What's Causing My Penis to Itch and How Do I Treat It?
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.
What causes an itchy penis?
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.
Treatment
There's no cure for genital herpes. In most cases, symptoms will go away on their own. But a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to be taken orally to help manage your symptoms.
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 commonly reported symptom is itchiness, which is usually mild.
Treatment
Lichen nitidus usually gets better on its own without treatment. A doctor may recommend some treatments to help manage itchiness, including:
corticosteroids
antihistamines
topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus
light therapy
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
Treatment
A healthcare professional may recommend a topical over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medication or prescribe an oral antifungal to treat penile thrush.
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.
Treatment
In many cases, genital warts go away on their own within 6 months. However, a doctor may sometimes recommend treatment, such as:
topical or oral medications
cryosurgery (freezing)
surgical removal
»Learn more: Home remedies for genital warts
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.
Treatment
Treatment for lichen planus may only be required if the itching is moderate or severe. The most common treatments include:
topical treatments, such as steroids, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus, and pimecrolimus
steroid injections
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 63% of people with psoriasis experience genital psoriasis, while up to 5% of people with psoriasis may only have symptoms in the genitals.
Treatment
Psoriasis treatments may include:
topical corticosteroids
topical nonsteroids, such as tar cream, calcineurin inhibitors, or vitamin D analogues
oral medications, such as methotrexate
biologics
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, especially the penis shaft.
Scabies causes an intense itch, and you may notice tiny burrow tracks on your penis.
Treatment
A doctor will likely prescribe a medical treatment, such as topical treatments like permethrin and crotamiton. They may also prescribe an oral medication like ivermectin to be used off-label. This means a drug is used to help treat a condition for which it was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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.
Treatment
The most effective treatment for contact dermatitis is to avoid the irritant or allergen altogether. For instance, this could mean:
using a mild, fragrance-free shower soap and laundry detergent
changing clothing materials
using a latex-free condom during sexual activities
Applying a cold compress to the affected area may help soothe itching, too.
Balanitis
Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis. Other symptoms may include:
soreness
itchiness
skin redness or other color changes
swelling
pain during urination
Treatment
First-line therapy for balanitis is to properly clean the penis regularly with a mild soap and warm water. Depending on the underlying cause, a doctor may also prescribe antifungals, antibiotics, or mild steroids.
Urethritis
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra (penile tube) that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. You may experience itching at the glans penis, along with:
burning, stinging, or pain during urination
penile discharge
testicular pain
blood in urine or semen
Treatments
Penile urethritis may get better on its own, but if it's caused by an infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Causes of pubic itching
Not every itch in the genital area occurs on the penis. Conditions that may cause itching in this area include:
pubic lice
folliculitis
ingrown hair
molluscum contagiosum
jock itch
eczema
Penile itching home remedies
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.
»More on this: What are the best remedies for itching?
When to connect with a doctor
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.
Some conditions, however, may not go away without treatment.
Connect with 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.
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