Itchy penis is a symptom that happens when an inflammation of the head of the penis arises, scientifically called balanitis.
This inflammation, in most cases, is caused by an allergy to the penis or the lack of hygiene of the intimate region, however, it can also be a sign of more serious problems such as fungal infections, skin problems or sexually transmitted diseases, for example.
Thus, when the itch lasts for more than 1 week or does not improve with the correct hygiene of the intimate region, it is important to consult a urologist to identify the problem and start the appropriate treatment. Some of the most common causes of itching include:
1. Allergy
Allergy is one of the most common and less serious causes of itching on the penis, which can arise from direct contact with some types of soap, condoms or even some piece of clothing, especially if it is made of synthetic fabric instead of cotton, for example. example.
- How to treat: It is important to try to identify what is causing the allergy to avoid contact with this substance. Thus, it is important to always try to use cotton underwear and use soaps suitable for the intimate region. In addition, if there is a suspicion of latex allergy, the use of condoms with this material should be avoided.
2. Poor hygiene
The lack of hygiene favors the accumulation of dirt under the skin of the glans and, therefore, there is an increased risk of the 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 treat: 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 many dead skin cells. To wash the area properly, it is recommended to retract the foreskin in order to remove any dirt that may have accumulated.
3. Candidiasis
Although it is more common in women, candidiasis is also one of the main causes of itching in the intimate region of men and it happens due to the excessive accumulation of the fungus Candida albicans in the glans.
This growth of fungi is almost always caused by poor hygiene of the penis but it can also be a sign of diabetes or autoimmune diseases, such as HIV infection, for example. Learn more about the causes of candidiasis in men.
- How to treat: most of the time the treatment is done with the application of an antifungal ointment, such as Miconazole or Clotrimazole, for about 7 days. However, it may also be recommended to make some changes to the diet, such as reducing the amount of sugar and carbohydrates. Learn more about treating this problem.
4. Psoriasis
Men who suffer from psoriasis in some part of the body are at high risk of also having psoriasis on the penis. However, this problem does not always manifest itself with a red spot on the penis, and can only affect the glans glands, which causes an intense itchy sensation and the presence of bright red or pink plaques, which can easily come off..
- How to treat: the ideal is to keep the region well washed to avoid skin irritation, giving preference to cold water. In addition, home remedies, such as applying a compress dipped in cold chamomile tea, can also relieve symptoms. See in the following video some homemade options:
5. Pubic lice
This type of lice causes irritation of the skin in the intimate area which results in a constant itching sensation in the penis. Pubic lice can be transmitted by intimate contact or by sharing towels, sheets, underwear or other objects that come in direct contact with the intimate region. See other symptoms and how to treat.
- How to treat it: the best way to eliminate pubic lice is to shave the pubic hair, as the louse clings to the hair and not the skin. However, there is also the option to do the treatment with sprays and lotions, such as Malathion or Permethrin cream, which can be prescribed by the dermatologist.
6. HPV
One of the most common symptoms of HPV is the appearance of warts in the intimate area, however, in men, these warts are more rare and, therefore, more general symptoms, such as itching or redness on the penis, may appear.
HPV is transmitted through unprotected intimate contact, but its symptoms may not manifest itself, ending up the infection disappearing without treatment. However, in some cases genital warts may appear between several months to 2 years after infection with the virus. For this reason, many men who have the virus may not know that they are infected.
- How to treat: 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 relieve symptoms, the urologist may advise the use of some ointments, such as Podophyllin, which should be applied for about 1 week. See everything about the transmission and treatment of HPV.
7. Chlamydia
Although almost all sexually transmitted diseases can cause itchiness and a sensation of discomfort in the penis, chlamydia is the one that most often presents itching as an early sign and is not accompanied by any other symptoms.
Thus, men who practice unprotected sex, whether vaginal, anal or oral, should undergo tests for STDs recurrently, in order to identify whether they are infected and start treatment.
- How to treat: you must take an antibiotic prescribed by the urologist, usually azithromycin or doxycycline. It is recommended that the partner also undergo the treatment. See what other remedies can be used to treat chlamydia.
