Itching in the intimate region, especially in the scrotum, is a relatively common symptom and, in most cases, is not related to any health problem, appearing only due to the presence of sweat and friction in the region throughout the day.
However, when this itching is very intense and leads to the appearance of small wounds, for example, it could be a first sign of a more serious problem, such as an infection or inflammation of the skin.
Therefore, when the symptom does not disappear quickly, it is best to consult a urologist or dermatologist before using any type of ointment or treatment, to identify whether there really is a problem and start the most appropriate treatment.
Main causes
The main causes of itchy scrotum are:
1. Excessive sweating
Excess sweat in the intimate region is the main cause of itching in the scrotum and this is why this symptom occurs especially at the end of the day or when exercising.
Therefore, poor hygiene can also be an important cause of itching, as there is a greater accumulation of sweat over time. Furthermore, if poor hygiene continues, infections may even appear in the region, especially fungi, as these multiply very quickly in hot and humid places.
What to do: you should always try to maintain adequate body hygiene, taking a shower once a day and always after intense physical exercise that causes sweat production. Generally, the itching sensation disappears after taking a shower.
Don’t ignore your symptoms!
2. Constant friction
In addition to excess sweat, the presence of constant friction in the intimate area is also one of the main causes of the itching sensation. This problem is more common in cycling or running athletes, as they can spend several hours making repeated movements with their legs, which end up causing friction on the scrotum.
What to do: The ideal is to try to avoid repeated movements of the legs for a long time, so as not to cause friction. However, if this is not possible, some tips can be adopted to avoid discomfort, such as using a genital protector, wearing cotton underwear and always carrying out adequate hygiene at the end of the exercise.
3. Intimate waxing
Men who regularly undergo intimate waxing may also experience itching in the scrotum, especially 2 to 3 days after waxing, as the moment the hair starts to grow and crosses the skin barrier, it can cause a slight discomfort similar to itching.
Although this sensation disappears after the first few waxes, it can also persist for longer, depending on each person’s sensitivity.
What to do: a good way to facilitate hair growth and reduce the itching sensation is to shave in the direction of the hair, using a razor and keep the skin well hydrated by applying a moisturizing cream. See how to properly perform intimate waxing.
4. Yeast infection
The main fungal infection in the intimate region is known as Ringworm of the leg and it happens when there is heat and excess humidity in the region for several hours, leading to the excessive development of fungi. This is why this infection is more common in men who do not shower immediately after exercising or who wear underwear made of synthetic material, which does not allow the skin to breathe.
In these cases, in addition to itching, small, rounded red spots may also appear on the skin.
What to do: in most cases, proper hygiene of the intimate area completely eliminates the infection and alleviates the symptoms. However, it is also recommended to wear cotton underwear or other natural material, which allows the skin to breathe and prevents the development of fungi. In more serious cases, it may be necessary to consult a doctor to start treatment with an antifungal ointment, such as clotrimazole, for example, and sometimes, combined treatment with ointment and tablets.
5. Allergic reaction
Just like any other part of the skin, the scrotum can also become slightly inflamed due to an allergy. The most common thing is that this allergy occurs due to the use of underwear made of synthetic material, such as polyester or elastane, but it can also be due to the use of some type of soap that contains scent or another type of chemical in its composition.
What to do: to avoid an allergy in this region, you should always choose to wear 100% cotton underwear. However, if the symptom does not disappear, you can try changing your soap, there are even soaps suitable for the intimate area, which do not contain chemicals or substances that are potentially irritating to the skin. In more serious cases, it may be necessary to consult a doctor to start using a corticosteroid ointment, such as hydrocortisone, for example.
6. Pubic lice or lice
There is a type of lice that can develop in the hair in the intimate area of men and women, causing intense itching in the area, as well as redness. Although at the beginning of the infestation it is not possible to observe the parasites, over time the number of lice increases, making it possible to observe small black dots that move in the hair.
Transmission of this type of lice occurs mainly through intimate contact and is therefore often considered a sexually transmitted disease.
What to do: you should remove lice with a fine comb after bathing and use an antiparasitic spray or lotion recommended by your dermatologist. See more about this problem and how to treat it.
7. Sexually transmitted infections
Although it is a rarer symptom, itching in the scrotum can also indicate the presence of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), mainly herpes or HPV. Normally, these infections are more common after having unprotected sex and, therefore, if the symptom persists, you should consult a urologist.
What to do: whenever you suspect a sexually transmitted disease, you should consult a urologist to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment, preventing the disease from worsening. To avoid this type of disease, you should always use a condom, especially if you have a new partner. Find out more about the main STIs and how they are treated.
8. Genital psoriasis
Genital psoriasis is a condition that can occur in men with regular psoriasis, with local itching, red spots on the scrotum and shiny, tight skin. The cause of genital psoriasis is not fully known, but appears to be related to family history, obesity, stress, regular alcohol consumption and smoking. Learn more about genital psoriasis.
What to do: in the presence of signs and symptoms of genital psoriasis, it is important that the doctor is consulted so that the diagnosis can be confirmed and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated. The doctor may recommend the use of topical corticosteroids or ointments with vitamin D. In some cases, the use of systemic medications, such as methotrexate, or biological therapy may also be indicated.
