How to deal with rashes in a man's intimate area?

November 3, 2020

When the head of the male organ becomes red and swollen, this is an inflammation called balanitis. When the foreskin is also involved in the process, the disease is called balanoposthitis. Redness is accompanied by itching, burning, pain when urinating, and sometimes mucus leaking from the urethra. The disease cannot be neglected; it can spread throughout the genitourinary system, provoke phimosis and lead to necrosis of the head.

Causes of rashes on the head of the penis

Pimples on the shaft and head of the penis are caused by various factors and do not always indicate serious diseases. In 59% of men, rashes occur during puberty due to hormonal imbalance. Once testosterone levels in the body stabilize, the pimples disappear spontaneously.

Experts identify several key reasons for the formation of acne on the head of the genital organ:

• Lack of personal hygiene. Neglect of sanitary and hygienic rules leads to the accumulation of bacteria under the foreskin, which covers the head of the non-erect penis. This leads to skin inflammation and the formation of pimples.
• Endocrine disorders. An increase in the level of male sex hormones in the body stimulates the sebaceous glands. Increased sebum secretion leads to blockage and inflammation of the sebaceous ducts. Hormonal imbalance is caused by pathologies of the thyroid gland, gonads, and hypothalamic-pituitary system.
• Poor nutrition. Abuse of spices, fatty and smoked foods negatively affects lipid metabolism. Because of this, the density of sebum increases. It clogs the sebaceous ducts, causing skin inflammation and pimples on the penis.
• Wearing tight underwear. Tight-fitting underwear made of synthetic materials disrupts heat exchange, which leads to excess sweat and sebum. Organic secretion is a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria. They infect the skin, causing pimples on the scrotum, shaft and head of the penis.
• Allergy. Transparent and red pimples on the head of the penis are often caused by allergic reactions to hygienic cosmetics and synthetic underwear. Contact dermatitis is indicated by severe itching or burning in the groin area.

Pimples in the intimate area in 15% of cases become a symptom of balanoposthitis - inflammation of the head and foreskin.
Additionally, the disease is manifested by itching, white plaque and soreness. Urologists identify a separate group of sexually transmitted diseases that cause pimples on the penis:

• Syphilis. If not only pimples, but also painful ulcers (syphilomas) appear on the head of the genital organ, this indicates infection with syphilis.
• Candidiasis. Fungal disease is caused by yeast-like fungi. It is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner. Candidiasis manifests itself as white pimples on the shaft and head of the phallus, itching, and an unpleasant odor from the intimate area.
• Genital herpes. Itchy grouped rashes on the head of the penis in 85% indicate infection with the herpes virus type 2. Unlike regular pimples, the rash is represented by small watery blisters.
• Genital wart. If the pimples on the head of the phallus have a flesh-colored tint, most often this indicates infection with the human papillomavirus. The disease is highly contagious, and neoplasms are prone to malignant degeneration.

Pustular rashes on the head of the penis indicate a bacterial or fungal infection of the skin. Such pimples require adequate and timely treatment. Ignoring the problem is dangerous due to the penetration of infection into the urethra, and from there into the bladder and kidneys.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Both pimples and Fordyce granules located on the penis can increase in size, change their shape, and also cause pain when touched . This manifestation occurs when the sebaceous glands become inflamed. They may become harder to the touch, resembling in appearance pimples with an abscess on top.

Other reasons for the appearance of pimples on the male penis are:

1. Molluscum contagiosum . This is a papule (dense nodule), pinkish or flesh-colored and round in shape. It does not cause pain upon palpation. Its dimensions can most often be from 2 to 10 millimeters, but sometimes reach several centimeters. If you press on the formation, a curd mass is released from it. It is possible that it may appear on the shaft of the phallus, with several such blisters appearing nearby. It is transmitted through close contact between bodies, including during sex. The disease received this name due to the fact that inside the papule there are bodies similar to a shell in which the mollusk hides. This manifestation is safe. Does not require treatment. After a few months it goes away on its own.
2. Neurodermatitis . The occurrence of the disease is associated with disorders of the nervous system or genetic factors. When one of the forms of this disease (giant neurodermatitis) manifests itself, fairly large red bumps (up to one centimeter) form on the root of the organ, on the scrotum and in the inguinal folds, which rise above the surface of the skin. These red bumps on the penis itch very strongly and unbearably . Often, scars remain in places where scratching occurs. An additional infection is likely due to the presence of wounds.
3. Genital herpes. Viral infection. The mucous membrane of the genital organs is affected. Transmitted through intimate contact. Pimples in the form of bubbles and ulcers appear on the head of the penis. They are often quite painful.
4. Human papillomavirus infection. The virus is transmitted during sex. Most often, papillomas appear on the frenulum of the penis and its head, and are sometimes found on the scrotum. Their primary form of manifestation is smooth flesh-colored pimples that do not cause pain. They then grow into genital warts. With weakened immunity, rapid growth of such warts is possible.
5. Scabies. A contagious skin disease caused by a microscopic mite. Severely itchy nodules may appear on the skin of the phallus or scrotum.

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Pimples on the skin of the penis can also occur with other pathologies. Some of them are contagious and can only be transmitted sexually, while others, like the acrochordon (skin growth), are harmless. There are also chronic skin diseases , which in rare cases appear isolated and on the genitals, for example, lichen planus.

How is it diagnosed?

Timely diagnosis is the key to successful treatment of pimples in the groin area. To differentiate acne vulgaris from infectious and sexually transmitted diseases, an examination is carried out.

An increase in the number of pimples, painful urination, redness and swelling of the head of the penis is a serious reason to consult a urologist.

Specific tests include:

• clinical analysis of urine and blood;
• smear from the urethral canal for infections;
• dermatoscopy;
• microscopic examination of tissue samples.

If acne on the head of the penis is caused by the papilloma virus, you will need to consult an oncologist. If the rash is bacterial or fungal in nature, antibacterial and antimycotic therapy is prescribed.

Differences between ecthyma in syphilis and normal

Common ecthyma has a staphylococcal or streptococcal etiology.

Rarely it is caused by gonococcus.

With simple ecthyma, a bubble or pustular element is formed.

The morphological element appears only against the background of infiltration.

It dries out quite quickly.

A crust forms.

After it leaves, an ulcer forms, the bottom of which bleeds and is covered with plaque.

Ecthyma heals in 2-3 weeks.

In some cases, it can heal without forming an ulcer.

Main localization:

• hips
• gluteal region
• shins
• hands

The main difference between ordinary ecthyma is that there is no infiltrate around the ulcer.

The crust covers the ulcerative defect completely, not partially.

Because ordinary ecthyma does not have a tendency to infiltrative growth.

How to treat acne on the scalp

When treating pimples in the intimate area, a large number of local and systemic drugs are used. Their action is aimed at:

• reduction of sebum secretion;
• relieving inflammation;
• removal of existing pimples;
• prevention of new rashes.

Small white pimples on the head of the penis can be successfully treated with the simultaneous use of drugs from different pharmacological groups. During therapy, special attention is paid to compliance with sanitary and hygienic rules. Proper care of the genitals prevents the spread of rashes and the penetration of infection into the urethral canal.

Rules of intimate hygiene

According to statistics, men are more likely than women to neglect personal hygiene. This causes a decrease in local immunity, inflammation of the penis and the formation of pimples on the head of the penis.

Before and after caring for the external genitalia, you should wash your hands with antibacterial or tar soap.

Basic sanitary and hygienic rules:

• Water procedures. You need to wash the external genitalia twice a day - morning and evening. It is recommended to rinse the groin area with cool water – 18-22°C. Overheating of the gonads is dangerous by reducing male fertility.
• High-quality hygienic cosmetics. Care products with a neutral pH level prevent allergic reactions, contact dermatitis and dry skin. Gels and foams for intimate hygiene should not contain alcohol, parabens, or fragrances.
• Underwear. A pimple on the frenulum and head of the phallus is a consequence of wearing synthetic tight underwear. To ensure air access to the intimate area, panties made of cotton fabric are preferred. Underwear is changed twice a day after water procedures.

To prevent infectious diseases, it is recommended to shower before and after sexual intercourse. During the procedure, the genitals are thoroughly washed, clearing them of smegma and urine residues.

Pharmacy products

The choice of medications depends on the type of infection that caused pimples on the foreskin or head of the phallus:

• Antiviral (Famciclovir, Gerpevir, Valacyclovir) - destroy pathogens of herpes infection, eliminate inflammation, watery pimples on the penis. Used to treat genital herpes.
• Antifungals (Pimafucin, Clotrimazole, Candide) - eliminate yeast-like, mold and other types of fungi. Included in the treatment of acne on the head of the penis caused by thrush.
• Antihistamines (Flucinar, Advantan, Lorinden) - eliminate allergic pimples on the penis, itching and redness. Prescribed for the treatment of contact dermatitis, urticaria, psoriasis.
• Antibacterial (Levomekol, Sintomycin, Baneocin) - destroy pathogenic bacteria that cause pustular rashes on the head of the penis. Used for bacterial complications, furunculosis, pyoderma.

The treatment regimen should be drawn up only by a doctor, taking into account the results of the examination.
Self-medication is dangerous due to deterioration of health, infection of the urethra. If a red pimple on the head of a man's penis is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, systemic antibacterial or antifungal agents are used. For syphilis, penicillin antibiotics are prescribed. If you are allergic to drugs in this group, take cephalosporins or tetracyclines.

Traditional methods

Alternative medicine reduces inflammation on the head of the penis and dries out pimples. To combat genital rashes, the following are used:

• Sage. 2 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured with 250 ml of water and boiled over low heat for 3-5 minutes. Wash the head with the cooled broth 2-4 times a day for at least 2 weeks.
• Aloe. 3-5 fleshy leaves are grated. The pulp is wrapped in gauze and applied to pimples for 15-20 minutes three times a day.
• Potato juice. 1-2 potatoes are grated and the juice is squeezed out of them through cheesecloth. They rub the head of the penis with it 3-4 times a day for 2 weeks.
• Peppermint lotion. 3 tbsp. l. peppermint leaves are poured into 300 ml of water and boiled for 5 minutes. Add 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the strained liquid. Wipe the head of the penis with lotion in the morning and evening.
• Decoction of birch buds. 2 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured with 250 ml of boiling water. Boil for 3 minutes and strain. Wash the genitals with the decoction up to 3 times a day.

If, after treating pimples, red spots or blisters appear on the penis, treatment with herbal remedies is abandoned. Undesirable symptoms indicate an allergic reaction.

Diagnosis of acne with syphilis

It is impossible to determine the origin of acne based on the clinical picture alone.

Diagnostic tests are required to confirm the analysis.

To directly detect Treponema pallidum, PCR of material from the surface of acne can be performed.

When a morphological element is irritated, a discharge usually appears.

It can be collected and sent to the laboratory.

Using PCR, the genotype of Treponema pallidum is determined.

You can also take blood tests.

The doctor will determine what reactions to syphilis you should take.

A minimum of two serological tests are usually performed.

For example, cardiolipin test and ELISA or RPGA.

If the results are questionable or contradictory, additional studies may be required.

What is prohibited to do

Irrational treatment of the rash on the head of the phallus is fraught with deterioration of the skin condition and complications. In this regard, urologists do not recommend:

• squeeze out pimples;
• treat the penis with alcohol solutions;
• apply warm compresses;
• visit public baths and swimming pools;
• make applications with egg whites.

Getting locally irritating drugs into the urethral canal is dangerous due to inflammation of the mucous membrane. Because of this, men experience frequent and painful urination.

Diagnosis in men

To make a correct diagnosis, men with rashes in the genital area should consult a dermatologist or urologist. To determine the causes of such ailment, the doctor usually:

• Conducts a visual inspection.
• Collects anamnesis. It is extremely important to tell the doctor in detail how and when the rashes appeared, what discomfort they cause, etc.
• Prescribes additional tests, for example, skin scraping, blood tests, etc.

Usually, the above measures are quite sufficient to identify the causes of the rash. If necessary, the patient is sent for consultation to other specialized specialists, for example, an allergist or oncologist.

What can be dangerous about rashes in the intimate area?

If a white pimple on the head in men is caused by an infection, improper treatment of the disease will lead to complications:

• urethritis;
• prostatitis;
• impaired potency;
• ejaculation disorder;
• painful urination;
• orchitis;
• balanoposthitis.

If the inflammation spreads to the foreskin, scarring of the skin occurs. Ignoring the problem is fraught with paraphimosis - pinching of the head of the penis due to narrowing of the foreskin. In most cases, the disease can only be treated surgically by cutting through the scar tissue.

How contagious are acne with syphilis?

The infectiousness of secondary syphilides is very high.

Especially ulcers and erosions that are not covered with a crust.

These elements contain a large number of pale treponema.

They can penetrate not only into the mucous membrane, but into the skin.

Not only sexual contact, but also close household contact in a person with active rashes can lead to transmission of infection.

In addition to the direct route, there is also an indirect route of infection.

In this case, Treponema pallidum is transmitted through common objects.

For example, through clothes, towels, etc.

That is, through objects that first come into contact with the skin of a patient, and then of a healthy person.

Prevention

Preventive measures include maintaining hygiene, timely treatment of diseases and giving up bad habits. To prevent pimples on the genitals, you should:

• wash your genitals with antibacterial soap twice a day;
• wear loose underwear made from natural materials;
• exclude casual sex;
• use barrier contraceptives;
• give up fast food and fatty foods;
• use only hypoallergenic hygiene cosmetics;
• fight hyperhidrosis and diaper rash.

To prevent serious diseases and complications, it is recommended to undergo a preventive examination with a urologist twice a year.
Pimples on the shaft and head of the penis are a nonspecific symptom that becomes a manifestation of diseases of an infectious and allergic nature. To avoid disturbances in the functioning of the genitourinary system, you need to contact a urologist if even single pimples form on the genitals.

Treatment of the rash

A rash on the penis, regardless of origin, needs treatment. Rashes can be treated in several ways, which are selected depending on the nature of the disease. The main methods include:

• hygiene procedures;
• drug treatment;
• surgical intervention.

Prevention of provoking diseases can reduce the likelihood of recurrence of rashes.

Hygiene procedures

To prevent irritation caused by stagnation of smegma from developing into a chronic inflammatory process, it is necessary to carefully remove the lubricant. The essence of hygiene procedures is to wash away the smegma that has accumulated between the head and foreskin. If the foreskin fits tightly, it must be pulled back until the head and coronal groove are completely exposed.

A minor rash caused by uncomfortable clothing or hot weather does not require treatment.

Hygienic procedures are performed daily, using intimate hygiene products. Obese people can additionally use antiseptic and drying agents.

Underwear plays an important role, which also needs to be changed daily for fresh ones. It is recommended to wear loose panties made from natural fabrics.

Treatment of phimosis

Phimosis and paraphimosis, which are characterized by a tight fit of the foreskin, make hygiene procedures difficult. Phimosis is treated using several methods:

1. Limited masturbation
   . Stretching the foreskin is performed manually by exposing the head during incomplete masturbation and urination. Stretching of the foreskin can be done by spreading fingers inserted into the preputial sac or by using a silicone retractor ring that fixes the glans in an exposed state.

2. Drug treatment
   . Treatment of phimosis is performed locally, using glucocorticosteroid ointments (clobetasol, betamethasone). Glucocorticoids relieve swelling, inflammation and rashes, facilitating gentle stretching. Antiseptics are also used that destroy microbes on the surface of the skin.
3. Surgical intervention
   . Pathological formation or growth of the foreskin requires surgery for complete or partial excision of the foreskin. The operation is known as circumcision.

Phimosis is a reversible pathology and responds well to treatment. In case of relapse, a repeated treatment complex is carried out.

Treatment of venereal rash

Rashes caused by sexually transmitted diseases are treated only in accordance with the recommendations of a venereologist. The doctor makes a diagnosis, establishes the type of pathology and selects the appropriate type of conservative treatment. The therapeutic plan for the treatment of infectious and viral STDs contains a number of drugs:

• antibiotics (antimicrobial) drugs for oral, intramuscular, intravenous or infusion administration (Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin, Ofloxacin);

• antiviral drugs (Acyclovir, Interferon);
• antiseptics and disinfectants for external use (Chlorhexidine, Betadine);
• glucocorticoids for systemic therapy (Advantan, Sinaflan).

It is prohibited to use medications on your own if you have sexually transmitted diseases, since some of them can not suppress bacteria, but cause the development of superinfection.

Medicines for rashes

Treatment of male candidiasis is carried out through the complex use of antifungal drugs. For oral administration, Fluconazole, Pimafucin or other antifungal tablets that are effective against Candida fungi are prescribed. Clotrimazole ointment is prescribed externally. To successfully suppress thrush, treatment must be completed together with your partner.

For allergic rashes, the treatment plan consists of taking antihistamines.

Depending on the degree of sensitization, a rash on the genitals is treated as follows:

• a single oral dose of an antihistamine;
• course intake of antiallergic drugs or glucocorticoids.

External application of anti-inflammatory or corticoid ointments helps to localize morphological elements.