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.

Penis itch questionnaire

Use our free symptom checker to find out what's causing your itch.

Penis itch symptom checker

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
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 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.

Penis itch questionnaire

Use our free symptom checker to find out what's causing your itch.

Penis itch symptom checker

Non-sexually transmitted causes

Penis itch may occur due to non-sexually transmitted causes, such as the following.

Dermatologic: Dermatologic causes involve any condition involving 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 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.

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 chaffing.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: penis itch, penile redness

Symptoms that never occur with penile irritation: fever, painful urination, testicle pain

Urgency: Self-treatment

Urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infections are usually caused by infections by fecal bacteria.

Symptoms of urinary tract infections include pain with urination (dysuria), ...

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

Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is chronic skin condition in which a person forms patches of white, wrinkly, thin skin, often described as being like "cigarette paper." Most people with this condition will experience it on their anus and genital regions, and some will experience it on other parts of their body.

The primary symptom of lichen sclerosus is the presence of skin changes as well as bruising, bleeding, inflammation, itching and pain in the affected areas.

The condition slowly progresses over time without treatment. Lichen sclerosus is benign but can cause significant discomfort and disfigurement. Treatment options include topical and oral medications, phototherapy, and circumcision in men to remove damaged skin.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Penis itch questionnaire

Use our free symptom checker to find out what's causing your itch.

Penis itch symptom checker

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 to reduce your risk of irritation.
Use lubrication and condoms during sexual activity: These measures protect you from irritation and sexually transmitted infections.
Wear breathable clothing around the genital area: Such as cotton or bamboo. Maintain proper hygiene to keep your genital area clean.

When it is an emergency

Seek immediate medical care if you experience the following.

You notice drainage or discharge from your penis
You have a fever
You have back pain: Or pain in your side (flank pain)

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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Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH.

Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP...

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