision (sutureless, no downtime) if necessary.

Ultimately, persistent penile itching, particularly around the foreskin, is not normal and may indicate a combination of hygiene-related issues or sexually transmitted infections.

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.