Discomfort and burning in the penis area, itching, the desire to scratch - all these minor troubles can overcome even the strongest man. If you feel itching under the foreskin, then this is a good reason to visit a doctor.
It is no secret that the intimate area is characterized by the presence of a large number of nerve endings. It is thin and sensitive, which means it reacts quickly to any changes. The appearance of discomfort in the foreskin area in the form of itching is usually associated with various reasons, but the most common and harmless is simple neglect of hygiene:
- wearing underwear made of synthetic materials that interfere with normal air exchange. Microorganisms multiply quickly due to the “greenhouse effect”;
- insufficient hygiene procedures or washing is performed incorrectly;
- uncomfortable and tight-fitting clothing that injures delicate skin.
Among urological diseases, the diagnosis most often made is balanoposthitis. Many men have to deal with the negative consequences of this disease. Itching of the foreskin in men indicates very serious diseases. If discomfort occurs, you should immediately contact a urologist.
Main causes of itching
Only a specialist can determine why the penis itches. Most often, such irritations cause allergic reactions. But this symptom can appear as a result of serious sexually transmitted diseases, due to which the organ may turn red and become covered with a rash . That is why a qualified specialist must determine the exact cause. It is strictly forbidden to independently diagnose yourself and make any treatment decisions, as this in most cases worsens the health of the sexual organ.
The most common causes of itching on the penis are the following:
- Wearing synthetic or tight underwear.
- Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.
- Stressful situations.
- Temperature effects on the genital organ, for example, overheating or hypothermia.
- An allergic reaction to detergents or cosmetics, contraceptives, or taking any potent medications.
- Poor nutrition, for example, lack of fiber and protein in the diet, daily consumption of alcohol and junk food.
- Mechanical damage. Insufficient lubrication from a partner during unprotected sexual intercourse can lead to irritation on the penis, which causes red spots to form on the skin and a tingling sensation .
Most often, the itching of the head and foreskin goes away almost immediately after eliminating the main cause of such an unpleasant symptom. Specialized treatment in this situation is not required.
Dermatitis
With dermatitis or allergies, a man's head itches and redness or swelling appears. Sometimes this is where the allergic reaction ends. But if the allergen is not identified and eliminated in a timely manner, small or large bubbles with liquid may form. Bubbles containing clear liquid burst after a certain period of time, exposing an eroded area of skin. Dermatologists call this inflammatory process dermatitis, which occurs after prolonged contact with tissues or chemicals. Often, dermatitis in men occurs when wearing underwear made of synthetic fabric.
But in recent years, allergic dermatitis has become increasingly common. Typically, they occur upon repeated exposure to an allergenic plant or chemical. An allergic reaction can occur a couple of days after exposure to the irritant. Treatment for dermatitis and allergic reactions boils down to eliminating the allergen or irritating factor. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory or antihistamine medications.
Sexually transmitted diseases and other infections
The first symptoms when an infection enters the body usually appear in the form of redness of the head of the penis. After some time, a burning sensation is felt, and rashes or plaque form on the skin of the genital organ. In such situations there is no need to delay treatment ; you should immediately contact a urologist. The sooner the patient takes measures to combat this infection, the faster the unpleasant symptoms will disappear.
Candidiasis, or thrush
If itching suddenly appears on the skin of the penis, while a person experiences pain during urination, and a whitish coating appears on the head, then this may indicate the development of candidiasis. Additional symptoms of this disease include the following:
- Redness.
- Swelling.
- Unpleasant odor emanating from the organ.
You can become infected with this disease during sexual intercourse with an infected woman. Yeast-like fungi Candida begin to become active in the human body for the following reasons:
- Unhealthy diet rich in carbohydrates and fats.
- Weakening of the immune system.
- Long-term use of antibacterial agents.
- Stressful situations.
Balanoposthitis and balanitis
Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis. But if these unpleasant sensations spread to the foreskin, then this indicates the development of balanoposthitis. These diseases can appear in both an adult man and a child. The disease develops as a result of the accumulation of smegma, which is a secretion that reduces the friction of the foreskin on the glans.
In men who have been circumcised , smegma may accumulate in the folds of the coronary sulcus and frenulum. The accumulation of smegma most often occurs due to neglect of personal hygiene rules. These secretions must be removed daily using regular washing, and you should also avoid touching your organ with dirty hands. The presence of fungi can also provoke the accumulation of smegma.
Symptoms of this disease include the following:
- Redness.
- Swelling.
- Itching of the glans penis.
- Ulcers on the foreskin.
- Cracks.
Balanoposthitis is more common among young boys than among adult men. This is explained by the fact that after birth the head of the penis and the foreskin are not separated from each other. After some time, a small cavity appears between them, into which the remaining urine falls . This cavity becomes a favorable environment for the development of numerous fungal microorganisms, which is why the foreskin and head of the penis then begin to itch. During examination of the genital organ, you can see swelling and a small rash. Over time, pain begins to be felt in the head area, the temperature rises and there is a delay in urination.
Genital herpes virus
This disease can be transmitted sexually, but it can also be transmitted to the fetus from a sick mother during pregnancy. The occurrence of genital herpes is promoted by infections, hypothermia, stress and alcohol consumption. Itching on the head of the penis in this disease is accompanied by a burning sensation, pain, the appearance of small blisters filled with liquid, and swelling at the site of the lesion. The patient also begins to feel unwell , his body temperature rises, and a headache occurs, as if he had the flu. The incubation period for genital herpes ranges from 1 to 26 days.
Features of pubic pediculosis
Less common are pubic lice, which can cause itching of the genitals in men. Pubic lice can be picked up in cheap hotels, public baths, saunas, or during sexual contact with an infected partner. the penis begins , irritation and redness form in the groin area, as well as rashes at the sites of bites of these parasites. During a visual inspection, the specialist should see white larvae on the hairs. During treatment, it is recommended to wash your face more often, using special intimate hygiene products.
Symptoms of urethritis
This disease occurs as a result of inflammation of the urethra. Most often, the disease is much more severe in men than in the fair sex. Due to the presence of a genital infection, inflammation is observed. The main symptoms of urethritis include the following:
- Purulent discharge that has an unpleasant odor.
- Pain during urination.
- Intense itching of the foreskin among men.
- Pain during erection.
- Frequent urge to urinate.
If treatment for this disease is not started in time, it will become chronic. An advanced disease can cause the development of prostatitis, infertility or vesiculitis.
The penis itches when rubbed
Itching may occur due to prolonged low-intensity irritation of the penis.
Gradually, damage occurs to the upper layers of the skin.
Substances that provoke inflammatory reactions are released from destroyed tissues.
Inflammatory mediators penetrate into tissues.
They irritate the nerve endings.
With mild irritation, itching occurs, not pain.
You can rub your penis in different ways.
The traumatic factor may be:
- cloth
- zipper
- pubic hair
- things in your trouser pocket, etc.
Sometimes the penis rubs during sexual intercourse.
Contributes to this:
- long duration or high frequency of sex
- insufficient moisture in the partner's genitals
- use of sex toys
- rough sex, etc.
If the penis is red and itches solely due to chafing, then to eliminate this phenomenon it is enough to stop sexual activity.
Or establish other traumatic factors.
After a few days, the damaged tissue will recover.
As a result, the itching will stop without any treatment.
Carrying out diagnostics
Before taking any measures to eliminate this unpleasant symptom, you need to seek help from a venereologist or urologist. Only a specialist can conduct a thorough examination, after which he will find an effective treatment method .
Diagnostics proceed as follows:
- A qualified physician must collect an anamnesis, which is oral information about the patient’s well-being and symptoms.
- If collecting an anamnesis is sufficient, the attending doctor will prescribe the necessary tests.
- After this, based on the patient’s testimony and test results, an effective course of therapy is drawn up. If the patient has any intolerance to medications, then this must be reported to the doctor.
After diagnosis, you must strictly adhere to the dosage of the drug prescribed by the specialist. Otherwise, the itching in the penis area may only become stronger.
What tests will help identify balanoposthitis?
Balanoposthitis has both acute and latent, sluggish forms.
This makes diagnosis difficult in some cases.
Therefore, even if a disease is visually detected or suspected, the patient is recommended to undergo tests.
Taking a scraping from the glans penis allows for a culture method.
This is the sowing of material on a nutrient medium.
After a certain time, colonies appear on the surface of the Petri dish.
With their help, they determine which pathogen caused the disease.
This method helps determine the resistance of microorganisms to antibacterial drugs.
Polymerase chain reaction is the diagnostic standard.
It has the highest degree of reliability.
Detection of traces of DNA makes it possible to accurately identify the pathogen.
Relatively short delivery times make it possible to start therapy on time.
Anaerobic bacteria pose a great danger.
They lead to the formation of gangrenous forms.
To detect them, bacterial culture is performed.
Genital herpes is determined using fingerprint smears.
A general blood test and determination of sugar levels become auxiliary methods.
They reveal hidden pathologies of other systems.
Basic treatment methods
Depending on the main cause of itching sensations, appropriate medications are selected for the patient. If itching and burning of the head occurs in men, the causes of which lie in wearing synthetic underwear, then specialized treatment is not required. In this case, it is only necessary to simply eliminate the main provoking factor. In this case, the itching should completely disappear within 3 to 7 days.
But if the head and foreskin itch due to sexually transmitted diseases, then special medications are used to eliminate the symptoms:
- Terbinafine. The drug is prescribed for thrush. The average cost of the product is 100 rubles. The medicine is applied only to clean, dry skin of the penis 1-2 times a day. In the evening, it is recommended to apply the ointment to the affected areas, wrapping them with gauze. The course of treatment ranges from 5 to 14 days.
- Nystatin. This ointment is also widely used for thrush. It is also used to prevent many skin diseases. Apply the product to the affected areas 2 times a day: morning and evening. The duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the disease.
- Ketoconazole. Experts recommend using ointment for thrush. It is applied to the genital organ twice a day. If the patient feels severe itching and burning on the penis, then Ketoconazole can be used once a day. Side effects from using the medicine are very rare.
- Miramistin. This antiseptic is prescribed for the treatment of balanoposthitis. In parallel with this, the specialist prescribes antibiotics to the patient. It is also recommended to eat right during therapy and give up all bad habits.
- Atsik. This remedy helps to completely eliminate itching from genital herpes in just one week. The cream is applied to dry, clean skin of the penis 5 times a day.
- Viferon. This ointment is also prescribed for the treatment of genital herpes . The drug is applied to the affected areas 3 times a day. There are practically no side effects from using the ointment.
- Antibiotics, antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs. Such medications are prescribed to treat inflammation of the urethra.
- Knicks. This medication should be applied to the genital area when fighting lice. Additionally, it is recommended to disinfect the entire room and wash clothes at high temperatures.
Use of folk remedies
Itching and redness on the head in men can also be eliminated using traditional medicine . If your penis itches, you can use the following folk recipes:
- The most popular and effective folk method for itching is considered to be a soda solution. To prepare it, you need to take 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 500 ml of hot water. Dissolve baking soda in water and wash with the resulting solution. Washing should be done twice a day: morning and evening.
- Dried calendula leaves and olive oil can be used to relieve itching. These ingredients are mixed in a 1:2 ratio and then left to brew for 2 days. The resulting product is applied to the head of the genital organ twice a day.
- Aloe juice is also an effective remedy. The juice of this plant quickly relieves unpleasant symptoms, and also improves the general condition of the epidermis. The procedure should be repeated until this unpleasant symptom completely disappears.
Prevention
A man can reduce discomfort by regularly washing himself with a furacelin solution. Doctors do not recommend using potassium permanganate for these purposes, as it promotes drying out of the mucous membranes, which as a result can only aggravate the symptoms.
If itching around the head and redness appear, a man should first reconsider his diet. Do not eat smoked meats, spicy or sour foods and various spices that can cause allergies.
At the first unpleasant symptoms in the genitourinary system, you should avoid going to the pool, sauna, or solarium. Moreover, it is important to remember that if the itching does not go away, you must consult a doctor, identify the cause and prescribe treatment.
Reduce the intensity of allergic itching with homemade lotions. To do this, you can take sage, chamomile, oregano, oak bark and sweet clover. Brew two tablespoons of the resulting mixture with half a liter of boiling water. The decoction should sit for a day, then filter it, soak a piece of cloth in it, and place it on the itchy area for half an hour.
So, when the first itchy sensation appears in the groin, first of all you should pay attention to the toilet of the intimate areas. A man should shower regularly. After sex, water procedures should become mandatory. As a rule, some types of itching can be eliminated by performing the necessary hygiene procedures; good soap has an aggressive effect on some types of irritants. Underwear should be made of cotton and should not contain synthetic fibers.
Compliance with preventive standards
Of course, it will be much easier to prevent the development of a disease than to treat a disease for a long time. To do this, you must adhere to the following preventive rules:
- Visit a urologist regularly.
- Wear underwear only made from natural fabrics.
- Get rid of bad habits.
- Watch your diet.
- Take a shower at least once a day.
- Use barrier contraception.
- When bathing, use special detergents for intimate hygiene.
All these recommendations will help men prevent the occurrence of many serious diseases that cause severe itching of the penis.
