Dry, itchy, and discolored skin around the genital area may be a sign of eczema. Three types of dermatitis could be the cause, including atopic, contact, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Eczema is used to describe a group of inflammatory skin conditions that can make your skin itchy, flaky, cracked, and discolored. Nearly 32 million people in the United States have at least one type of eczema.

Symptoms can appear almost anywhere on the body but are more common on the arms, legs, and face.

That said, some research suggests that over 4 in 10 people with eczema may experience symptoms in the genital area at least once in their lifetime. This may include the shaft or head of your penis.

Penile eczema could affect your quality of life, but some treatments are available to relieve symptoms.

Keep reading to learn more about the types, symptoms, and causes of penile eczema and how to treat it.

Several different types of eczema may affect your penis, scrotum, and surrounding areas. According to the National Eczema Society, these may include:

  • Atopic dermatitis (AD): This is the most common type of eczema. AD may appear suddenly and cause dry, itchy, and inflamed skin that appears as a rash or bumps.
  • Contact dermatitis: This condition results from contact with an allergen or irritant. Possible irritants include condoms, underwear, soaps, lubricants, and athletic equipment that touches your penis.
  • Seborrheic dermatitis: This condition appears in areas with a lot of oil glands. It may cause scaly plaques on the shaft of your penis that may appear red or discolored.

If you think you have eczema on your penis, speak with a healthcare professional. They can examine your symptoms and provide a proper diagnosis of the type of eczema you may have.

Symptoms of eczema that affect your penis are the same symptoms that can appear on other parts of your body with any type of eczema. These may include:

  • skin dryness
  • rash or bumpy skin
  • extreme itchiness or sensitivity around the rash
  • patches of reddish, brownish, purplish, or grayish skin
  • small blisters that may burst open and release fluid
  • thick or scaly skin

Some of these symptoms can also appear if you’ve contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as genital warts, genital herpes, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

However, research suggests that penile eczema is usually accompanied by symptoms like itchiness, swelling, and dryness in other parts of your body.

Another key difference between eczema and STIs is that eczema usually only affects the skin, whereas STIs may also cause systemic symptoms. These may include:

  • unusual penile discharge
  • bleeding
  • headache
  • body ache
  • fever
  • chills
  • swollen lymph nodes

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms that affect your penis, such as a rash, itchiness, or penile discharge. They can provide a proper diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Researchers have yet to determine the exact cause of eczema, but they’ve identified several genetic and environmental risk factors that may contribute to its development.

According to the National Eczema Association, many people with eczema have a mutation in the FLG gene. This is responsible for creating filaggrin, a protein that creates a protective barrier on the top layer of the skin. If your body doesn’t create enough filaggrin, moisture can leave the skin, resulting in dry skin.

A weakened skin barrier may also be more sensitive to environmental irritants like detergents and latex condoms. Contact with triggers may lead to inflammation and an eczema flare-up.

Some possible triggers of penile eczema may include:

  • wearing tight clothing
  • sweating
  • chemicals in personal hygiene products, soaps, and detergents
  • clothing materials, such as polyester or wool
  • antibacterial substances in ointments or wet wipes
  • urinary or fecal incontinence

Is penile eczema contagious?

No, eczema isn’t communicable. This means that it cannot be transmitted from one person to another, such as during sexual activity.

However, a penis infection may be transmitted through sex without a condom or other barrier method. Scratching a rash can lead to open cuts, sores, and blisters, which can get infected.

It’s important to wear a condom or avoid sexual activity until you’ve completed antibiotic treatment.

Learn more about eczema and transmission.

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you experience dry skin, itchiness, or a rash on your penis. If you also experience any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away:

  • clear or cloudy discharge from the penis
  • fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher
  • difficulty urinating
  • pain when urinating
  • pain in your lower abdomen
  • pain or swelling in your testicles

A doctor can assess your symptoms and advise you on any necessary next steps. In most cases, they can diagnose eczema simply by looking at the rash.

However, they may perform a skin patch test to help determine the underlying cause of your eczema or blood tests to help rule out other conditions.

Treatment for penile eczema aims to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. Your treatment plan may depend on several factors, such as the severity of your symptoms and the type of eczema you have.

The first-line treatment for eczema in the genital area usually includes a combination of topical ointments and steroids. If these don’t help, a doctor may prescribe:

  • topical calcineurin inhibitors, such as pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic)
  • oral medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory steroid drugs (NSAIDs)
  • biologics, such as dupilumab (Dupixent)
  • phototherapy

Some home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may help relieve itchiness, inflammation, or dryness associated with penile eczema. These may include:

  • applying a cold compress on the affected area
  • taking an oatmeal bath
  • taking probiotics
  • applying an OTC 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected area
  • taking OTC allergy medications, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine (Zyrtec)

Scratching itchy areas can lead to open cuts or sores, which can increase your risk of infections. One possible infection is herpes simplex, which is lifelong.

In rare cases, eczema may cause eczema herpeticum, a condition caused by the Herpes simplex virus.

Other possible complications of eczema may include permanently thick, scaly skin from constant scratching.

The best way to avoid eczema flare-ups on your penis is to avoid any possible triggers. It’s also important to maintain proper penile hygiene.

Some ways to help prevent penile eczema flare-ups may include:

  • keeping your penis well moisturized with a natural ointment
  • wearing looser clothing
  • using a fragrance-free laundry detergent
  • using latex-free condoms
  • avoiding certain clothing materials, such as wool
  • managing genital sweating
  • bathing or showing in warm water rather than hot water

Eczema is a common skin condition that may cause itchy, dry, and inflamed skin patches to appear anywhere on the body, including the penis.

Treatment for eczema on the penis may include a combination of home remedies, OTC treatments, and prescription medications.

Speak with a doctor if you experience dry skin or an itchy rash on your penis. They could examine your symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.