Rash on penis: 10 most common causes

2: Balanitis

Balanitis, or inflammation of the glans penis, is a common condition in uncircumcised men, people with diabetes or HIV, and those with poor hygiene.It can result from various fungal or bacterial infections. Symptoms include itching, burning sensation, redness, and occasionally curd-like accumulations.

The balanitis-associated rash can appear as: [6] Penile Inflammatory Skin Disorders and the Preventive Role of Circumcision. PubMed Central. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5439293/

Balanitis rash

3: Yeast infection

A penile yeast infection (candidal balanitis) is mostly caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. The penile rash usually appears as red spots on the head of the penis. Other symptoms include itching, pain, swelling, and irritation of the head of the penis and under the foreskin. As the infection progresses, white patches may appear and merge into a flat white coating (thrush). [7] Candida Balanitis. Altmeyers encyclopedia. https://www.altmeyers.org/en/dermatology/candida-balanitis-118722

Penile yeast infection photo

4: Allergic reaction

Allergic contact dermatitis typically presents with redness and swelling, which can progress to blistering over time. It's often triggered by various substances like medicated creams, hygiene products, contraceptives, lubricants, feminine hygienedeodorant sprays, local anesthetics like benzocaine, and spermicides or other agents that come into contact with the skin, including those transferred by hand.People with latex allergycan experiencehives or even life-threatening allergic reactions shortly after using a condom. [1] Common skin disorders of the penis. BMJ International. https://sci-hub.se/10.1046/j.1464-410x.2002.02962.x

Contact dermatitis rash photo

5: Friction burn

A friction burn on the penis typically appears as redness and irritation, resembling a heat burn. In more severe cases, it may develop into blistering and peeling. The affected area often feels sore, swollen, and tender to the touch. Friction burns occur when the skin is rubbed vigorously against a surface, such as during aggressive or prolonged masturbation, sexual activity, or due to friction from tight clothing. [8] How to Treat a Friction Burn on a Penis. Manual. https://www.manual.co/health-centre/penis-health/how-to-treat-a-friction-burn-on-a-penis#:~:text=Penis%20friction%20burn%20is%20a,fragrance%2Dfree%20moisturiser%20or%20gel

Friction burn photo

6: Genital psoriasis

Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease affecting the male genital organs. It appears as red plaques in the groin and buttocks area. Sometimes the entire scrotum and penis may be affected, although it may only occur on the penis. In circumcised males, red scaly patches are often found on the penile head and corona. For others, non-scaling plaques are common under the foreskin and on the nearby area of the head of the penis. Often, this rash is present on the elbows, knees and scalp. [1] Common skin disorders of the penis. BMJ International. https://sci-hub.se/10.1046/j.1464-410x.2002.02962.x

Psoriasis rash on the penis

7: Penile eczema

Eczema can affect various parts of the skin, including the penis. Symptoms of penile eczema often include red, inflamed, scaly patches, bumps, thickened, dry, and itchy skin. In severe cases, the skin may crack or leak a thick, yellow, or white fluid, indicating a potential infection. [9] Eczema on Penis. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24314-eczema-on-penis

Penile eczema results from a combination of factors, including immune system activation, genetic predisposition, and environmental triggers such as stress, certain soaps, skin care products, and desensitizing gels or lubricants that delay orgasm. [9] Eczema on Penis. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24314-eczema-on-penis

Eczema on penis

8: Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic progressive anogenital skin disease. It typically affects the glans, penis, and foreskin and appears as reddish bumps or plaques that develop into atrophic, whitish, flat-topped lesions. This condition is very characterized by a sclerotic white ring at the tip of the foreskin. [1] Common skin disorders of the penis. BMJ International. https://sci-hub.se/10.1046/j.1464-410x.2002.02962.x

Some individuals may experience localized itching, burning sensations, bleeding, scratching, tearing of the foreskin, and discomfort during intercourse and urination. [10] Penile Lichen Sclerosis: A Surgical Perspective of its Aetiology and Treatment. PubMed Central. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9509524/

Lichtensclerosus photo

9: Ingrown hair

Ingrown hair rashes are red, bumpy, painful lesions resembling pimples. They may also contain clear or yellowish pus. They usually occur in shaved or waxed areas when growing hair curls and grow back into the skin, causing local inflammation, but can appear anywhere hair grows. [11] How to Tell If You Have an Ingrown Hair on Your Penis — and What to Do About It. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/ingrown-hair-on-penile-shaft#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

Ingrown hair rash

10: Fixed drug eruption

Fixed drug eruption is an adverse reaction to a drug characterized by the appearance of a single or multiple red patch reoccurring on that exact site of the body when exposed to that drug. This disease can affect any part of the body, but it often appears on the hands, lips, and genital area. [12] A case of fixed drug eruption caused by loxoprofen sodium hydrate. Allergology International. https://sci-hub.se/10.1016/j.alit.2015.04.007

Fixed drug eruption rash on the penis

Treatment

Treatment for genital rash depends on the condition. The rash caused by STDs should be treated with special medications, while allergies can be avoided by changing your diet or avoiding allergens.

Prevention

STDs can be prevented by practicing safe sex or abstaining from it. Allergic reactions, psoriasis, and eczema can be controlled by avoiding triggers. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene (keeping the genital area clean and dry) will help prevent penile irritation.

When to see a doctor

It is recommended to seek medical care in case of a severe rash on the genitals that does not go away and interferes with your everyday lifestyle.

Summary

A rash on the penis can be the result of various infectious and non-infectious diseases. Timely diagnosis of these conditions can help in their early resolution and prevent further outbreaks.