An itchy penis is often annoying and uncomfortable. This condition can be caused by a variety of things, from yeast infections to allergies to the penis. Because the causes vary, complaints of itchy penis also need to be treated according to the underlying condition.
The appearance of itching in the genitals can appear along with other complaints, such as burning and swelling of the penis to pain during intercourse and urination.
However, itchy penis is generally harmless and can be treated with certain medications. However, if the itching does not subside, you should consult a doctor for an examination and get the right itchy penis treatment.
Various Causes of Itchy Penis Complaints
Itchy penis needs to be treated according to the cause. There are several diseases or conditions that can cause a man to experience an itchy penis, including:
1. Fungal infection or candidiasis
One of the causes of an itchy penis is a yeast infection. This condition can occur on the head of the penis or around the foreskin.
This condition, known as fungal balanitis, can cause itching and burning, redness of the head of the penis, rash, and discharge under the foreskin. Balanitis often affects adult men who have not been circumcised.
2. Urethritis
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra, the urinary tract that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In addition to causing an itchy penis, urethritis can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or difficulty urinating and the presence of blood in the semen or urine.
3. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to the penis that occurs as a result of exposure to an allergenic substance or allergen. This condition can make the penis itchy, rash or bumps appear, and the skin around the penis becomes dry.
There are many substances or objects that can trigger allergies in the penis, ranging from soap, latex material in condoms, to spermicide substances in condom lubricants.
4. Psoriasis
Itchy penis can also be caused by autoimmune diseases of the skin around the penis, such as psoriasis. This disease is characterized by the appearance of a rash, scaly skin, and easy peeling on the skin.
In addition to psoriasis, complaints of itching on the penis can also be caused by other skin diseases, such as lichen sclerosus and eczema.
5. Smegma
Smegma is an oil that functions to keep the penis moist. However, if not cleaned regularly, smegma will accumulate and become a breeding ground for bacteria in the penis. This is what makes smegma can be the cause of itchy penis.
6. Sexually transmitted infections
In some cases, itchy penis can also be a symptom of sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea or gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and genital herpes.
This itching will be accompanied by other symptoms, such as a white, yellow, or green discharge from the tip of the penis and pain when urinating.
This disease is more at risk for people who frequently change sexual partners or do not use condoms during sex.
In addition, itchy penis can also be caused by other conditions, such as bacterial infections, phimosis, and friction on the skin in the penis area.
To treat itchy penis, the doctor will prescribe drugs according to the cause, such as:
- Antibiotics, to relieve infections caused by bacteria
- Corticosteroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, to relieve itching, redness, and swelling from inflammation of the penis
- Antifungal medication, to treat itching on the penis caused by fungal infections
- Antihistamines, to treat itching caused by allergies or irritation
How to Clean and Maintain Penis Health
You can prevent itchy penis by taking good care of the penis and regularly. There are several ways to clean and maintain a healthy penis, including:
- Wash the base of the penis, testicles (scrotum), and anus with warm water and unscented soap at least once a day.
- Always dry the penis after every shower or urination.
- Wear underwear that is comfortable, not tight, and absorbs sweat, such as cotton.
- Change underwear at least once a day.
- Immediately change into wet clothes after exercising to prevent bacterial or fungal infections of the penis.
- Avoid using powder for the penis, especially in toddlers, because the powder can accumulate in the foreskin and cause irritation.
- Avoid risky sexual behavior by using condoms when having sex and not changing sexual partners.
- Perform circumcision to reduce the risk of inflammation of the penis which can cause itching.
Penis itching caused by irritation generally subsides on its own after a few days. However, if it is caused by an infection or certain skin disease, this complaint needs to be treated by a doctor.
If you experience an itchy penis that does not go away or is accompanied by other complaints, such as a rash on the penis or the surrounding area, penis pain, and pus or blood coming out of the penis, immediately consult a doctor for treatment.