The itching in the penis is a symptom that happens when an inflammation of the head of the penis, scientifically called balanitis.
This inflammation, in most cases, is caused by a penile allergy or poor hygiene of the intima, but it can also be a sign of more serious problems such as yeast infections, skin problems or sexually transmitted diseases, for example .
So when the itching lasts longer than 1 week or does not improve with proper hygiene of the intimate region it is important to consult a urologist to identify the problem and start the appropriate treatment. Some of the most common causes of itching include:
1. Allergy
Allergy is one of the most common and least serious causes of itching in the penis, which can arise from direct contact with some types of soap, condom or even with some garment, especially if it is made of synthetic fabric instead of cotton, for example.
- How to treat : It is important to try to identify what is causing the allergy to avoid contact with this substance. Thus, it is important to try to always use cotton underwear and use own soaps for the intimate region. In addition, if latex allergy is suspected, the use of condoms with this material should be avoided.
2. Poor hygiene
Lack of hygiene favors the accumulation of dirt under the glans skin and therefore there is an increased risk of overgrowth of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that cause inflammation of the penis, resulting in itching.
This type of problem is more common in uncircumcised men, but it can happen in any case.
- How to treat : It is important to wash the intimate area at least once a day because it is a part of the body that transpires quite a lot during the day and accumulates many dead skin cells.
3. Candidiasis
Although it is more common in women, candidiasis is also one of the main causes of itching in the intimate region of man and is due to the excessive accumulation of the fungus Candida albicans in the glans.
This fungal growth is almost always caused by poor hygiene of the penis but can also be a sign of diabetes or autoimmune diseases, such as HIV infection. Learn more about the causes of candidiasis in man.
- How to treat : Most of the time the treatment is done with the application of an antifungal ointment, such as Miconazol or Clotrimazole, for about 7 days. However, it can also be recommended to make some changes in the diet, such as reducing the amount of sugar and carbohydrates. Learn more about the treatment of this problem.
4. Psoriasis
Men who suffer from psoriasis in some part of the body have a high risk of also having psoriasis in the penis. However, this problem does not always manifest with a red spot on the penis, which can only affect the glans of the glans, which causes an intense itching sensation and small balls on the head of the penis.
- How to treat : The ideal is to keep the area always well washed to avoid irritating the skin, giving preference to cold water. In addition, home remedies, such as applying a compress dipped in cold chamomile tea, may also relieve the symptoms. See the following video for some homemade options:
Pubic lice
This type of lice causes an irritation of the skin of the intima which results in a constant itching sensation in the penis. Pubic lice can be transmitted by intimate contact or by sharing towels, sheets, underwear or other objects that come in direct contact with the intimate region. See other symptoms and how to treat.
- How to treat : The best way to eliminate pubic lice is to shave pubic hair, as the lice clings to the hairs and not the skin. However, there is also the option of treating with sprays and lotions of their own, such as Malathion or Permethrin cream, which may be prescribed by the dermatologist.
6. HPV
One of the most common symptoms of HPV is the appearance of warts in the intima, however, in men, these warts are rarer and therefore may appear more generic symptoms such as itching or redness in the penis.
HPV is spread through unprotected intimate contact, but its symptoms can take anywhere from several months to two years to manifest, so many men may not know they are infected.
- How to treat : There is no specific treatment to cure HPV because the body needs to eliminate the virus alone, which can take a few years. However, to relieve symptoms, the urologist may advise the use of some ointments, such as Podofilina, which should be applied for about 1 week. See all about transmission and treatment of HPV.
7. Chlamydia
Although almost all sexually transmitted diseases can cause itching and a sensation of discomfort in the penis, chlamydia is the one that most often presents itching as an early sign, not being accompanied by any other symptoms.
Thus, men who engage in unprotected sex should be screened for STDs repeatedly to identify if they are infected and to start treatment.
- How to treat : An antibiotic prescribed by the urologist, usually Azithromycin or Doxycycline, should be taken for 7 days. See what other remedies can be used to treat chlamydia.
