Scab on penis can be worrisome. The scabs can appear on tip of penis or foreskin as small, red or brown blister –like bumps. Sexual transmitted diseases, STDs, such as herpes, rough sex and musterbation are among the causes of this condition. You may notice random scabs on your penis that won’t heal. Learn more in this article as we explore this penile condition.
A scab can be described as a dark red or brown rough and dry crusty layer that forms over a wound, sore, a cut or bruised in the process of skin healing. A scab on penis is not different from any other scab on your skin. However, in this case, you may get worried especially if you’ve had unprotected or rough sex.
It’s important you seek the advice of a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis if you suspect the cause to be STD or any other serious underlying medical condition. Any discomfort on your penis can be associated with STDs, which can be a health hazard if not treated. Below, we will discuss the causes of scabs on penis, foreskin and areas around it. Be sure to find treatment and ways to get rid.
Why do I have scab on my penis? – Causes
Understanding what the causes scabs on your penis is important. It helps find effective ways to treat and get rid of the scabs. While some scab are minor, others could be a sign of STDs. Here are the causes- they include:
1. Small or little scab on penis after sex
You may notice small or little scabs on your penis or foreskin just after sex. Rough sexual intercourse could be the reason of their appearance. Dry or rough sex can results to severe cuts or sores on the skin. A rough sex causes friction that can severe scabs.
You should practice safe sex. Consider using lubricants just in case the sex gets rough.
2. STD scabs on penis
The scabs on your penis or foreskin could simply be a sign of STDs. They include Syphilis, herpes, gonorrhea or HIV. Below is a discussion of each.
Genital Herpes
It is caused by herpes simplex viral infection. Herpes is a highly contagious infection meaning it can spread via contact especially through unprotected sex. The symptoms include:
- Itchy blisters on penis and groin areas
- Small blisters that break open
- Painful sores that crust over time forming scabs
- Flu – like symptoms
Gonorrhea
This kind of STD is caused by bacterial infection affecting areas of the genitals, rectum, mouth and the throat. Its symptoms include:
- Swollen and itchy balls
- Burning feeling or pain while urination
- Pain in the testicles
- Green, yellow or white discharge from the penis.
The itching on your penis or foreskin can make scratch the skin. This can lead to severe sores or cuts or wounds which crust over developing into scabs as healing occurs.
Other forms of STDs that are likely to cause scabs on penis include:
Genital warts
Syphilis
HIV
Identify the type of STD that causes scabs on your penis. This is the surest way of treating and getting rid of these ugly scabs.
2. Penile Yeast infection
Although yeast infection is thought as a female problem, it can affect any gender including the men. When you don’t treat a penile yeast infection, it can lead to a variety of painful, uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms.
Scab on your penis could be as a result of yeast infection. Other than sex from a partner who has a yeast infection, other factors can increase the risk of penile yeast infection. Being uncircumcised is a core risk. Poor genital hygiene can also put you at risk.
Over – the – counter (OTC) medications can help cure the yeast infection and help you avoid this condition.
3. Public Lice
The scabs on your penis could be public lice. Also known as crabs, these are small parasites that attach to the skin and hair near the penis and scrotum. Crabs are harmless and they are usually easy to remove.
Public lice symptoms include intense itching. Since they feed on your blood, you may notice scabs on the skin after the skin around begins healing. Anybody can get crabs, it doesn’t mean you’re dirty. Just a personal contact with someone who has them is enough to make you get the crabs. This can happen during sexual intercourse.
4. Musterbation
The scabs on the penis could arises from continuous habit of musterbation. If you have a habit of wanking off, the process can get rough causing friction on the penile skin. The outcome is friction burn scabs on your penile head or the shaft.
5. Psoriasis
This is a skin condition that causes thick, patchy, red rash with silvery, white scales. It can happen anywhere including your foreskin, penis and scrotum. As soon as the condition starts, you may see few red bumps on the skin. The bumps may get larger and thicker appearing as scales on top of the penis.
The rash can get intensely itchy and you may bleed if you scratch or pick it up.
6. Penile eczema
Eczema on penis and shaft could be the reason of scabs on your genitals. Eczema is a result of allergy either to the undergarments or contacts to chemicals from soaps. Eczema can cause intense itching on the skin leading to scratching.
The affected skin can get extremely dry developing to open sores. Scabs will develop from the open sores.
7. Balanitis
This condition is common in uncircumcised male. It is an infection characterized by irritation on the penile skin. It can appear anywhere on the penis but it is common on the end and tip of the penis. If identified early, the condition is easy to treat.
You are at risk if you don’t practice good personal hygiene and use harsh soaps that irritate the skin.
Below here are the symptoms of balanitis:
- Redness and swelling
- Itching can mild or severe
- Abnormal discharge
Random black scab on my penis
If you experience random scabs on your penis, it could be any of the above discussed causes. The scabs could appear in any color. Depending on the cause, random scabs could be black, red or brown in color. As mentioned in the post, the causes could be:
- STDs such as genital warts, herpes
- Yeast infection in male
- Penile eczema
- Rough sex or musterbation
- Balanitis
- Psoriasis
Treatment would depend on the underlying cause of the scab. You may try some of the home remedies to get rid of the scab on penis. We shall discuss ways in which you can get rid of the scabs later in the post.
Red or brown scab on tip of penis
A scab can appear anywhere on your penis including the tip and foreskin. Depending on the cause, the scab will either be red or brown. As discussed in the post, any mentioned cause could be responsible for the scabs. It could be rough sex, skin condition, yeast infection etc.
When a scab appears on the tip of your penis, check out for STDs. Warts, herpes, syphilis or gonorrhea could be responsible for the scab. The other possible cause of scab on penile tip could be balanitis. Refer to its symptoms discussed in the post.
Scab on penis won’t heal
A scab on your penis that won’t heal or refuses to go away, is a cause of concern. This can be described as a chronic scab or wound. You need to visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible. The scabs can start as a small bump or pimple developing into scab that takes time to heal.
Dry scab on penis or foreskin
Dry scab on your penis or foreskin could indicate a number of issues. It could be skin condition such as eczema or male yeast infection. Although yeast infection is common in women, male too can get it through unprotected sex with a woman suffering from it.
Early medication is usually the key to get rid of yeast infection.
How to get rid of scabs on penis, foreskin
Scabs would heal on their own with time. However, their appearance on penis can be bothersome and embarrassing. Treating a scab on penis will depend on the underlying cause. You may opt to use antibiotics and over – the – counter topical ointments.
How to get rid and treat scabs on penis – Home Remedies
The scabs on your penis can easily be treated with some simple but effective home remedies. They Include:
1. Aloe Vera
Known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, aloe Vera plant can help get rid of scabs fast at home.
Here’s how to use:
- Clean the scab or wound with lukewarm water
- Apply the aloe gel over the scabbed skin
- Allow it to stay for about 10 – 15 minutes
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water
- For quick healing, repeat the procedure 2 – 3 times daily
2. Topical antifungal creams
A scab on the skin caused by fungal infection can be treated with antifungal creams. Over-the- counter antifungal creams and gel can be used to get rid of the scabs.
3. Apply Vaseline
Dry scabs on the penis can be kept moist and soft by applying petroleum jelly like Vaseline. This will help to stop dry scabs from cracking and bleeding. This will speeds up healing process
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is considered as one of the effective home remedies to heal skin problems. It has great natural antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties.
Here’s How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar:
- Add 300ml of water to 10ml of ACV
- Stir the mixture
- Dip a cotton swab in the solution
- Apply gently on the affected skin of your penis
- Leave it for about 5 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water
- Repeat this procedure until healing begins
5. Keep Moisture out
While treating the scabs on the penis, make sure you get rid of the moisture. Dry the penis and the shaft.
6. Wear good undergarments
Choose undergarments that don’t cause any skin reaction. Cotton garments are considered the best since they can absorb moisture.
7. Do not pick the Scabs
Resist the urge to scratch the scabs on the skin of your penis. Scratching the wounds opens the risk of infection.
