HomeAnswersDermatologyitchingI developed red bumps on my penis after sex. Why?

I have itching and burning sensation on penis after sex. What could be the reason?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Shanza Ikram

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At July 4, 2018
Reviewed AtFebruary 20, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Twelve days ago I had protected sex with a girl I did not know after a night out. I showered that night maybe an hour afterward and used a perfume-smelling body wash or shampoo. Whether it was in my head or actual, the next day I noticed an itchiness or rather a need to readjust my penis which persisted on and off for about a week with no other symptoms, visual or pain or burning. A week after the incident, the itch progressed to something between an itch and an occasional burn on the underside of the head of my penis where the ridge of the glans meets, but in total very mild, and I did not think much of it at the time. In the weeks prior and the week subsequent I was traveling with a lot of daily exercises and occasionally limited ability to shower or use shampoo. Eight days after the night out I noticed a small patch of red bumps that looked somewhat rash-like in the same small area. To be specific, they do not look like pimples nor are they very raised, and do not look to contain any liquid or if they do a minuscule and clear amount. The weird thing is that when these first came about, the itching also stopped, and I have no other symptoms such as discharge, burning while urinating, or other health issues. On days 10 to 12, I had no such symptoms as well but the ridge of my glans penis around the front side of the head now appears to have symptoms similar to what balanitis may look like from other research, with a slightly swollen and red penis head and a rashy or bumpy looking appearance to the edges of the head. The itching has stopped, and from online research, I figured it may be something like a jock itch, a male yeast infection or another fungal situation so I began using an antifungal cream yesterday. The original red bumps on the back of the head have faded somewhat and have not blistered or scabbed or popped or shed any skin which I have been vigilant about from reading online. I am wondering if you can shed any light on my situation as I am worried just like any person experiencing STD scares.

Answered by Dr. Shanza Ikram

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your case in detail. Well, you need not worry about any STD or fungal infection or jock itch or even about herpes as your lesions are not active right now. There is only mild redness which could be remnant of balanitis or friction. At the moment no signs of any sexually transmitted disease. All you have to do is to maintain a good hygiene. Avoid sweating and friction as much as you can. Wash it daily. Apply antifungal cream for a week so that it smoothe out your lesion in addition to antifungal effect.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for your response. I have kept using the antifungal cream for a week as you instructed but there has been little to no change in the appearance of the head of my penis. I have been keeping the area clean and dry while inside all day as well, and have not experienced any other symptoms, no pain, no itch, nothing abnormal really. Should I continue to use the cream for over a week? Do you have any other suggestions? Should I consult a doctor in person?

Answered by Dr. Shanza Ikram

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your case in detail. And in my opinion, follow the previous instruction of good hygiene as such but stop using the cream at the moment until unless you experience any itching only then use it. In addition to this, I do not find any evidence of some serious illness like STD. If you observe any change in your symptoms like the appearance of vesicles or other only then I will recommend you to see a doctor in person. Right now everything looks fine except little redness. For this, I will again suggest you avoid friction and sweating for another week.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shanza Ikram
Dr. Shanza Ikram

Dermatology

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