Typically, acne on the genitals bothers a person during puberty, that is, at the time of restructuring and normalization of hormonal levels in adolescents. This rash does not pose any particular danger to the body. It’s another matter when rashes begin to bother a man or woman at a conscious age, which is already a cause for concern. This manifestation in the genital area may be a symptom of serious sexually transmitted infections (STIs and STDs). We suggest you find out what diseases cause acne in the intimate area, and what treatment will be effective.
Why do purulent rashes appear on the pubic area in men?
The most common and harmless cause of acne in the intimate area is shaving or depilation. The delicate skin on the pubic area is easily injured when shaving, resulting in the formation of small wounds. If an infection gets into such wounds, then this is a direct path to the appearance of ulcers and irritation.
Another reason for purulent acne in the groin is failure to comply with the simplest rules of hygiene; the problem becomes especially relevant in the hot season.
Lice pubis, which is little talked about these days, can also cause red pustules on the pubic area in men. It is transmitted sexually and can be contracted by a man who is promiscuous. The disease is also transmitted through clothing and personal belongings.
There are reasons that are much more serious than those listed above and require mandatory treatment by a specialist.
- Genital herpes. This disease can only be contracted through sexual contact. Unfortunately, it does not have pronounced symptoms, so most often it passes in a latent form. Almost a fifth of the world's population suffers from this disease. This type of herpes is not inherited, but only during open sexual intercourse. After infection, it may take three to fifteen days until the patient begins to notice purulent rashes on the pubic area. Pimples may be filled with fluid. After a few more days, the abscesses begin to burst, turning into ulcers. They heal in a relatively short time. However, the disease may return, and this indicates the patient’s weak immunity;
- Molluscum contagiosum. This infection is transmitted by a poxvirus during contact between a healthy person and an infected person. After infection, the disease may not make itself felt for several weeks, and sometimes even six months. This disease is characterized by the appearance of red pimples on the penis and pubic area in men. Their size can reach 10 mm. On palpation, pimples give off acute pain and have a smooth surface. If you press on a pimple, you may see a white mass with a cheesy consistency come out. The infection is not dangerous to a person’s general health, but treatment should not be neglected for aesthetic reasons. If the disease is not treated, it may go away on its own within a few months. The most important thing is not to squeeze out the abscesses and try not to damage them, otherwise you can get an infection;
- Purulent acne. This is a very dangerous disease not only when it appears in the pubic area in men, but also on other parts of the body. White pimples will not go away on their own; they must be treated. Such pimples should never be squeezed out, otherwise they will spread to other parts of the body, and these complications will be much more difficult to cure. Men, wanting to get rid of one small abscess by squeezing it out, can provoke the formation of phlegmon, and this leads to blood poisoning.
How to cure purulent and red pimples on the pubic area in men
The first thing you need to do to treat the disease is see a doctor. Such ailments are treated by dermatologists and dermatovenerologists. They will carefully examine you and prescribe treatment. It is impossible to recommend one universal pharmaceutical remedy for all types of illness.
However, some folk remedies can still be recommended, because... they are unlikely to harm you.
- While the rashes look like red spots and not purulent formations, they can be lubricated with iodine, which will relieve inflammation. After a few days, the abscesses will either go away or fill with pus, burst and heal;
- You can also use aloe juice. This plant can quickly draw out pus, relieve inflammation and heal wounds. Apply aloe pulp to purulent pimples, secure with a band-aid that allows air to pass through and in a couple of days the pus will come out;
- Vishnevsky ointment and ichthyol ointment are also good at drawing out pus. Apply the ointment to the inflamed area at night. Do this procedure a couple of nights in a row and after a few days the rash will disappear;
- You can apply Levomekol and hydrogen peroxide to acne;
- The specialist may also recommend deep cleansing of those areas of the skin where there are rashes;
- Sea water or baths with sea salt dry out ulcers perfectly;
- Calendula tincture is a harmless and effective remedy that draws pus from acne;
- You can wipe the rashes with chamomile tincture or chamomile-based cosmetics;
- And one more important rule, which we have already talked about: you cannot crush ulcers!
How to treat acne on penis
Before getting rid of acne on the penis, it is necessary to determine and eliminate the root cause of the disease. If the rash was caused by an infection, drug therapy is prescribed. To speed up the healing of the skin in the groin area, you need to follow the rules of personal hygiene. Complex therapy speeds up recovery and prevents possible complications - spread of the rash, suppuration.
You cannot self-medicate with multiple red pimples and pustules on the penis. Inadequate therapy is fraught with progression of the disease.
Intimate hygiene
Neglect of sanitary and hygienic rules is one of the key causes of rashes on the pubis and penis. Sebum and sweat are a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria. They penetrate the skin through microdamages, which leads to inflammation of the follicles and the formation of acne.
What to do if there are acne on your penis:
- Hygiene when visiting the toilet. To avoid infection, you need to wash your hands before and after urinating. If this is not possible, the skin should be treated with an aerosol antiseptic.
- Underwear. Underwear must be changed after washing the genitals. To avoid the accumulation of sweat in the groin area, use products made of cotton fabric.
- Water procedures. The skin in the groin and genital area should be washed at least 2 times a day. If pimples on the penis were caused by allergies, use baby, tar or hypoallergenic soap.
- Acne treatment. Pustules in the pubic area and on the head of the penis are regularly treated with drying agents - Zinc ointment, Lassar paste.
Urologists and dermatologists recommend that men regularly examine their genitals. Changes in skin color, pimples and ulcerations on the penis are abnormal conditions that require consultation with a doctor.
Drug therapy
A purulent pimple is a clear sign of infectious skin inflammation. To destroy pathogenic flora in the groin area, antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal agents are used.
If a red pimple appears on the penis, you need to determine the causative agent of the infection. Suppuration in 95% of cases indicates the bacterial nature of the inflammation.
The treatment regimen for acne on the penis includes drugs from different groups:
- Antiseptics (Chlorhexidine, Resorcinol, Salicylic acid) - destroy microbial flora, preventing the spread of the rash. Used in the complex treatment of acne in the groin area.
- Corticosteroids (Fluorocort, Kremgen, Celestoderm) - quickly eliminate inflammation and swelling on the penis. Used to treat dermatoses and atopic eczema.
- Antibacterial (Zinerit, Erythromycin ointment, Klenzit C) - destroy pathogenic bacteria, eliminate purulent inflammation. Prescribed for multiple pustules on the penis caused by streptococci or staphylococci.
- Antifungals (Bifosin, Kanison, Batrafen) - destroy the cell membranes of pathogenic fungi, reduce inflammation. Recommended for cases of damage to the penis by mold or yeast-like fungi.
- Antiviral (Gerpevir, Zovirax, Acyclovir) - inhibit the reproduction of pathogens of herpes infection. Included in the treatment of genital and herpes simplex.
- Antihistamines (Fenistil, Gistan, Elidel) - stop itching, relieve swelling and redness. Eliminate acne on the penis caused by an allergic reaction.
To increase the body's resistance to infections, the course of treatment additionally includes:
- vitamin and mineral complexes – Doppelherz, Multitabs, Centrum, Alphabet;
- probiotics – Enterol, Bifidumbacterin, Acylact, Linex, Lactobacterin, Enterozermina;
- immunostimulants – Grippferon, Immunal, Influcid, Likopid.
Antibiotic treatment should not be interrupted prematurely due to a possible increase in bacterial resistance to the drugs. The duration of the course is determined by the doctor.
Folk remedies
If pimples on the penis are caused by hyperkeratosis or increased activity of the sebaceous glands, the problem can be solved with folk remedies. The following have pronounced anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and keratolytic (exfoliating) properties:
- Calendula decoction. 1 tbsp. l. the herbs are steamed with 300 ml of water and boiled over fire for 3 minutes. A cotton-gauze bandage is moistened in the strained liquid and applied to the area with rashes for 30 minutes. Perform the procedure twice a day.
- Black radish. The vegetable is ground in a blender or on a grater. Squeeze out the juice through cheesecloth. Use it to treat watery pimples on the pubis and penis 3-4 times a day.
- Cucumber tincture. A small cucumber is cut into cubes and poured with 200 ml of vodka. Leave for 3-5 days in a cool place. Pimples on the penis are treated with the tincture three times a day.
- Nettle infusion. 2 tbsp. l. raw materials, pour 350 ml of boiling water and leave in a thermos for 2 hours. The infusion is used to wash the penis and groin area in the morning and evening.
- Castor oil. After taking a shower, apply castor oil to problem areas. For multiple rashes, apply treatment up to 5 times a day.
- Aloe. Several fleshy leaves are crushed and wrapped in one layer of gauze. Apply to pimples for 20 minutes 2-3 times a day.
Alcohol-containing products dry out the skin, so to treat a rash on the penis, they are used no more than 2 times a day for 5 days.
It is recommended to use a decoction of chamomile, sage or thyme as a lotion for wiping the skin on the penis. To prepare it, pour 10 g of herb into a glass of water and boil for 3 minutes. The strained broth is poured into an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2-3 days.
Classification of acne in the groin area. Stages of development
Acne in the groin in men, according to the mechanism of development, can be either inflamed or non-inflamed.
Closed and open pimples can be non-inflamed, namely:
- comedones (black pimples);
- subcutaneous whiteheads.
Inflammatory rashes include types of acne such as:
- papules (small red bumps);
- pustules (purulent pimples with a red rim, also appearing in the groin of men).
Acne in the groin in men is most often not a serious disease and, apart from a certain inconvenience, does not manifest itself in any way.
Taking into account the extent of the spread of the rash, three stages or stages can be distinguished, namely:
- Light form. The mild stage is characterized by the presence of single pimples or in the form of a rash. The total number of pimples should not exceed ten pieces. The rash is non-inflammatory in nature.
- Medium shape. The total number of pimples characteristic of the middle stage is no more than forty pieces. The rash is inflamed. Boils may appear.
- Severe form. The rashes have both a non-inflammatory and inflamed nature. The total number of pimples significantly exceeds forty pieces. The severe stage is characterized by the presence of large boils and a cold-like rash.
If any type of rash occurs, regardless of the stage of the pathological process, it is recommended to immediately consult a specialist. A timely diagnosed disease is much easier to treat than an advanced form and will prevent the development of serious complications.
Groin acne expert
The nature of the rash can only be determined after a thorough examination. A rash in the groin area occurs in three forms, depending on the presence or absence of an inflammatory process and the number of rashes. Treatment is prescribed only by a doctor. Depending on the disease, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiallergenic drugs can be used. To relieve inflammation, ointments such as Levomekol and Ichthyol may be prescribed. Prevention is of no small importance. You should give preference to loose underwear made from natural fabrics, take a shower every day, eat right, and increase your immunity. Timely diagnosis of the disease will help prevent dangerous complications.
Types of acne on the genitals
Pimples on the genitals may vary in type of formation. Doctors adhere to the following classification of these manifestations in the groin area:
- Small ulcers with a head, resembling rashes on the face (when excess fat clogs the pores, causing acne formation). These pimples are red, white, gray or black in color. When the head of a ripe pimple is squeezed out, a purulent, yellow-white consistency appears. Such purulent abscesses usually appear in adolescents.
- Small, convex white formations (sometimes with pink protrusions) without a head inside. Usually these are not so much pimples on the genitals, but rather enlarged sebaceous glands. These rashes can be not only in the groin area, but also on other parts of the body, but they are most noticeable in the genital area due to thin skin. Affected subcutaneous pimples are clearly visible when the skin is stretched. A similar rash in the form of sebaceous formations on the male genital organ is usually called Fordyce granules and does not require medical intervention. But if these formations become inflamed, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
- Subcutaneous wen (fat cyst) resembling dense white pimples. This benign neoplasm does not cause any particular inconvenience to the “owner”. But with constant friction or infection, this pimple can become inflamed. A trip to the doctor will solve this problem, where through a simple operation it can be removed in a few minutes.
This is not a complete list of acne that can bother a man or woman.
Any skin rash in the groin area, with the exception of cold acne, will have its own distinctive characteristics depending on the existing disease.
Causes of rashes
Acne can be caused by a variety of reasons. A rash in the groin area may indicate the presence of pathologies, malfunctions of any organ, or be completely harmless.
The appearance of acne in an intimate place should alert a man, and the pathology should be treated after consultation with a dermatologist
To understand whether acne is dangerous or not, it is important to identify the causes of its occurrence:
- weakened immune system;
- presence of sexually transmitted diseases;
- improper shaving;
- eating low quality foods;
- insufficient hygiene of the body and groin area in particular;
- a history of diabetes mellitus;
- hormonal imbalances that occur during adolescence or as a result of taking hormonal medications;
- frequent stress, psycho-emotional stress;
- allergic reaction of the body to food, hygiene products, medicines, underwear;
- dermatological diseases.
To prevent the development of complications or serious consequences of the rash, it is important to immediately consult a specialist to clarify the diagnosis and receive the necessary recommendations for treating the disease.
Acne in the male intimate area can be divided into non-dangerous acne and formations, which can be symptoms of diseases
Acne as a symptom of sexually transmitted pathologies
STDs are a serious pathology that requires immediate treatment. A signal of the onset of the disease can be the appearance of various types of rash:
- Syphilis. An infectious disease with a chronic course. A few days after infection, a chancre appears. In the active phase, a small pink rash is characteristic. Over time, ulcers form in place of the pimples. There is a deterioration in the general condition, the appearance of pale spots throughout the body, and an increase in body temperature.
- Genital herpes. Characterized by the presence of single blisters (watery or purulent), which merge, burst and form ulcers.
- Pediculosis. Itchy pimples formed at the site of a lice bite. Transition to armpits, eyebrows, eyelashes is possible.
- Molluscum contagiosum. The formation of wart-like pimples with a depression is characteristic. The contents have a curd-like structure. Squeezing pimples leads to infection of the entire body.
Pimples in the groin in men, as a symptom of an STD, should be immediately examined. Timely research and therapy will help avoid the development of complications and serious consequences.
Acne as a symptom of relatively harmless dermatological diseases
Not all intimate rashes are dangerous.
Contact dermatitis: allergic manifestation to detergents or synthetics
Thus, the appearance of acne can be caused by neglect of hygiene requirements during shaving or a banal allergic reaction to synthetic underwear material:
- Inflammation of the sweat glands. It occurs as a result of infection of the gland by staphylococcus due to poor hygiene or damage to the skin. Pimples are painful and itchy.
- Contact dermatitis. The manifestation of an allergic reaction in response to synthetic material of underwear or personal hygiene products. Characterized by the presence of small itchy pimples, redness, and swelling.
- Furunculosis. An inflammatory process in the follicle, which is characterized by the gradual formation of a large pimple. Over time, a purulent core forms, which either opens on its own or requires surgical opening.
- Acne. It may be the result of hormonal changes, the use of low-quality personal hygiene products, or failure to comply with hygiene standards.
Despite the fact that such rashes are relatively safe, they still require contact with a specialist.
Hidradenitis inguinalis is an inflammation of the inguinal sebaceous glands caused by the penetration of Staphylococcus aureus
Acne as a signal of dangerous pathologies
The occurrence of acne in the groin area in men can signal the development of the following diseases:
- Psoriasis. Chronic skin lesions, which are characterized by the presence of itchy scales, scratching of which leads to capillary bleeding.
- Seborrheic dermatitis. There are oily and dry forms. The first develops as a result of increased sebum production, the second - its decrease. Characteristic is the appearance of single pimples, which merge over time.
- Fat cyst. Blockage of the sebaceous gland. Small size, painless.
- Bartholin gland cyst. Blockage of the duct is caused by gonococcus or E. coli.
- Inguinal athlete's foot. Occurs in the most humid and warm place. It is characterized by the presence of small round spots covered with a crust, which, increasing in diameter, spread to adjacent areas of the skin.
A separate group is represented by cold pimples - bright red bumps with internal suppuration.
If a pimple appears on an intimate place, this is not yet a reason to sound the alarm. The skin in this area is very thin and delicate, and a woman may develop pimples after depilation. This process is fleeting, and they quickly disappear. But if pimples appear regularly, then perhaps this is how colds and internal diseases manifest themselves in the female body. Although rashes in intimate places are not only a women's problem, men also suffer from it.
What to pay attention to
Acne on intimate places will not disappear with self-treatment. Any attempts to get rid of acne using various ointments and compresses (lotions) will temporarily hide skin rashes, but will not completely eliminate the inflammatory process on the skin. A visit to the doctor will be required for the following symptoms:
- acne does not go away on its own within one to two weeks;
- the rash began to increase in size, darkened, and purulent formations appeared inside the papules;
- the site of the skin rash turned red, began to itch and hurt, and inflammatory swelling appeared in the affected area;
- the rash has taken the form of blisters with clear or cloudy liquid inside;
- the skin turned red and began to peel off;
- rashes began to bother a man or woman several weeks after unprotected sexual intercourse;
- a slight increase in body temperature without signs of a cold was noticed;
- fatigue, weakness and dizziness occur;
- the lymph nodes in the groin area are inflamed and swollen;
- there was a burning sensation at the time of urination;
- non-healing small ulcers appeared on the genitals.
Main reasons
There are a large number of reasons for acne to appear in an intimate place, some of which are still undetectable.
When acne breaks out in an intimate area, the causes are as follows:
- Hypothermia of the body and as a result, a red, painful, purulent pimple appears in an intimate place.
- A rash found in the perineum may be the result of an allergic reaction. In women, allergies can be caused by synthetic underwear, daily scented pads, and products applied to the skin after depilation.
- Pimples in the bikini area are often caused by simple failure to comply with hygiene rules.
- A pimple in an intimate place in women may appear after a hair removal procedure, regardless of the method. After depilation with a machine, skin irritation and redness often occur, and the places where the hair is cut begin to itch. After hair removal, when the hair follicle is destroyed or hair is removed from the root, pimples and irritations appear due to sensitivity to the components of the hair removal product, violation of the technique, primarily disinfection of the skin, and mechanical damage to the epidermis. The hair follicle, sebaceous ducts and nerve endings are interconnected. After epilation, when the bulb is removed, the nerve fibers receive an impulse, and the sebaceous glands produce more secretion, which can clog the ducts. As a result, one black pimple or several may form, which, under the influence of various irritants, as well as skin microflora, often become inflamed and turn into purulent pimples.
- The causes of painful acne on the genitals may be associated with diseases of the reproductive system, especially sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis and molluscum contagiosum. White pimples with secondary syphilis quickly turn into pustules. As a result, they cover both the outer and inner sides of the labia in women.
- Purulent inflammation of the hair follicle or folliculitis may be the reason why a pimple appears in an intimate place. The disease has varying degrees of severity. With deep folliculitis, a subcutaneous pimple is formed, which, unlike a boil, does not have a white purulent core.
- A pimple on an intimate place in men is one of the signs of vulgar sycosis. The pustular process mainly occurs after depilation and is localized on the chin and groin area. First, a tubercle appears, in which the inflammatory process gradually begins with the formation of a purulent crust.
- A single diseased pimple on an intimate place in women is often a manifestation of furunculosis. An inflammatory focus is formed that affects the hair follicle and skin. Such elements are red and very painful. As it matures, a rod with necrotic contents is formed, the head of which protrudes above the surface of the skin. The ripening period is on average two weeks, then pus is poured out in large quantities, and a scar is formed.
When not to worry
Many men confuse white pimples with Fordyce granules. They are non-inflammatory spherical cysts. They occur mainly on the penis, in the area of the lips, and nipples. Such rashes do not cause discomfort, are not sexually transmitted and are considered normal.
White pimples on the foreskin, which doctors define as milia, are safe. These rashes go away on their own, but you should still see a dermatologist or urologist.
There is no need to worry if the pimples on the penis do not have obvious signs of inflammation or their diameter does not exceed 2 mm. Single acne is also not a cause for concern. A doctor is consulted if the rash causes discomfort - itching, burning, pain - and does not go away for more than 1-2 weeks.
Therapeutic measures
Any type of rash requires attention and should be a reason to contact a medical facility. This must be done especially in the following cases:
- rashes appeared after sexual contact;
- acne hurts and does not go away for a long time;
- nodular formations cause discomfort in the form of itching and burning;
- the presence of multiple pustular rashes.
A dermatologist will help determine the cause and prescribe treatment, which must be comprehensive. Therapy is aimed not only at getting rid of acne, but also at eliminating the factors that provoked its appearance.
For furunculosis, topical medications are used. Ichthyol ointment is used to speed up the maturation of the boil. After the pus comes out, ointments and solutions are applied:
It is also necessary to carry out vitamin and diet therapy with a decrease in the amount of carbohydrates.
Therapeutic tactics for hidradenitis cannot be accomplished without the use of the following medications:
- antibiotics orally;
- vitamin therapy, especially B and A;
- local applications with ichthyol;
- rubbing with salicylic alcohol and calendula tincture.
In case of a complex course of the disease, when the hard node does not open for a long time and causes severe pain, surgical excision is possible.
Manifestations of impetigo should be treated according to the principle described above with the addition of aniline dyes (magenta, brilliant green) and antibacterial ointments that suppress the reproduction and growth of bacteria. An example of such a drug is Lincomycin ointment.
Sycosis is treated using the following therapeutic measures:
- rubbing with aniline dyes;
- use of ointments containing antibiotics.
In the advanced stage of the disease, oral administration of antibacterial drugs is prescribed.
The general rule for the treatment of all types of rashes in the genital area is a ban on shaving.
Very often, doctors in the treatment of acne use complex drugs, the spectrum of which is very wide:
- relieve inflammation;
- stop the development of microorganisms;
- have an antibacterial effect;
- eliminate itching.
As part of such drugs, manufacturers combine glucocorticosteroids with other types of medications: antibiotics, antimycotics, antiseptics.
For itchy and inflammatory rashes, nutritional correction is required in almost all cases. Spicy, fried, smoked and highly salted foods are excluded or minimized from the diet. Also, a ban is imposed on foods high in carbohydrates and any alcohol.
For acne caused by infectious skin lesions, it is not recommended to take baths or showers to prevent the infection from spreading further throughout the body. Such water procedures should be replaced with alcohol wipes using salicylic, ethyl or boric alcohol. Areas of the body not affected by acne can be washed using a skin care disinfectant.
During the treatment period, you should not wear underwear made of synthetics, silk and wool, as they can increase inflammation and itching.
Prevention
Since acne in the genital area is of a different nature, it is difficult to take preventive measures. The most important:
- maintain daily hygiene;
- give preference to linen made from natural fabrics;
- refrain from casual sexual contact;
- Treat any wounds and cuts with disinfectants.
An obligatory element of the preventive program is timely treatment of concomitant diseases that contribute to the occurrence of acne.
Preventing rashes
Specific prevention of acne on the penis consists of observing sanitary and hygienic rules and timely treatment of sexually transmitted and infectious diseases. To prevent groin rashes, you should:
- wash at least 2 times a day;
- wear cotton underwear;
- avoid overheating and hypothermia;
- use antiseptic powders for diaper rash;
- take vitamin and mineral complexes twice a year;
- wash with hypoallergenic hygiene products;
- exclude casual sexual contacts;
- Once a year, undergo a preventive examination by a dermatologist or urologist.
Pimples on the penis are a nonspecific symptom that accompanies many diseases. If there are a lot of rashes and they cause discomfort, you need to make an appointment with a doctor. Timely diagnosis and treatment of acne on the penis prevents purulent complications.