Contents:
- Medical Video: Rash on Penis? | What Causes a Genital Rash?
- Causes of red spots on the penis
- 1. Genital herpes
- 2. Syphilis
- 3. Scabies
- 4. Molluscum contagiosum
- 5. Balanitis
- 6. Fungal infections
- 7. Tinea crusis
- 8. Genital eczema
- 9. Genital Psoriasis
Medical Video: Rash on Penis? | What Causes a Genital Rash?
Red spots on the penis do not always indicate serious illness. In some cases, red spots can be caused by a lack of hygiene of vital organs or mild irritation. These spots usually disappear within a day or two. However, red spots on the penis can also be a symptom of a serious condition such as venereal disease. More details about the various causes of red spots on the penis, read on, review below.
Causes of red spots on the penis
1. Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a venereal disease that can cause red spots on your penis, including the testicles, thighs, buttocks, and mouth (if transmitted through oral sex).
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, which enters the body during unprotected sex with someone who has this virus.
Another symptom of genital herpes is a red spot accompanied by a lumpy lump that is sometimes fluid, itchy, and feels sore or painful.
Treatment options
This condition cannot be completely cured. However, your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs such as valacyclovir (Valtrex) or acyclovir (Zovirax) to relieve symptoms and prevent them from spreading to your sexual partner.
2. Syphilis
Syphilis is a venereal disease caused by Treponema pallidum. This bacterium spreads through unprotected sex with someone who has been infected.
Symptoms that often occur are the appearance of red spots, sometimes accompanied by a fluid-filled lump. Usually there is an ulcer wound in the penis with a clean and well-defined base of the wound surface. This symptom does not cause pain in the penis and surrounding area. However, if left untreated, this wound can spread to other parts of your body.
When the infection progresses, you may experience:
- Rashes in other parts of your body, up to the body.
- Fever is around 38.3 degrees Celsius or higher.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Headache.
- Paralysis.
Treatment options
Check with your doctor immediately to get the right treatment. The longer it is left untreated, the more severe the symptoms will be.
In the early stages, syphilis can be cured with antibiotics that are injected or taken by mouth. For example benzathine penicillin, ceftriaxone (Rocephin), and doxycycline (Oracea).
In addition, you may not engage in sexual activity until a blood test shows that the infection has disappeared. You also need to bring your partner to the doctor to be examined and tested for possible syphilis.
3. Scabies
Scabies occurs when mitesSarcoptes scabiei breed on the surface of the skin, then enter the skin to lay eggs. This causes the skin to feel very itchy in the mite area into your skin.
These mites spread through skin to skin contact, such as sex with someone who is infected. Other symptoms include dry and scaly skin, blisters, and white lines appear on the skin where the mites hide.
Treatment options
Your doctor may prescribe topical creams such as permethrin (Elimite) or crotamiton (Eurax) to treat and clean mites.
4. Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by poxvirus, which spreads through touch or by sharing a towel, clothing, bed, or other material with someone who is infected. This disease is usually characterized by red spots with a central dimple (delle) which contains ingredients such as rice.
This infection usually produces red bumps and itching in the penis and other affected areas. Scratching can irritate the lump and cause the infection to spread to other areas.
Treatment options
Molluscum contagiosum often disappears on its own, so you don't need to seek immediate treatment. However, to relieve symptoms, your doctor may recommend:
- Topical medicine to reduce lumps.
- Cryosurgery to freeze and remove lumps.
- Curette to cut lumps out of the skin.
- Laser surgery to destroy lumps.
5. Balanitis
Balanitis is an irritation to the scalp of your penis, which is usually caused by infection and does not maintain cleanliness. The risk of balanitis is higher in uncircumcised men.
The appearance of red spots on the penis is a common symptom of balanitis. In addition, other symptoms are:
- Penis itching.
- Pain when urinating.
- Fluid accumulation under the skin of the foreskin.
- The foreskin cannot be pulled back through the gland (phimosis).
Treatment options
In some cases, balanitis can be overcome by maintaining the cleanliness of the genital area. You must keep your penis clean by washing regularly, especially the area under your foreskin. Use natural soap without fragrance and gently pat your penis and the area under your foreskin to dry it.
If your symptoms persist or don't improve after a few days, see your doctor to minimize infection. Your doctor may prescribe steroid creams (hydrocortisone), antifungal creams such as clotrimazole, or antibiotics such as metronidazole.
6. Fungal infections
Fungal infections are caused by fungi Candida. Fungal infections of the penis are usually caused by a lack of hygiene of the penis or having sex with an infected person.
The most common symptoms are red spots on the penis or irritation in the genital area. This area can also itch and smell bad.
Treatment options
Fungal infections can disappear on their own by keeping the genital area clean and wearing loose pants.
If symptoms get worse or don't heal, see a doctor immediately. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream or drinking medication such as clotrimazole to relieve your symptoms.
7. Tinea crusis
Tinea cruris is a genital infection caused by dermatophytic fungi. This condition usually occurs when you sweat a lot or do not wash your genital area properly.
The most common symptom is the appearance of red spots on the penis or rashes in your genital area. Your skin can also look dry and scaly.
Treatment options
If symptoms get worse or don't heal, see a doctor immediately. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream or ointment such as clotrimazole.
8. Genital eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that can cause irritation to your penis. Usually eczema is caused by genetic and environmental factors such as stress, smoking, and allergens.
The most common symptoms are irritation and the appearance of rashes or red spots on the penis and around it. Other symptoms include dry and scaly skin, itching, and pus-filled blisters that harden.
Treatment options
The doctor may give antibiotic creams, topical corticosteroids, andcalcineurin inhibitor. Or you can also compress cold red spots on the penis and apply lotion, moisturizer, or aloe vera.
9. Genital Psoriasis
Psoriasis occurs when skin cells grow too fast and cause irritation. The most common symptoms are red, lumps, itching or a rash in your genital area.
Other symptoms include dry skin or pain to bleed and the joint feels stiff or swollen.
Treatment options
Your doctor may give topical corticosteroids, phototherapy and retinoids. You can also apply moisturizers, lotions or aloe vera to the affected area, take a diligent shower, and maintain general penis health.
