How do I manage a red lump on my penis and an itching groin?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

If there has been unprotected sexual contact, it is important to rule out sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Please share a clear photograph of the affected area so that better guidance can be provided.

I would recommend the following investigations:

• TPHA (treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay).

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2 – NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test).

• RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction).

• (Herpes simplex virus immunoglobulin G [HSV IgG] testing is not recommended, as it is not useful for diagnosis)

• Urine PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) fourth-generation antigen/antibody screening test.

• HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen).

• Urine routine and microscopic examination, urine culture, and sensitivity.

• CBC (complete blood count) and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).

These tests help rule out common causes of genital ulcers, discharge, and irritation following possible exposure. If there has been no unprotected sexual exposure, management depends on clinical appearance:

If the lesion appears bacterial in nature, you can follow the measures below:

• Apply Mupirocin ointment locally twice daily.

• Take Doxycycline 100 milligrams twice daily for five days, after food.

• If there is significant itching, suggestive of a fungal infection, then apply a combination antifungal and mild steroid cream containing Clotrimazole with Beclomethasone locally twice daily for a short duration.

• Take Cetirizine 10 milligrams once daily at night to reduce itching.

General genital hygiene advice should be followed strictly:

• The genital area should be washed twice daily, in the morning and at night, using normal room-temperature water.

• Hot or very cold water should be avoided.

• Harsh or high-pH soaps should not be used.

• The area should be kept dry at all times, and tight or non-breathable clothing should be avoided to prevent further irritation.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to iCliniq.

I understand your concern.

I have reviewed the image (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity) that was shared. The lesion appears most consistent with molluscum contagiosum, which is a viral skin infection commonly transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact in adults. It usually presents as small, dome-shaped, flesh-colored or pink papules and is often painless and non-itchy.

It is important to know whether there was any unprotected sexual contact approximately three to six weeks before the lesion appeared, especially with a new or unknown partner, as this helps assess the risk of transmission. Molluscum contagiosum is generally a self-limiting condition and may resolve on its own over several weeks to months without any medication.

At this stage, no oral medication is required. If the lesion persists, increases in number, spreads, or causes concern, a dermatologist can safely remove it using procedures such as curettage or cryotherapy (controlled freezing of the lesion).

The lesion should not be squeezed or scratched, as this can lead to spread or secondary infection. Good genital hygiene should be maintained, and sexual contact should be avoided until proper evaluation and clearance are completed to prevent transmission.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.