The burning sensation in the penis usually occurs when there is inflammation of the head of the penis, also known as balanitis. Although in most cases this inflammation only happens due to a small allergic reaction or friction against the fabric of the underwear, there are situations in which this inflammation can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as an infection or a sexually transmitted infection.
However, these situations are accompanied by other symptoms that help alert you that something is not right, such as redness in the penis, bad smell, intense itching, swelling or even the release of pus from the urethra. Furthermore, the burning sensation can also occur only when urinating, for example, and is usually related to a urinary infection.
Main causes of burning in the penis
The main causes of burning in the penis are:
1. Friction in underwear
This is the main reason for the burning sensation in the head of the penis which is not accompanied by other symptoms. This type of change is more common in men with sensitive skin, during the summer, due to the heat in the intimate region, and in those who wear underwear made of synthetic fabrics, such as lycra or viscose, for example.
Although it is very common, it can be one of the most difficult causes to identify, as it is not caused by any specific situation, but only occurs when the skin rubs against the fabric of the underwear.
What to do: To alleviate irritation, you must maintain adequate hygiene in the intimate area, as well as preferring to wear underwear made from natural fabric, such as cotton. Furthermore, sleeping without underwear can also help reduce burning, as it prevents friction with your underwear while sleeping.
Don’t ignore your symptoms!
In the case of an allergic reaction, the burning sensation usually appears after using some type of product in the intimate area, which can range from a shower gel that was used directly on the penis, to some type of moisturizing cream that may have been applied to the area in question. return.
Additionally, wearing underwear with synthetic fabric can also result in an allergy, causing similar symptoms.
What to do: you should wash the penis with warm water and, if possible, use a soap suitable for the intimate area. Additionally, it is also recommended to wear underwear made from natural fabrics, such as cotton.
3. Friction during masturbation or sexual intercourse
Although it is very similar to friction in underwear, in this case, the burning sensation appears after masturbation or intimate contact without adequate lubrication and can affect almost all men.
In addition to the burning sensation, this type of friction can leave the penis very red and sore, especially in the glans region. As it presents more symptoms than burning, this type of cause can be confused with a more serious problem, such as a sexually transmitted infection.
What to do: Ideally, lubrication should always be used during sexual contact or masturbation, especially if a condom is not used. However, if there is already a friction burn, you should maintain adequate hygiene of the penis and consult a urologist if the sensation does not improve within 3 days or if a sexual disease is suspected.
4. Sexually transmitted infections
A burning or stinging sensation in the penis is one of the most common symptoms of any sexually transmitted infection, such as herpes, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea or chlamydia, for example.
However, in addition to burning, it is common for other symptoms to appear, such as pus, the presence of wounds or very intense redness. These types of infections are more common in men who have more than one sexual partner and who do not use condoms. Understand better how to identify a sexually transmitted infection.
What to do: Whenever there is a suspicion of having a sexually transmitted infection, it is very important to consult a urologist to make the diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment, as depending on the type of infection, it is necessary to use different medications and doses.
5. Candidiasis
Candidiasis consists of the excessive development of fungi in the penis. Although this is a less common situation in men, it can happen when there is poor hygiene in the intimate area or when you have unprotected intimate contact with another person with a yeast infection.
In addition to burning, other symptoms of candidiasis include intense redness of the head of the penis, pus discharge, constant itching and even the presence of small white plaques on the head of the penis. See how to identify a case of candidiasis in men and how the treatment is carried out.
What to do: If candidiasis is suspected, it is important to consult a urologist to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment with an anti-fungal, usually Fluconazole, to eliminate the fungus and alleviate symptoms. During a candidiasis crisis, it is also important to keep the intimate area dry and washed, as well as avoiding excessive sugar consumption.
6. Urinary tract infection
A urinary tract infection is usually easy to identify, as it presents very specific symptoms, such as burning when urinating, a feeling of heaviness in the bladder and a frequent urge to urinate, for example.
Although the burning sensation usually appears associated with the urge to urinate, some men may also feel a constant burning sensation in the penis, especially in the urethra.
What to do: urinary tract infection needs to be treated with an antibiotic. Therefore, if there is suspicion, it is important to consult a urologist to begin appropriate treatment. Furthermore, it is important to take other precautions such as drinking plenty of water and maintaining adequate hygiene in the intimate area. See more about how to treat and even prevent a urinary infection.
7. Eczema or psoriasis
Some skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis, can cause dryness of the skin on the penis, causing burning, itching, skin blisters and swelling, for example.
What to do: Treatment must be indicated by a urologist or dermatologist, as corticosteroid or immunosuppressant creams are generally indicated. Furthermore, it is also important to avoid bathing in very hot water, dry your skin well after bathing and avoid scratching the affected area.
