Penile Rash: Causes

What causes penile rash?

Penile rash can result from a number of different causes, and evaluating other symptoms in conjunction can help identify the cause. Some sexually transmitted infections may result in bumps, blisters, or a rash on the genitals. Other causes are related to allergic reactions or irritation.

Sexually transmitted causes of penile rash

Penile rash may be caused by certain sexually transmitted diseases including:

• Genital warts
• Herpes
• Scabies

Other causes of penile rash

Penile rash can also be caused by:

• Allergic reactions
• Balanitis (inflammation of the foreskin)
• Dermatitis, including contact dermatitis such as poison ivy
• Irritation from chemicals such as soaps or detergents
• Psoriasis (chronic inflammatory skin condition)
• Tinea cruris (jock itch; a fungal infection of the groin)

Questions for diagnosing the cause of penile rash

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your penile rash including:

• How long have you had the rash?
• Does it hurt to urinate or ejaculate?
• Have you experienced this before?
• Do you have any other symptoms, such as discharge or itching?
• Have you started using any new detergents or soaps?
• Are you sexually active? Are you having unprotected sex, or do you have multiple partners?
• What medications are you taking?

What are the potential complications of penile rash?

Because penile rash can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:

• Scarring and narrowing of the opening of the penis
• Scarring of the penis

References:

Balanitis. PubMed Health. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001865/. Accessed June 3, 2011.

Genital problems in men. FamilyDoctor.org. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/tools/symptom/539.printerview.html. Accessed June 3, 2011.