Penis itching is a symptom that occurs when inflammation of the head of the penis appears, scientifically called balanitis.
This inflammation, in most cases, is caused by an allergy to the penis, lack of hygiene or constant humidity in the intimate area. However, it can also be a sign of more serious problems such as fungal infections, skin problems or sexually transmitted diseases, for example.
Therefore, when itching lasts more than 1 week or does not improve with correct hygiene of the intimate area, it is important to consult a urologist to identify the problem and begin appropriate treatment.
What could be your itchy penis?
To find out what could be causing your itchy penis, please answer the following questions:
This tool should only be used to identify the possible cause of itchy penis. Therefore, it should not replace consultation with a doctor, who is responsible for confirming the diagnosis and recommending appropriate treatment.
Main causes
Some of the main causes of itchy penis include:
1. Allergy
Allergy is one of the most common and least serious causes of itchy penis, which can arise through direct contact with some types of soap, condoms or even some item of clothing, especially if it is made of synthetic fabric instead of cotton, causing the appearance of small balls on the glans that are itchy and pink in color.
How to deal with: It is important to try to identify what is causing the allergy to avoid contact with this substance. Therefore, it is important to always try to wear cotton underwear and use soaps suitable for the intimate area. Furthermore, if you suspect an allergy to latex, you should avoid using condoms containing this material.
Don’t ignore your symptoms!
Lack of hygiene favors the accumulation of dirt under the skin of the glans and, therefore, there is an increased risk of excessive development of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that cause inflammation of the penis, resulting in itching.
This type of problem is more common in uncircumcised men, but it can happen in any case.
How to deal with: It is important to wash the intimate area at least once a day as it is a part of the body that sweats a lot during the day and accumulates a lot of dead skin cells. To wash the area correctly, it is recommended to retract the foreskin to remove any accumulated dirt.
3. Psoriasis
Men who suffer from psoriasis on any part of their body have a high risk of also having psoriasis on their penis. However, this problem does not always manifest itself as a red spot on the penis, and can only affect the glans glands, which causes an intense itching sensation and the presence of bright red or pink plaques, which can come off easily. .
How to deal with: the ideal is to always keep the area well washed to avoid skin irritation, giving preference to cold water. Additionally, home remedies, such as applying a compress dipped in cold chamomile tea, can also alleviate symptoms. Discover other home remedies to treat psoriasis.
4. Candidiasis
Although it is more common in women, candidiasis is also one of the main causes of itching in men’s intimate areas and occurs due to excessive accumulation of the fungus. Candida albicans in the glans. In addition to itching in the genital region, it is possible to notice the appearance of red and/or white plaques on the penis, dry skin and the presence of white secretion.
This fungal growth is almost always caused by a lack of proper penile hygiene, but it can also be a sign of diabetes or autoimmune diseases, such as HIV infection, for example. Find out the main causes of candidiasis in men.
How to deal with: most of the time, treatment involves applying an antifungal ointment, such as miconazole or clotrimazole, for around 7 days. However, it may also be recommended to take oral medication and make some changes to your diet, such as reducing the amount of sugar and carbohydrates. Find out more about treating this problem.
5. Pubic lice
This type of louse causes skin irritation in the intimate area that results in a constant itching sensation on the penis. Pubic lice can be transmitted through intimate contact or through sharing towels, sheets, underwear or other objects that come into direct contact with the intimate area.
How to deal with: the best way to eliminate pubic lice is to shave your pubic hair, as the lice attach themselves to the hair and not the skin. However, there is also the option of carrying out the treatment with specific sprays and lotions, such as malathion or permethrin cream, which can be prescribed by the dermatologist. See how to treat pubic lice.
6. HPV
One of the most common symptoms of HPV is the appearance of warts in the intimate area, however, more general symptoms may appear, such as itching or redness on the penis.
HPV is transmitted through unprotected intimate contact, but its symptoms may not appear, and the infection ends up disappearing without treatment. However, in some cases genital warts may appear several months to 2 years after infection with the virus. For this reason, many men who have the virus may not know they are infected.
How to deal with: There is no specific treatment to cure HPV, as the body needs to eliminate the virus on its own, which can take a few years. However, to stop transmission and self-infection, it is important to remove the lesions through electrocauterization, cryotherapy or some ointments/gel. Find out everything about HPV treatment.
7. Chlamydia
Although almost all sexually transmitted diseases can cause itching and discomfort in the penis, chlamydia most often presents with itching as an early sign, in addition to urethral discharge.
Therefore, men who have unprotected sex, whether vaginal, anal or oral, should be tested for STDs regularly, in order to identify whether they are infected and begin treatment.
How to deal with: you must take an antibiotic prescribed by your urologist, usually azithromycin or doxycycline. It is recommended that the partner also undergoes the treatment. See other remedies that can be used to treat chlamydia.
8. Lichen nitidus
Lichen nitidus is a chronic inflammation of the skin that can affect the genital region, folds, abdomen and chest, causing the appearance of skin-colored or pinkish bumps that can itch, in some cases.
How to deal with: In general, lichen nitidus balls disappear after a few months. However, the doctor may recommend treatment with topical or oral corticosteroids if there are symptoms or aesthetic discomfort.
