Also known as penile dermatitis, eczema on penis, is a condition characterized by soreness and itchiness on the skin affected. The condition is not only embarrassing but causes a lot of discomfort. Can you get eczema around your penis? In this post, we will look at the types, symptoms, causes and how to get rid and treat penile dermatitis.
As indicated in the introduction, penile dermatitis is the other name for eczema around the penis. There are two different categories for this condition. We shall discuss later in this post. This condition can be irritating, itchy and painful at the same time. You may wake up with undesirable symptoms such as rashes, inflammation, blistering and redness on your penis.
What causes this condition on your genitals? The causes would include factors such as:
- Sweat
- Type of clothing
- Heat
- Latex
- Cleansing products
- Friction
The above are the triggers of eczema. We shall the causes in details later on in the post.
Can eczema around your penis be treated? This condition shouldn’t be a concern. You can get rid of this condition at home with simple natural remedies. Most of the remedies are to help you ease the symptoms such as itching, redness and inflammation.
Rarely does the condition cause a major health risk. However, if the symptoms get severe, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider.
Symptoms of penile eczema
Penile dermatitis can show itself in different forms. It can begin with a rash. The affected skin can get dry and scaly with several blisters on penis or bumps that appear raised above the skin. These itchy blisters or rash can give an urgent need to scratch that can lead to infection.
Eczema on penis tend to affect the glands and the penile shaft. You may notice redness on your penis as well as discomfort. The itching can be severe if you don’t treat this condition.
The symptoms can be summarized as:
- Redness
- Blisters on penis
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Dry and scaly skin
You should look out for the above symptoms to understand this condition even better. This is to help you choose the remedy. It is important to understand that the affected skin around the penis is always very sensitive. The remedy to use shouldn’t be harsh on your skin.
Types of eczema around penis
Generally, eczema is often mistaken for other skin conditions including sexually transmitted diseases. It affects different parts of the body including the male’s genitals. There are two types of penile dermatitis. They Include:
- Allergic penile dermatitis
- Irritant penile eczema
These categories are based on what causes the eczema. Depending on what is causing the eczema, be it allergen or irritant, they both end up causing penile dermatitis. You need to know hundreds of things that act as allergens can also be irritants. They include:
- Clothes
- Detergents
- Fabric softeners
- Deodorants
- Soaps
You should identify which of the above is an irritant or allergen.
Pictures of eczema on penis
The pictures below show the appearance of eczema on penis. They are to help you understand the condition much better.
Can you get eczema on your penis? – Causes
Can you get eczema on your penis? What are the causes of penile eczema? The factors causing eczema on your penis ranges from mild to complex. While some are harmless, others are really dangerous. Treatment is needed to whatever the causes.
Below here the main cause of penile eczema:
1. Cleansing products
Eczema around the penis can be caused by simple factor such as cleansing products. They include the items used in showering and bathing. These are known to trigger eczema. Such products contain chemicals that cause skin irritation, itching and redness.
But you should look out only for the products that are approved by dermatologist. Such contain less chemicals and considered relatively safe.
2. Latex
Latex you use could be the other reason you’re having eczema on your penis. There has been discussion of latex allergy or rather the condom as the main cause of penile dermatitis. All in all you have to consult your healthcare provider to determine the right condom brand to use during sexual intercourse.
3. Sweat and heat.
Having a mild or severe irritation on the penis could be as a result of heat or sweat around your genitals. Sweating from intense physical exercise or sports such as cycling are some of the causes of irritation. On the other hand, heat arising from wearing too tight clothing can cause the skin to become sore and itchy: a sign of penile dermatitis
4. Clothing
The kind of fabric or clothing that comes in contact to your genital skin could be the cause of penile dermatitis. This include the underwear. They could contain chemicals that irritate the skin causing penile dermatitis.
It is important to know about the causes of eczema on penis. Know what triggers the itching, redness, pain and inflammation. Pay more attention to the irritants to know how to get rid of them.
Professional treatment of eczema on penis
What are the professional treatment of penile dermatitis? The following medications are the one recommended by healthcare providers. They include:
1. Antihistamines
Itching and pain are some of the symptoms of eczema. To ease the symptoms, antihistamines are recommended. Use antihistamines where home remedies fail to help especially during the night.
2. Emollients
You can use emollients when the need arises. Your healthcare provider can recommend daily use especially when long term is required. They are used to keep the skin around the penis moisturized. This is to keep the skin from cracking prevent further damage.
3. UV – light therapy
Although rarely does this treatment used to treat eczema on penis, some healthcare provider can advise its use though in severe cases. You should be aware of the risks involved with this kind of treatment. Burning of genial skin is unavoidable especially when you have a thin and very sensitive skin.
4. Steroids
Topical eczema on penis can be cured with steroids. These have the ability to reduce inflammation. However, you shouldn’t use without the prescription from a doctor.
How to prevent eczema on your penis
Other than considering treatment, you can prevent penile eczema in the following ways:
1. Avoid allergens
These are the core cause of irritation on the skin. Identify these allergens to prevent eczema. They include creams, perfumes, soaps and lotions. Ask professional experts what to use or avoid.
2. Avoid Scratching
Touching in a way of scratching the irritated skin increases the risk of infection and breaking of the skin. Resist the urge to scratch the already inflamed skin. Instead use a moisturizer to soothe the skin. You may as cold compress.
3. Moisturize
An irritated skin on your penis is difficult condition to live with. This is even hard when it is itching and painful. Itching can be eased with moisturizing with creams and lotions.
4. Wear Loose Clothing
You need to wear clothes that are breathable or loose. Choose fabrics that allow air in and out of the genitals.
5. Use latex – free condom
This is to avoid allergy caused by latex. They are available in the stores. Choose a variant you’re comfortable with.
6. Avoid frequent shaving
This include hair removal techniques such waxing around the affected area.
How to get rid of eczema on penis at home – Natural remedies
Other than medical treatment, you can use simple natural remedies to get rid of penile eczema. They include:
1. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera gel is a naturally a soothing agent that treats skin inflammations including eczema.
What to do at home
- Cut open a fresh aloe plant
- Extract the gel from the leaf
- Apply the gel gently on the affected area on penis
- Allow it dry then
- Rinse with warm water
- Repeat this procedure 2 – 3 times daily for best results
2. Cold Compress
Cold compress is also another home remedy to help you get rid of penile eczema. Here’s the procedure:
What to do at home
- Wrap ice cubes in a piece of towel
- Press gently on the affected area of the skin
- Do this 2 – 3 times a day daily
A cold compress will cool the affected skin and eliminate itching and redness.
3. Essential Oils
These oil have nutritional and health benefits that can ease skin irritation and itching. Here’s how to use:
What to do at home
- Dip a cotton swab in the oils
- Apply the oil on the affected area of skin
- Allow it sit on the area for about 2– 5 minutes
- Rinse the oil off
- Repeat this procedure daily for a couple of days
The oils have the ability to reduce discomfort and restore the normal condition of penile skin.
4. Vitamin A, C, D and B5
You need to include these vitamins in your diet. When combined with certain amino acids, they improve the tone of the skin and its texture. Additionally, the immune system of your body is boosted.
Here’s a little advice. Whatever the severity of eczema on the penis is, make sure you treat the condition. If you don’t treat the condition, you risk worsening and complicating the condition. Discuss the discomfort this condition brings with your healthcare provider.
Sources and references
- http://realhealthvision.com/eczema-on-penis.html
- http://www.eczemarelief.org/eczema-on-penis-head-shaft-burning-itchy-painful-penile-dermatitis-cure-treatment/
- https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Balanitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20195063