Loader
0%
Loading ...

He Medical Clinic

  • Working Hours: Mon - Fri: 09:00AM - 7:00PM | Sat - Sun: 09:00AM - 4:00PM

Penile Skin Rashes: Diagnosis and Treatment in Malaysia

530ea2 a0d3b71197cd4fdeb299d0e30959484fmv2

PENILE RASHES

A genital rash is a skin symptom that can occur on any part of the male genital region and can be caused by a variety of health problems. It can be medically termed as balanitis, balanoposthitis, posthitis depending on which area were affected.
 

Rashes are usually reddish in colour, and can be painful or itchy, with bumps or sores.

 

A fungal infection of the penile skin is the most common cause of itch and rash over the penis. STDs such as trichomonas, a parasite, are also potential causes. Redness or itching that does not go away should be taken more seriously to rule out skin cancers of the penis.

530ea2 309d0c81666d4a248afdb2e0f21c65c7mv2

Causes of penile skin rashes

A genital rash can be caused by a variety of things, including These includes sexually transmitted infections (STIs), genital herpes, parasite, fungal and bacterial, allergies, and inflammatory disorders.
 

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

 
1) Genital herpes
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes, which causes inflammation and itching in the genital region and on the penis. Since the virus can remain dormant in the body for years, some people who are infected with HSV are unaware of their infection. An outbreak can cause tiny clusters of fluid-filled blisters in addition to itching.
530ea2 124e93cb9b144c8db47d61c250f03bcfmv2

2) Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is passed from person to person via sexual contact. It causes a rash that may appear on any part of the body. The rash is not always itchy.
530ea2 12064b647ca04b9caf86890158bab0fcmv2

3) Genital Warts

Genital warts are small growths that develop around the genitals such as penis or anus. They are also known as venereal warts, or condylomata acuminata. The warts form separately or in clusters. They may be small, at 5 mm or less, though in some cases they develop into large masses.
 

Other Causes Of Penile Skin Rashes

1) Balanitis

 

Balanitis is the swelling and inflammation of the glans (head) of the penis. This region is hidden by a flap of skin called the foreskin in men who are not circumcised.

 

  • Fungal balanitis / Inflammation balanitis

530ea2 1cffe3acb23a48989fd88ff76e609dfdmv2

A yeast infection, also known as fungal balanitis, is the most common cause of penile skin rashes. During sexual activity, you could be exposed to the fungus, which may lead to a penis infection.

 

Symptoms include itchiness and redness over the penis, thick white substance collection in skin folds, painful penis and foreskin, burning sensation while urinating, discomfort during sexual intercourse and a repulsive odour over the genital area.

 

2) Jock’s itch

A fungal infection in the groin region, also known as ringworm infection. The rash is red, itchy, scaly, and may form blisters.
530ea2 488ec60b2b134637a7129a5ba9ca8ddfmv2

3) Molluscum contagiosum

A viral infection that causes firm, isolated, round bumps on the skin. They may be itchy and swollen.

530ea2 f50dbb83bac049b381f24bf82471cf47mv2

4) Parasite infection

530ea2 c6fc0de553cc4fbfa94f90e1cf5c074cmv2

Pubic lice may lay their eggs in the genital region and are distributed most widely by sexual contact. Teenagers are the most likely victims. Itching and sores are common symptoms of a pubic lice infestation.

 

Scabies is an itchy skin rash brought on by tiny mites. They burrow into the skin, causing severe itching, especially at night.

 

5) Allergies and autoimmune disorders

A common form of rash that occurs when skin comes into contact with an allergen or an irritant such as a harsh chemical substance is called contact dermatitis. Latex, which is widely used in condoms, is an allergen that can cause a rash in the genital region.
 

Psoriasis is a skin disease that affects many people. Although the cause is unclear, doctors believe it is caused by an autoimmune condition. It can cause a rash that is pinkish, scaly, and itchy anywhere on the body. Psoriasis can also cause rashes in the genital area in men.

 

Treatments for penile skin rashes

The type of treatment for a genital rash is determined by the underlying cause.
 

If you’re feeling extreme irritation that won’t go away, you should see a doctor. Many conditions that cause rashes on the penis are easy to manage.

 

In addition to treating the underlying condition, your doctor can prescribe a cream to alleviate the symptoms.

 

If the infected area is kept clean and dry, certain skin infections may recover without treatment.

Some of the treatment options are listed below:

 

  • Creams

 
530ea2 45336da6f057467a8bb34717e93b4eb2~mv2
 
Topical creams or lotions may be prescribed to be applied to the affected area a couple of times a day. They may be antifungal, antibacterial or steroid creams, depending on the underlying cause of your genital rash. Asking your doctor will determine which one is the most suitable for your conditions.
 

  • Oral tablets

 
530ea2 6b110908f97e451282309413f5a26a31~mv2
 
Some rashes are treated with prescription oral medications like antibiotics or antifungal. Your doctor may also prescribe medications that can help ease the itchiness like antihistamines.
 

  • Drying agents

 
530ea2 87db91e3a7144f5394d6972b77cd753c~mv2
 
With your doctor’s approval, potassium permanganate solution can be used to minimise excessive moisture over the penis head and foreskin. Extreme moisture promotes fungal growth and this procedure can help prevent such conditions.
 

  • Circumcision

 
530ea2 e56135c07102478488bf3a5e8495ce40~mv2
 
In certain conditions especially if it’s recurrent and chronic, you may want to consider removing the foreskin. Please click below if you want to know more about circumcision
 

  • Others

 

Lice may be treated with a medicated wash that is applied directly to the infected area, left on for the specified time period, and then washed away.

 

Clothing and bedding should be washed in hot water to avoid reinfection.

 

What is the outcome of penile skin rashes?

The prognosis for most rashes is excellent.
 

The underlying cause can usually be treated, and the rash will go away once treatment is completed. Parasites and diseases that aren’t sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be treated and avoided with proper treatment and hygiene.

 

Throughout this scenario, if the symptoms don’t go away on their own, you should see the doctor.

More Posts

Request An Appoinment

530ea2 4a83f39f33f34a3aac44e95dd08be189mv2

Penile Skin Rashes

A genital rash is a skin symptom that can occur on any part of the male genital region and can be caused by a variety of health problems. These includes sexually transmitted infections (STIs), genital herpes, parasite, fungal and bacterial, allergies, and inflammatory disorders.

Symptoms ranging from itchiness with redness over the penis, thick white substance collection in skin folds, painful penis and foreskin, burning sensation while urinating, discomfort during sexual intercourse and a repulsive odour over the genital area.

With the RIGHT diagnosis, a proper treatment to treat the ROOT CAUSED to prevent recurrent problems.

Book an appointment

Causes Of Penile Skin Rashes

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STIs)

  • Genital Herpes
herpes blisters in man
genital herpes illustration 27e2d6

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes, which causes inflammation and itching in the genital region and on the penis. Since the virus can remain dormant in the body for years, some people who are infected with HSV are unaware of their infection. An outbreak can cause tiny clusters of fluid-filled blisters in addition to itching.

  • Genital Warts
images
warts
common locations genital warts human 260

Genital warts are small growths that develop around the genitals such as penis or anus. They are also known as venereal warts, or condylomata acuminata. The warts form separately or in clusters. They may be small, at 5 mm or less, though in some cases they develop into large masses.

  • Syphilis
images 2
illustration symptoms syphilis affected
ch4991 fig1

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is passed from person to person via sexual contact. It causes a rash that may appear on any part of the body. The rash is not always itchy.

 
  • Balanitis
download 1

Balanitis is the swelling and inflammation of the glans (head) of the penis. This region is hidden by a flap of skin called the foreskin in men who are not circumcised.

  • Fungal Balanitis / Bacterial Balanitis
balantitis
vector illustration candidiasis penis 26
balanitis 260nw 310738955

A yeast infection, also known as fungal balanitis, is the most common cause of penile skin rashes. During sexual activity, you could be exposed to the fungus, which may lead to a penis infection.

​

There’s a risk your rash is more than a simple infection if it’s chronic, recurring, and triggers semi-permanent changes to your penis. Lichen Scleroses, for example, is an inflammatory skin disease. Bacterial infection could also caused inflammations and infections.

 

Other Causes of Penile Skin Rashes

530ea2 9a925f709a594995a01289894efbdce9mv2

Jock Itch / Fungal rashes

A fungal infection in the groin region, also known as ringworm infection. The rash is red, itchy, scaly, and may form blisters.

530ea2 7e82fdc9f5ba42a88d759db6d2aca405mv2

Molluscum Contagiosum

A viral infection that causes firm, isolated, round bumps on the skin. They may be itchy and swollen.

530ea2 c6fc0de553cc4fbfa94f90e1cf5c074cmv2

Scabies

Scabies is an itchy skin rash brought on by tiny mites. They burrow into the skin, causing severe itching, especially at night

530ea2 cb4dc9a0f332476e86f58e10033b6d87mv2

Genital Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease that is caused by an autoimmune condition. It can cause a rash that is pinkish, scaly, and itchiness.

Treatments for Penile Skin Rashes

The type of treatment for a genital rash is determined by the UNDERLYING CAUSED.

If you’re feeling extreme irritation that won’t go away, you should see a doctor. Many conditions that cause rashes on the penis are easy to manage.

In addition to treating the underlying condition, your doctor can prescribe a cream to alleviate the symptoms.

If the infected area is kept clean and dry, certain skin infections may recover without treatment.

Some of the treatment options are listed below:

fucidin

Creams

Topical creams or lotions may be prescribed to be applied to the affected area a couple of times a day. They may be antifungal, antibacterial or steroid creams, depending on the underlying cause of your genital rash.

shutterstock 504085291 scaled 1

Oral Medications

Some rashes are treated with prescription oral medications like antibiotics or antifungal. Your doctor may also prescribe medications that can help ease the itchiness like antihistamines.

circumcision

Circumcision

In certain conditions especially if it's recurrent and chronic, you may want to consider removing the foreskin.

530ea2 a0d3b71197cd4fdeb299d0e30959484fmv2

Others

Lice may be treated with a medicated wash that is applied directly to the infected area, left on for the specified time period, and then washed away. Clothing and bedding should be washed in hot water to avoid reinfection.

FAQs on Penile Skin Rashes

Read All FAQs

These factors may put you at a greater risk of developing fungal balanitis:

  • Uncircumcised penis

  • Poor practice of hygiene

  • Prolonged intake of antibiotics

  • Have diabetes or high blood sugar

  • Being overweight or obese

Balanitis is perhaps one of the first signs of diabetes. Request a diabetes screening from your doctor, particularly if your fungal infections are recurring and you have other risk factors such as a strong family history of diabetes.

 
 

Frenulectomy does not affect your foreskin and you will remain uncircumcised. Frenulectomy only involves releasing the tight band of tissue underneath the penis and your foreskin will be preserved. However, circumcision can be done together with the frenectomy procedure.

 

You may have an inflammatory skin disorder called Lichen Sclerosus if the symptoms are chronic, recurring, and never fully disappear

Yes, it may lead to long-term skin changes that prevent the foreskin from functioning normally. The foreskin loses its smoothness and retractability, and even some hardening, thickening, discoloration, and cuts may occur

The cause of a genital rash will play a major role in preventing it, particularly recurrent genital rashes.

To prevent rashes that are due to sexually-transmitted infections, you can:

  • Always use STI-protective barrier measures such as condoms and dental dams.

  • Treat pre-existing conditions promptly by seeking help from the doctor as soon as possible once an infection is suspected.

Maintaining a balanced diet and lifestyle will keep you in the best shape possible, potentially boosting your immune system and aiding in the battle against infections that can lead to genital rashes

There are several measures that may help in reducing any discomfort that you may experience from having the rashes. These includes:

  • Wash the region with a non-irritating, soap-free cleanser on a regular basis.

  • Before putting on clothes, dry the top of your penis.

  • Wash your hands before and after using the bathroom.

  • After intercourse or masturbation, wash and dry your penis.

  • Pull back your foreskin and wash around the head of your penis and under the foreskin at least once a day if you’re not circumcised.

The prognosis for most rashes is excellent.

The underlying cause can usually be treated, and the rash will go away once treatment is completed. Parasites and diseases that aren’t sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be treated and avoided with proper treatment and hygiene.

Throughout this scenario, if the symptoms don’t go away on their own, you should see the doctor

en_GBEnglish
ms_MYMalay zh_CNChinese en_GBEnglish