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Penile Skin Infections

Scratch that itch.

The feeling of having ants in your pants when you see rash on your penile skin is something many men can relate to. An instant flurry of questions runs through their minds. Is it an STD? Have I not been cleaning my penis properly? Is it because I am uncircumcised? Oh no! Is this a type of skin cancer? The most common cause of penile itch and rash is a fungal infection.

Types Of Penile Skin Rashes

 

Not all penile rash is a fungal rash. Rashes can be related to other types of infections, such as STDs, inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or even skin cancers.

A slow or non-healing rash on the penis should always be brought to the attention of your doctor.

 

These fungal infections can occur spontaneously due to humidity, moisture trapped within the foreskin or because of an underlying medical condition such as diabetes which weakens your immunity, making you predisposed to getting fungus in the penis. It can also be acquired from a female partner who has recurrent vaginal fungal infections.

 

Symptoms include:

• itching and redness on the penis

• thick white substance collecting in skin folds

• shiny, white skin

• painful penis and foreskin

• burning sensation while urinating

• discomfort during sex

• disagreeable smell

 

If your condition is persistent, recurrent and causes semi-permanent changes to your penis, there is a chance the rash is more than a simple infection or Genital Eczema. It could be an inflammatory skin condition such as Lichen Sclerosus.

 

Symptoms include:

• painful, tight foreskin

• skin discolouration

• small tears

 

We are growing increasingly aware of HPV, which is the human papilloma virus known to cause cervical cancers in women. HPV can also infiltrate the skin of the penis and cause undesirable changes there, resulting in penile skin cancers. There is no validated test in men to swab for HPV on the penile skin. Your best protection is through a HPV vaccine which confers you protection against seven different HPV strains that can cause cancers.

Treatment Options

These creams can be antifungal creams for fungal infections or steroid-based creams for chronic skin conditions. Many people are concerned about prolonged use of steroid creams, particularly on the thin skin of the penis. 

Taken daily or once a week if creams alone are not working.

Drying agents like Potassium permanganate wash, a common purple solution found in pharmacies can be used to keep to reduce the moisture trapped within the foreskin in uncircumcised individuals.

We’re here to answer even the most sensitive and intimate questions. Take the first step, and we’ll take care of the rest.

FAQ

Are there factors that may put me at greater risk of developing fungal balanitis?

Yes. You are at greater risk if you:

• are uncircumcised

• have poor hygiene

• are taking antibiotics for a long time

• have diabetes

• are overweight

 

Is fungal balanitis an early sign of diabetes?

Yes, balanitis can often be one of the first ways diabetes presents itself. Ask your doctor for a diabetes check, especially if your fungal infections are recurrent and if you have existing risk factors like a strong family history of diabetes.

Are there other penile skin rashes that can look like fungal balanitis?

Yes! If your condition is persistent, recurrent and the symptoms are never resolved completely, you could have an inflammatory skin condition known as Lichen Sclerosus. The best way to find out is to be examined by a doctor.

Can an inflammation balanitis become more complicated?

Yes, it can cause chronic skin changes that do not allow the foreskin to function normally. The foreskin becomes no longer smooth and retractable, and it may also harden, thicken, become discoloured and have cuts.

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Lucas Rose
Lucas Rose
2022-01-18
They were really good. I felt comfortable talking to them and I'm sure they can fix my issues.
Naomi Lim
Naomi Lim
2021-10-20
Going to consult Dr Jess has gotta be one of the best decisions I've made in 2018. I'm always a little nervous when I visit a doctor or dentist but she puts me completely at ease. Like another reviewer put it, she truly engages with you and never makes you feel like your question is stupid (you know that feeling). I especially like how she's very upfront with the costs before prescribing or proceeding with anything. I've recommended her to my family and all my friends! Edit: Just wanted to add a shoutout to Dr Jess's team. Each of the ladies I've met in the last couple of years have been so welcoming and warm which calms my nerves while waiting to see Dr Jess or waiting for medication to be dispensed. I don't know why but appointment making can be quite an intimidating process for me but they've always been so kind and are always responsive.
Margoob Chowdhury
Margoob Chowdhury
2021-06-10
Great place! I went there for some tests and one of the tests was taking it's sweet time at the lab. The clinic staffs opened a whatsapp conversation with me and started providing daily updates. I really appreciate their diligence, professionalism and proactive support. Highly recommend if need a GP in this neighborhood.
Nessa Swinn
Nessa Swinn
2021-06-03
Dr Jess is great. Really helpful, patient and accommodating. Thank you also to Hani for the friendly service rendered.
Loh Wanping
Loh Wanping
2021-05-04
No regrets calling up for a consultation to get our concerns sorted out! Lovely responsive team to work with and Dr Jess was professional, warm & friendly and answered all of our questions. Really appreciate the extra time she put in to talk to us. 🙂 Thanks so much! Will highly recommend!
Malanai -
Malanai -
2020-08-28
Dr Jess is an amazing doctor with a beautiful heart. What I really love about her is that is super realistic. She does not promise rapid/fake results. She is very humble and I really like it that spent her time to talk and explain to me about my condition in detail. I have been to so many other doctors for the same. They will just talk briefly and try to push me to start the treament on the spot / nurses will start discussing on pricing.Wasted my time and money in the wrong clinic before. However, Dr Jess is just different.She is not greedy. Very helpful and high level of professionlism and empathy.And her staff Hani is super sweet too. Customer service top notch. Sometime I send message so late when i need something urgently. Hani will still reply to me patiently. I am so lucky I finally found the best doctor and her assitant for my lady needs 🙂 . I only have one regret-I didnt find them earlier.
Maria Lara
Maria Lara
2020-06-30
I am soooooo glad I went here to have my concernssorted. I have no words how comfortable I am after she had me checked up. Her hands are very light aswell. It's like having a class about our body parts. She explained my result that I had back in Bangkok than the doctor I had there. How I wish there is someone like her that will make sure all our questions and concerns are answered. She's the best of best. Highly recommend her. Price is reasonable too. Just thank you Dr.Jess and her assistant Aisyah. Have a wonderful day always.
Lynn Tang
Lynn Tang
2020-06-17
Dr Jess is great - she explains things well and is very patient and helpful.

We’re here to answer even the most sensitive and intimate questions. Take the first step, and we’ll take care of the rest.