- What causes itching in a man private part?
- How to fix Itchy male genital?
- Is itchy penis always an STI?
Jock itch, scabies and thrush can all give you an itchy penis. Here’s how to diagnose and fix the most common causes of genital itching.
Itchy genitals can be uncomfortable, irritating, worrying and downright embarrassing. But while it might be something you’d rather ignore, it’s best to determine the cause of the problem quickly, to get your bits back to normal as soon as possible. And remember, scratching will only make things worse, so hands off!
Why does my willy itch?
If you’re suffering from a scratchy todger, try not to panic. Dr Andrew Thornber, chief medical officer at Now Patient, gives lowdown on the top seven causes of male genital itching – and how to fix them:
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.
Treatment of Chafing
Moisturising regularly with a skin irritant protective moisturiser will help to alleviate pain. Use Body glide during exercise to minimise chafe.
Jock itch
Jock itch (also known as tinea cruris) can be quite uncomfortable, but it’s not uncommon. It’s usually triggered by excess sweating and commonly occurs in people who exercise a lot. 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.
Treatment of 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.
Pubic lice
If you’re suffering with itching and notice little parasites moving in your pubic hairs or white specs (eggs), then you may have pubic lice, or crabs, as they are more commonly knowns.
Treatment of Pubic lice
Pop to your GP or local sexual health clinic where they will prescribe a specialist formula to kill them.
Male thrush
This usually causes irritation, burning and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin. Commonly, there will also be an unpleasant smell and a white (cottage cheese-like) discharge.
Treatment of Male thrush
Visit your GP or pharmacist, who will be able to prescribe an anti-fungal 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.
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.
Treatment of Scabies
Visit your local pharmacist, who will prescribe a cream to help eradicate the mites. Everyone in your household needs to be treated at the same time – even if they don’t have symptoms, and wash all bedding and clothing at 50C or higher.
Genital warts
These are sexually transmitted and 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.
Treatment of 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.
Important! N/B: 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.
Balanitis
This 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.
Treatment of Balanitis
Your GP will, in the first instance, prescribe a cream to help it 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.