Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesPreventionWhen to Call a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Prevention
When to Call a Provider
This article discusses the causes of itchy testicles and how to prevent and treat them.
Satjawat Boontanataweepol / Getty Images
Why Do I Have Itchy Balls?
Having an itchy scrotum, the sack containing the testicles (euphemistically known as balls), is an incredibly common issue, and people can have an itchy scrotum for numerous reasons. These reasons can include:
Scratching the ItchWhen somethingitches, scratching relieves the itch and brings temporary relief. But scratching anitchyscrotum is one of the worst things you can do. Scratching causes small tears and openings in the skin. These openings can become infected and cause further irritation.
Scratching the Itch
When somethingitches, scratching relieves the itch and brings temporary relief. But scratching anitchyscrotum is one of the worst things you can do. Scratching causes small tears and openings in the skin. These openings can become infected and cause further irritation.
Irritation or Chafing
Chafingis a type of skin irritation that occurs when the scrotum rubs against other skin. Irritation from chafing can make the skin red, raw, and quite painful. It tends to happen when there is moisture on the skin from exercise or physical activity. Treatment is aimed at keeping the skin clean and dry.
Ways to prevent and treat chafing include:
Fungal Infection (Candidiasis)
The symptoms of a fungal infection on the scrotum include a red rash on the scrotum and the surrounding area and skin peeling. Treatment is typically an antifungal cream like Monistat (miconazole). Daily maintenance should include keeping the area clean and dry and using drying powders to absorb moisture.
Jock Itch
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2024.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2024.
The symptoms of a jock infection are scrotal burning and itching. The rash appears red, raised with scaly skin patches that can blister and ooze. Treatment is aimed at keeping the skin clean and dry. Avoid wearing clothes that irritate the scrotum. Use an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream or powder like Monistat, Lotrimin (clotrimazole), Lamisil (terbinafine), or Tinactin (tolnaftate).
Intertrigo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Intertrigois an inflammatory skin condition typically found in areas where skin rubs against skin. Several types of bacteria and fungi can cause it. It thrives in wet, warm environments, making the scrotum an ideal location in which to grow.
Intertrigo presents in many different ways. It can look like a red or brown rash with bumps. Or it may be raw, red, open skin. Treatment will vary based on the underlying cause of the rash and can include OTC antifungal creams,hydrocortisone, or topical antibiotics.
Contact Dermatitis
Crabs (Pubic Lice)
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Pubic lice, also called crabs, are tiny bugs that live in the pubic hair. They feed on blood from their host. Pubic lice cause severe itching in the genital area.
Pubic lice treatment is an OTC lotion that contains permethrin or permethrin and piperonyl butoxide. In addition to using the lotion, it’s important to wash clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry in hot heat to kill any lice.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes may not present any symptoms. In those who do have symptoms, it can cause blisters in the genital area that can break open and become painful.
There is no cure for genital herpes, but there is an oral medication that can be prescribed to reduce the incidence of outbreaks.The medication also helps prevent transmission of the virus.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrheagrows in warm, moist areas, making the scrotum a perfect environment for the infection. The symptoms include swollen and tender testicles, burning while peeing, red and swollen urethra, and discharge from the penis.
Antibiotics are the mainstay treatment for gonorrhea. A healthcare provider will need to prescribe the medication.It is important that your partner or partners are also treated.
Genital Warts
Chlamydia
Chlamydiais anSTIthat is transmitted from sexual contact with a person with the infection. It causes pain and swelling in the testicles, burning when urinating, and discharge from the penis.
Trichomoniasis
Scabies
Treatment requires a prescription from a healthcare provider for a scabicide lotion. It is applied to the entire body, including the head and neck.
How to Prevent Itchy Testicles
While it’s not always possible topreventan itchy scrotum, there are a few steps you can take toreduce the chances:
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Summary
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Serotonin drives vicious cycle of itching and scratching.
MedlinePlus.Chafing.
MedlinePlus.Candida infection of the skin.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.8 reasons your groin itches and how to get relief.
Mount Sinai.Jock itch.
DermNet.Intertrigo.
Krishnan A, Kar S.Scrotal dermatitis - can we consider it as a separate entity?Oman Med J. 2013;28(5):302-305. doi:10.5001/omj.2013.91
MedlinePlus.Pubic lice.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes - CDC basic fact sheet.
MedlinePlus.Gonorrhea.
MedlinePlus.Genital warts.
MedlinePlus.Chlamydia infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Trichomonas - CDC fact sheet.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parasites - scabies.
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