Itchiness in your penis can be caused by different types of inflammation or infection, including genital herpes, penile thrush, eczema, or ingrown hair. A doctor can help you find the cause.
Penile itching can affect any part of your penis, including the glans (head), foreskin, shaft, or scrotum. The itchiness can affect the whole penis or just one part, known as localized itchiness.
In many cases, penile itching isn’t serious and can go away on its own.
But sometimes an itchy penis can be a symptom of a condition that may require medical treatment, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Keep reading to learn more about the possible causes of penile itching, as well as tips for relief.
Here are several conditions that may cause an itchy penis.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is an STI caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
It can trigger symptoms like itching and pain on the penis, as well as clusters of fluid-filled blisters that can appear around the genitals and anus.
Lichen nitidus
Lichen nitidus is inflammation of the skin cells that causes tiny bumps on different parts of the body, including the penis. The bumps are normally flat-topped, pin-sized, and flesh-colored.
The condition usually causes no symptoms. However, the most common symptom is itchiness, which is usually mild.
Candidiasis (yeast infection)
Candidiasis, also known as thrush or yeast infection, can develop on the head of the penis. Along with itching under the foreskin and the tip of the penis, this condition may cause:
- a burning sensation
- skin redness or other color changes
- a rash
- cottage cheese-like discharge under the foreskin
Genital warts
Genital warts are small bumps caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), an STI. Genital warts are flesh-colored, resemble cauliflower, and can sometimes itch and bleed during intercourse.
Lichen planus
Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that affects the hair, nails, and skin, including the penis. It may cause itchy, flat-topped bumps or blisters.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that occurs when skin cells develop too quickly, resulting in the accumulation of skin cells on the skin’s surface. This causes thick, raised, itchy, and discolored patches of scaly skin.
Research suggests that up to
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,
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 into contact with an allergen or irritant, such as certain soaps, fragrances, and fabrics.
Along with itching, contact dermatitis may cause dry skin, a genital rash, and tiny bumps.
Balanitis
Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis. Other symptoms may
- soreness
- itchiness
- skin redness or other color changes
- swelling
- pain during urination
Urethritis
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra (penile tube) that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. You may
- burning, stinging, or pain during urination
- penile discharge
- testicular pain
- blood in urine or semen
Other genital itches
Not every itch in the genital area occurs on the penis. Conditions that may cause itching in this area include:
Consult your healthcare team if you experience itching or other symptoms in your genital area.
Depending on the specific cause, your doctor may recommend different treatments for itching on the penis. This below table offers a look at some of those possible treatments.
Always make sure to consult your doctor for any penis-area itching or related symptoms in that part of your body.
| Cause | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Contact dermatitis | Avoid the irritant or allergen and change soap, laundry detergent, clothing material, or using latex-free condoms during sex. A cold compress may also help soothe itching. |
| Genital herpes | Symptoms often go away on their own. A doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to be taken orally to help manage symptoms. |
| Lichen nitidus | Usually heals without treatment. Itch management may include: corticosteroids, antihistamines, topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, light therapy. |
| Genital warts | Often go away on their own within 6 months. A doctor may recommend topical or oral medications, cryosurgery (freezing), or surgical removal. |
| Yeast infection | Possible topical over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medication or prescription oral antifungal to treat penile thrush. |
| Lichen planus | topical treatments, such as steroids, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus, and pimecrolimus; steroid injections |
| Psoriasis | Topical corticosteroids, topical nonsteroids, such as tar cream, calcineurin inhibitors, or vitamin D analogues; oral medications, such as methotrexate; or biologics |
| Scabies | Prescription medical treatment, such as topical treatments like permethrin and crotamiton. They may |
| Balanitis | Clean penis regularly with mild soap and warm water. A doctor may |
| Penile urethritis | May improve on its own, but a doctor may prescribe antibiotics for an infection. |
Several home remedies may help soothe an itch and reduce inflammation. These may include:
- applying a cold compress for 5 to 15 minutes on the affected area
- taking a bath with colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts, or baking soda
- applying a 1-to-1 part mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to the affected area
However, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before trying any of these.
The skin on the penis is thinner than on other parts of the body, so it’s much more sensitive. This means that some home remedies which may be used on other bodyparts may further irritate the penis or lead to complications.
When to seek medical care
Some causes of penis itch don’t require you seeing a doctor. For example, itching, skin discoloration, and inflammation from contact dermatitis may go away once you’re no longer exposed to the allergen or irritant.
However, certain conditions may not go away without treatment.
Consult a doctor if your penis itch is severe or doesn’t improve, or if you have accompanying symptoms like penile discharge, blisters, pain, or a rash.
A doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of penis itch after examining your skin. They may also swab your penis and send the sample to a lab, which can confirm or rule out a virus, bacteria, or fungal infection.
The best way to prevent an itchy penis is to maintain proper penile hygiene by regularly washing the genital area with a mild soap. Make sure you clean underneath your foreskin to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria, which can cause irritation and itching.
It’s also important to completely dry your body after bathing by patting — not rubbing — your genital area. Moisture can encourage the growth of yeast.
Other prevention tips include:
- avoiding irritants, such as scented soaps and detergents, and certain fabrics or materials
- wearing a clean pair of underwear every day
- wearing loose-fitting underwear to prevent friction and a skin rash
- trimming your pubic hair properly
- correctly using an external condom during sexual activities
An itchy penis may be bothersome. You may experience itchiness all over the penis or only in certain parts, such as the foreskin, tip, or shaft.
Speak with a doctor if your itchiness doesn’t get better after 1 week, or you start to experience symptoms like unusual discharge, inflammation, pain, and difficulty urinating.
They can examine your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.