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If you’re experiencing itching, soreness, or skin discoloration on your penis, you might be dealing with penile eczema. This form of eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) can be especially uncomfortable and distressing. Many people feel embarrassed or unsure about bringing it up with their doctor, which can delay treatment and relief. While penile eczema is not one of the most common types of eczema, it is treatable. With the right care, you can find relief and protect your skin's health.
If you notice any new symptoms or changes in the appearance of the skin on your penis, talk to your doctor or a dermatology specialist. They may be able to manage your symptoms and rule out any other potential causes, such as fungal infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for penile eczema — and find out what other conditions could be causing your symptoms.
Eczema that affects the penis is one type of genital eczema — a form of atopic dermatitis that can develop on the genitals. Genital eczema can affect the penis, scrotum (the skin around the testicles), groin (where the upper thigh meets the abdomen), and the skin between the buttocks and around the anus.
One of the most uncomfortable symptoms of penile eczema is persistent itching. As one MyEczemaTeam member shared, “My 6-year-old boy has an itchy penis. The doctor says it is eczema, and we have been treating it. We have not noticed much of a difference. He told me a couple of nights ago that the only thing he wants for Christmas is that the itch goes away,” they said.
Aside from intense itching, eczema may also cause the penis to become discolored and inflamed. This rash-like irritation can affect the shaft of the penis, the foreskin, or the scrotum. In more severe cases, open sores may also develop on the skin of the penis, which can lead to infection.
Some forms of eczema that affect the penis are triggered by environmental factors, such as soaps, detergents, or allergens (such as pollen or animal dander). A person who already has atopic dermatitis (eczema) elsewhere on their body may also develop eczema rashes on the skin of the penis. Stress and genetics can also play a role in penile eczema.
There are four main types of eczema that can affect the skin of the penis: atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and irritant contact dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis (AD or atopic eczema) is the most common form of eczema. It happens when a weakened skin barrier and an overactive immune system trigger inflammation that damages the skin. AD usually appears on the hands, face, behind the knees, and inside the elbows. However, the condition can show up anywhere, including the penis. On the penis, atopic dermatitis can cause dry, itchy, and discolored skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic (long-term) form of eczema that usually affects areas of skin where there are high concentrations of oil glands. This includes the chest, face, and scalp. Although the cause of this type of eczema isn’t clear, it may be linked to problems with the immune system, yeast, or producing too much oil. When it appears on the scalp, this condition is known as dandruff.
Seborrheic dermatitis can affect the genitals, especially the pubic area, buttocks, or the skin around the anus. On the penis, this form of eczema might cause the skin of the penis to become discolored, itchy, and greasy. Yellowy-white flakes or scales may also develop in the groin area.
Contact dermatitis is the most common form of dermatitis that affects the penis. It happens when skin comes into contact with an irritating substance, like wool or sweat. Contact dermatitis usually causes burning and itching where the contact has occurred. Blisters may also form.
Two types of contact dermatitis may affect the penis: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.
Irritant contact dermatitis is common in the genital area because the skin in this area is very sensitive. Sweat, friction from clothing, and certain products can easily irritate it. Soaps, body washes, moist towelettes, toilet paper, and other products that come into contact with the genitals may trigger irritant contact dermatitis.
In allergic contact dermatitis, the skin of the penis may have an allergic reaction to something it touches. Allergic contact dermatitis can cause discoloration, itching, and small bumps, usually on the area of skin that came into contact with the allergen. Personal lubricants, latex condoms, and spermicidal products are common triggers of allergic contact dermatitis on the genitals.
Many different conditions can cause the skin of the penis to feel itchy, inflamed, or irritated. If you’re having symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor. They can help rule out other causes and make sure you get the right treatment. Your doctor may suggest tests such as a patch test, blood tests, or STI testing.
Skin conditions that can cause symptoms similar to penile eczema include STIs, fungal infections, psoriasis, and lichen planus.
While many STIs have no symptoms, STIs like genital herpes or syphilis can cause sores that may look like eczema. Like eczema, some STIs can also cause the penis to burn or itch. STI testing may include a urine or blood test, a cheek swab, or taking a sample of fluid or discharge.
Fungal infections are common in the genital area. A candida infection (also known as thrush or a yeast infection) can cause inflammation on the head of the penis (glans), called balanitis. People who are not circumcised are more likely to get balanitis than those who are circumcised. Yeast and fungus often show up in areas where skin rubs against skin, so these rashes commonly appear on the inner thighs as well.
More than half of people with psoriasis will develop it on or near their genitals at some point. Psoriasis, like eczema, is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and affects the skin. Although psoriasis and eczema can both lead to discolored, itchy rashes, eczema is usually more itchy than psoriasis. Psoriasis rashes are often smoother and moist, while eczema is dry and bumpy.
Lichen planus is another skin condition that can affect the genitals. It causes small raised, irritated patches of flat, itchy, purplish bumps. Lichen planus can develop on the penis or anywhere else on the skin, including the scalp, nails, and inside the mouth.
If your penis feels very itchy or develops dry, discolored, or scaly patches, talk to your healthcare provider or a dermatologist. They can recommend the right treatment for you.
Treating penile eczema often starts with a topical medication, like a corticosteroid cream. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and relieve skin irritation, itching, and other symptoms of eczema. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter steroid cream or prescribe a stronger medication.
It is important to use steroid creams only as directed. The skin of the penis is very sensitive and absorbs medication more easily than other areas of the body. Do not apply steroid creams to the penis right before sex, as this could irritate your partner’s skin. Make sure the cream is fully absorbed into the skin of the penis before any sexual activity, including oral sex.
Emollients (moisturizers or lotions) can help soothe itchy, dry skin on the penis. If you’re also using a topical steroid cream, wait at least 30 minutes before applying an emollient to the penis to avoid affecting how the medication works.
Managing penile eczema includes reducing or eliminating contact with irritants. Try to stay away from potential irritants or allergens like latex, pollen, or certain soaps and detergents. Use gentle, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products that are labeled “for sensitive skin.”
If you’re sensitive to certain contraceptives like condoms or diaphragms, talk to your doctor. They can help you find a birth control method that won’t irritate your penis or result in eczema flare-ups.
Friction and tight clothing can make eczema on the penis worse. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing made from bamboo, silk, or cotton can help reduce irritation.
Intense itching is one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of eczema on the penis. Some over-the-counter anti-itch products can help. If they don’t, your doctor might recommend other treatment options, like antihistamines. They may also run tests to check for other causes of itchiness, like iron-deficiency anemia (low iron levels).
On MyEczemaTeam, the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.
How have you dealt with eczema on the penis? What treatments have helped you? Share your experience and tips in the comments below or by posting on your Activities page.
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I Mistakenly Applied A Furexointment On My Penis Now Is Getting Big And Reddish What Can I Do To Stop That
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Oh, my. I can't even imagine how miserable that must be! 😧
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