Penis Itching

Pelvis | Urology | Penis Itching (Symptom)


Description

Penile itch is a tickling, irritating sensation accompanied by the persistent need to scratch. It can be accompanied by the appearance of bumps, discolorations, or red spots on the genitals and testicular area. Related symptoms may include blisters; burning or pain; redness, warmth or swelling; scabbing; and scar tissue.

Causes

Penile itch can have a number of different causes. Evaluating other symptoms in conjunction with it can help identify the cause. Sexually transmitted diseases are a common cause of penile itch, but the condition may arise from allergies, non-sexually transmitted infections, and irritation or inflammation from other causes.

Penile itch can be extremely uncomfortable or awkward and create difficulty with urination, sexual relations, and daily activities. In addition to symptoms in and around your penis, and depending on the cause, penile itch can be accompanied by generalized symptoms, such as flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, cough, aches and pains) and poor health in general.

Many sexually transmitted diseases can cause penile itch. These include herpes, genital warts (human papillomavirus, or HPV, infection), gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, scabies, pubic lice, and chlamydia. Men who are uncircumcised (who have the foreskin remaining around the penis) are prone to balanitis, an inflammation of the foreskin that is often caused by poor hygiene, irritation, or infections.

Penile itch is not an emergency, but it may be a sign of a disease that can be transmitted to others. If symptoms persist medical help should be sought.

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