10 common causes of genital itching
An itchy penis or genital area can be uncomfortable, worrying and downright embarrassing if the itch strikes at the wrong moment. But while awkward genital health issues might be something you’d rather ignore, it’s best to determine the cause of your itchy penis quickly so you can either seek the right treatment or relax and scratch that itch without worry.
If you’re suffering from a sore todger, try not to panic. Dr Andrew Thornber gives us the lowdown on the top 10 causes of an itchy penis – and how to fix them. Don't forget, scratching will only make things worse, so hands off!
10 reasons why you have an itchy penis
If you can't stop scratching your penis or genital area, you might be second guessing yourself and wondering when you might have picked up a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But while STIs are common, it's perfectly normal to have an itchy penis for a number of different reasons unrelated to your sexual health. We share the 10 most common causes of an itchy penis, and how to fix them:
1. Jock itch
Jock itch (also known as tinea cruris) can be uncomfortable, but usually isn't serious and is quite common. It’s usually triggered by excess sweating and commonly occurs in people who exercise a lot. (Jock itch gets its name because it's common in athletes.)
Jock itch is caused by a ringworm fungal infection. This fungus is highly contagious and can be spread easily from person to person, through the use of shared clothing and towels. It can also occur in those who are overweight, have diabetes or have a weakened immune system.
It typically begins with a red area of skin in the crease in the groin that then spreads to the upper thigh in a half-moon shape. The rash may be ring-shaped and bordered with a line of small blisters and may feel itchy. The affected skin may also be flaky or scaly.
• How to treat jock itch
The infection can be treated with antifungal medicine. It’s important to stay dry, especially around the groin area. Wear clean clothing, avoid tight-fitting jeans and don’t share towels or other personal items. Change your underwear at least once a day or more often if you sweat a lot (wear underwear made of cotton or other fabric that breathes and keeps the skin drier) and try wearing boxer shorts rather than briefs. If you have an athlete's foot fungal infection, treat this to prevent any spread to the groin.
2. Chafing
Chafing can often occur when your thighs rub together and is quite common among runners, as the rubbing puts pressure on the skin barrier and causes a burn and/or itch.
• How to treat chafing
Moisturising regularly with a skin irritant protective moisturiser will help to alleviate pain from chafing. Use Bodyglide during exercise to minimise chafe.
3. Pubic lice
If you’re suffering with itching and notice little parasites moving in your pubic hairs or white specks (eggs), then you may have pubic lice, or crabs, as they are more commonly known. They are spread by close physical contact, including sexual contact and are not linked to poor personal hygiene. The most common symptom of pubic lice is itchy red spots, and it can take one to three weeks for itching to develop, usually worse at night.
• How to treat pubic lice
Pop to your GP or local sexual health clinic where they will prescribe a specialist formula. Pubic lice can be treated at home with (insecticidal) lotion or cream that will kill the lice. This will usually need to be applied once and repeated after seven days. Everyone that you've had close body contact with should be treated at the same time. This includes current sexual partners and may include members of your household.
4. Scabies
Scabies is a dermatological condition, caused by mites. It’s highly contagious and often, entire families will become infected by the mites. Besides genital itching, scabies can also cause a bright red cluster of small bumps on the affected area and can spread to other areas of the body.
• How to treat scabies
Visit your local pharmacist, who will prescribe a cream to help eradicate the mites. It is not usually a serious condition, but it does need to be treated with a cream or lotion that you apply over your whole body. You need to repeat the treatment one week later and everyone in your home needs to be treated at the same time, even if they do not have symptoms, along with anyone you have had sexual contact with in the previous 8 weeks. Wash all bedding and clothing at 50C or higher and you or your child can go back to work or school 24 hours after the first treatment.
5. Genital warts
Genital warts are sexually transmitted, being passed on by vaginal and anal sex, sharing sex toys and, rarely, by oral sex. They usually appear as small, cauliflower-like bumps around the genital area. There may be just one or two, or they might appear in a cluster.
• How to treat genital warts
Visit your GP or local sexual health clinic, where the warts will either be frozen off or you’ll be given a cream to help get rid of them. The type of treatment you'll be offered depends on what the warts look like and where they are - the doctor or nurse will discuss this with you.
⚠️ Note that, while you will be able to get rid of the warts, the virus that causes them (HPV) will remain in your system, so the warts may return. You can also infect sexual partners, even if no warts are currently visible.
6. Balanitis
Balanitis is a skin condition that causes a sore, itchy and smelly penis (usually the end of the penis), redness and swelling, a build-up of thick fluid and pain when urinating. It is most common in men and boys who have not been circumcised.
• How to treat balanitis
Your GP will, in the first instance, prescribe a cream to help balanitis clear up. If that doesn’t work, you will be referred to a dermatologist or urologist. It’s important to always visit your GP, to ensure you don't have an STI.
7. Male thrush
Thrush in men usually causes irritation, burning and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin. Commonly, thrush is also accompanied by an unpleasant smell and a white (cottage cheese-like) discharge.
• How to treat thrush in men
Visit your GP or pharmacist, who will be able to prescribe an anti-fungal cream or medication.
⚠️ A 2018 study found that apple cider vinegar can prevent the growth of candida. Dilute a teaspoon in a glass of water daily to treat a yeast overgrowth.
8. Razor burn
If you shave your pubic hair, you may experience razor burn. This can occur when using an old or blunt razor, shaving without a lubricant such as shaving foam, or shaving the same area multiple times in quick succession and can cause an itchy red rash and small bumps to appear on the surface of the pubic area and penis.
• How to treat razor burn
Razor burn usually settles with time but avoid shaving the affected area again for a week or so to allow it to heal. To help soothe itching, apply cool washcloth to the affected area and be careful not to rub the affected area, as this may further irritate the skin. After washing, pat the area dry then apply an emollient, avoiding any products that contain alcohol because they can cause irritation. Natural coconut oil can be used to help hydrate the area and an over-the-counter (OTC) option is a topical cream containing hydrocortisone which can help reduce any swelling and calm any skin redness and itching.
9. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash that may develop on your penis if you come in contact with something you are allergic to such as soaps, fragrances, and fabric although other less common allergies can cause this such as the metal in trouser zips that can irritate the penis if underwear is not worn. Along with the itching, contact dermatitis can cause skin dryness a red rash and tiny bumps.
• How to treat contact dermatitis
The best treatment for contact dermatitis is to avoid whatever is triggering the allergy so change your washing powder and soap to see if this eliminates the cause.
10. Eczema of the penis
Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, inflamed, and itchy. Eczema on the penis may appear as dry skin on the shaft.
• How to treat eczema of the penis
To fix eczema of the penis, the best treatment is with skin moisturisers and occasionally hydrocortisone (steroid) ointment.
Home remedies for an itchy penis
If you have any concerns about the possible cause of an itchy penis, always seek a medical opinion. If appropriate, there are a few remedies you can try at home to soothe the itch. Try the following:
✔️ Cool compress
Place a cool compress (such as a cold flannel) on the penis and pubic area. This can help ease the irritation and itch, as well as helping to soothe the skin in general. Always try to avoid scratching the penis as this will make the itching worse.
✔️ Abstain from sex
Refraining from sexual activity to avoid further irritation. This can also help prevent sexually transmitted infections - avoid having sex until the itch has settled.
✔️ Try coconut oil
Applying coconut oil to the area may help. This natural treatment can help soothe some of the skin condition symptoms as well as helping relieve the itch.
✔️ Keep moisturised
Moisturise the penis and pubic area. this helps to soothe and moisturise any dry skin on the penis and can help ease itching, especially after bathing or showering when the skin can dry out.
✔️ Try a colloidal oatmeal bath
Oatmeal anti-inflammatory properties can reduce skin irritation and itching - prepare an oatmeal bath by sprinkling oatmeal grounds into lukewarm water.
✔️ Use baking soda
If you have thrush or a yeast infection on your penis, applying baking soda onto it may help reduce the itching - add one cup of baking soda to a lukewarm bath and soak, or mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to your penis, and then rinse off a few minutes.
Sexual health testing
If you are worried about itchy genitals or have any other sexual health concerns, visit your GP or get a confidential opinion from your local sexual health clinic. Don't be embarrassed, they are trained specialists who are used to dealing with sexual health concerns.
Depending on the cause of the itchy penis, there are a few possible treatment options. These include antifungal treatments, antihistamines (if the itch is due to an allergy), antibiotics (if the cause of the itching is bacterial) and steroid ointments to help reduce inflammation and soothe the itch. If the itch is due to a STI, this will be treated appropriately.
To visit a sexual health clinic you don't need a referral letter from your GP, but we recommend contacting the clinic to find out their opening hours, and to check if you need an appointment.
Find a sexual health clinic near you.
Find contraceptive services near you.
Call the National Sexual Health Line 0300 123 7123.
Call Worth Talking About on 0300 123 2930 (for under-18s).
Last updated: 24-02-2021
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