Penile Itching Symptoms

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Itching in the area of the penis or external genital organs occurs for many of the same reasons that itching occurs elsewhere on the body. Infections, including sexually transmitted infections, are a primary cause of penile itching. Jock itch, the term used to refer to an inflammation and irritation of the groin area, may spread to the penis and result in itching. Causes include fungal infections, scabies, pubic lice, tight undergarments, allergic reaction, skin friction, bacterial infection, and other conditions. Sometimes, systemic diseases such as chickenpox can spread to the genital areas, resulting in itching.

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REFERENCE:

Wiederkehr, Michael, and Robert A. Schwartz. "Tinea Cruris." eMedicine.com. Dec. 2, 2009. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1091806-overview>.

Causes of Penile Itching
    • Allergy An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. ...learn more »
      In This Article
      Allergy Article
      • Allergy facts
      • What does an allergy mean?
      • What causes allergies?
      • Who is at risk and why?
      • What are common allergic conditions, and what are allergy symptoms and signs?
      • Hay Fever
      • Asthma
      • Allergic Eyes
      • Allergic Eczema
      • Hives
      • Allergic Shock
      • Where are allergens? Everywhere
      • In the air we breathe
      • In what we ingest
      • Touching our skin
      • Injected into our body
    • Bug Bites and Stings Bug bites and stings have been known to transmit insect-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever,...learn more »
      In This Article
      Bug Bites and Stings Article
      • Bug bites and stings introduction
      • What can I do to keep insects away?
      • What's the proper way to use insect repellent?
      • What's the best way to remove a bee stinger?
      • What should I do if I find a tick on me or my child?
      • What can be done for itching and pain from bites and stings?
      • When is medical attention needed?
      • Where can I find more information on bug bites and stings?
    • Chickenpox (Varicella) Chickenpox (chicken pox) is a contagious childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms have an incubation...learn more »
      In This Article
      Chickenpox (Varicella) Article
      • What is chickenpox? What causes chickenpox?
      • How does chickenpox spread?
      • What are chickenpox symptoms and signs?
      • What are treatment options for chickenpox?
      • What are the possible complications of chickenpox?
      • Can chickenpox be prevented with a vaccine?
      • Chickenpox At A Glance
    • Eczema Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic...learn more »
      In This Article
      Eczema Article
      • Eczema facts
      • What is eczema?
      • What are the causes of eczema?
      • What are risk factors for eczema?
      • What are eczema symptoms and signs in babies, children, and adults?
      • What are the different types of eczema?
      • How is eczema diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for eczema?
      • Can eczema be prevented?
      • What are the possible complications of eczema?
      • What is the prognosis (outlook) for eczema?
    • Genital Warts in Men (HPV Virus) The HPV virus (genital warts) in men can cause health problems. Genital warts are confined primarily to the moist skin of the...learn more »
      In This Article
      Genital Warts in Men (HPV Virus) Article
      • HPV virus (genital warts ) in men introduction
      • Risks of HPV virus in men
      • Male HPV: The symptoms
      • Tests for HPV virus in men
      • Treatments for HPV
      • Is there an HPV vaccine for men?
      • How to manage HPV in a relationship
      • How to prevent transmission of HPV
    • Insect Sting Allergies The majority of stinging insects in the United States are from Bees, Yellow Jackets, Hornets, Wasps and Fire Ants. Severity of...learn more »
      In This Article
      Insect Sting Allergies Article
      • What are stinging insects?
      • Who is at risk for insect sting allergies?
      • What types of insect sting reactions occur?
      • How is a severe allergic reaction immediately treated?
      • How can I avoid insect stings?
      • What can I do about becoming immune to insect allergy?
      • Stinging Insect Allergies At A Glance
    • Itching Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection...learn more »
      In This Article
      Itching Article
      • Itching (itch) facts
      • What is an itch?
      • What are associated symptoms and signs of itching?
      • What causes itching?
      • How is the cause of itching diagnosed?
      • Should I scratch the itch?
      • What are topical (external) itch treatments? Are there any home remedies for itching?
      • What are oral itch treatments?
      • Can itching be prevented?
      • When should the doctor be consulted for itching?
      • What are possible complications of itching?
      • What is the prognosis (outlook) for itching?
    • Jock Itch Jock itch is an itchy red rash that appears in the groin area. The rash may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. People...learn more »
      In This Article
      Jock Itch Article
      • Jock itch facts
      • What is jock itch? What does jock itch look like?
      • What causes jock itch?
      • Who gets jock itch?
      • What are jock itch symptoms and signs?
      • Does jock itch affect the entire body?
      • How is jock itch diagnosed?
      • Is jock itch curable? Is jock itch contagious?
      • What are possible complications of jock itch?
      • What is the treatment for jock itch?
      • What home remedy can I use for jock itch?
      • What holistic jock itch treatments are available?
      • How do I treat fungal jock itch?
      • How do I treat bacterial jock itch?
      • How is itching from jock itch treated?
      • Why is my groin still discolored?
      • What is the best drug for jock itch?
      • What is the prognosis with jock itch?
      • When should I call my doctor about jock itch?
      • How do I prevent jock itch?
    • Poison Ivy Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that cause an itchy skin rash and skin inflamation when contacted directly. This poison can...learn more »
      In This Article
      Poison Ivy Article
      • Poison ivy, oak, and sumac facts
      • What causes the rash? How do I identify poison ivy, oak, and sumac?
      • What are the signs and symptoms of the poison ivy rash?
      • Is a rash from poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis contagious?
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      • What are complications for poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis?
      • What is the prognosis (outlook) for poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis?
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    • Psoriasis Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that may cause large plaques of red, raised skin, flakes of dry skin, and skin scales....learn more »
      In This Article
      Psoriasis Article
      • Psoriasis facts
      • What is psoriasis?
      • What causes psoriasis?
      • What does psoriasis look like? What are psoriasis symptoms and signs?
      • Can psoriasis affect my joints?
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      • Can psoriasis affect only my nails?
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    • Pubic Lice (Crabs) Pubic lice (crabs) are parasitic insects found in the genital area, and are primarily spread through sexual contact. Symptoms of...learn more »
      In This Article
      Pubic Lice (Crabs) Article
      • What are pubic lice?
      • What do pubic lice look like?
      • Where are pubic lice found?
      • What are the signs and symptoms of pubic lice?
      • How did I get pubic lice?
      • How is a pubic lice infestation diagnosed?
      • How are pubic lice treated?
    • Ringworm The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of...learn more »
      In This Article
      Ringworm Article
      • Ringworm facts
      • What does the term ringworm mean?
      • Is ringworm contagious?
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      • What are the sources of skin fungi?
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      • How is ringworm diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for ringworm? Are there home remedies?
      • How can ringworm be prevented?
      • What is the prognosis (outlook) for ringworm?
    • Scabies Scabies are itch mites that burrow under the skin and produce intense itching that's usually worse at night. Symptoms of scabies...learn more »
      In This Article
      Scabies Article
      • Scabies facts
      • What is scabies? What causes a scabies infestation?
      • How do you get scabies?
      • Can you catch scabies from a dog or cat?
      • What are risk factors for scabies?
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      • What does scabies feel like?
      • How is a scabies infestation diagnosed?
      • What are treatment options and home remedies for a scabies infestation?
      • Are cases of scabies often misdiagnosed?
      • What are possible complications of scabies?
      • Can a scabies infestation be prevented?
      • In what special situations can scabies be more easily spread?
      • What is Norwegian or crusted scabies?
      • What is the prognosis (outlook) for scabies?
    • Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men) Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including...learn more »
      In This Article
      Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men) Article
      • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in men facts
      • What are STDs and how can their spread be prevented?
      • Diseases associated with genital lesions
      • Chancroid
      • Genital herpes
      • Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
      • Syphilis
      • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
      • Diseases associated with urethritis
      • Urethritis
      • Chlamydia
      • Gonorrhea
      • Systemic STDs
      • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      • Hepatitis B
      • Hepatitis C
      • Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8)
      • Ectoparasitic infections
Other Causes of Penile Itching
Examples of Medications for Penile Itching


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