Injuries to the penis can be problematic. Some of the most considerable doubts are about its relationship with sexually transmitted diseases, a possible aggravation, and concern about the discomfort they can cause.
The truth is that ulcers on the male genitalia can be due to different causes such as infections, inflammatory skin diseases, allergies, tumors, etc. Some may hurt, but some may not. They can be accompanied by inflammation of the inguinal nodes or affect other areas of the skin.
Next, from FastlyHealwe, explain why ulcers appear on the penis, what symptoms they can cause, and the treatment to cure them.
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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
If you’ve had sex without a condom, the lesions are likely due to an infection spread in this way. It is essential not only to determine the cause of the ulcer but also to rule out the possibility that you have been infected and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Possible STDs that can cause ulcers on the penis are:
Syphilis
A single painless ulcer known as a chancre is the initial presentation of this disease. Different ulcerations or lesions may appear on the skin in a more advanced stage.
Treatment is done by injection of penicillin. For more information, see Syphilis in Men: Symptoms and Treatment.
Genital herpes
Ulcers start as small blisters but are very painful. They can appear recurrently when lowering defenses.
Treatment consists of applying antiviral creams, and when the case is crucial, this medication can be administered orally. You can consult more information on Genital herpes: symptoms and treatment.
Lymphogranuloma venereum
It is a chronic infection caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. In addition to the painless ulcer in the genital area, other symptoms may appear, such as:
- Nodal swelling in the groin.
- Swelling and even suppuration in that area.
- Pain when defecating
- Pus or rectal blood.
The treatment is carried out with antibiotics with perfect evolution.
Chancroid
It is an infection caused by the bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi. After a couple of weeks of contracting the disease, the person will notice the appearance of a raised lesion that will ulcerate the next day.
This ulcer is painful, small, and may bleed if touched. It can be accompanied by inflammation and infection of the lymph nodes.
This problem is solved with antibiotics and, sometimes, with drainage of the lymph node infection.
Molluscum contagiosum
The molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that can be spread in several ways:
- Sexual contact
- Contamination of towels or hygiene items.
- Pool water.
It can affect any area of the skin, including the penis. These are usually small clustered bumps that can become injured or inflamed and, at that point, itch.
The lesions can disappear spontaneously in 1 to 3 years, although different surgical methods or drugs can also remove them.
Allergy ulcers on the penis
If you suffer from an allergy to latex or any substance you have had contact with, various lesions may appear on the genitals, such as redness, rashes, and even ulcers.
If it is the first time you have it, it is necessary to detect what the cause is. If you’ve been diagnosed before, the most important thing is to avoid what is irritating you.
For its treatment, anti-allergy creams or oral analgesics may be necessary if there are many discomforts.
You can apply compresses with cold water or soothing infusions, such as chamomile or calendula (both are anti-inflammatory).
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that can affect any skin area, including the penis, although it is not the most common.
The lesions usually consist of reddening the skin and pearly scaling, although ulcerations may also appear. It is generally very itchy and appears in the form of outbreaks alternating with periods without symptoms.
Treatment of psoriasis depends on the severity of the symptoms, and creams, lotions, and anti-inflammatory medications by mouth may be required.
Tumor maligno
It is scarce, but it can happen that a painless ulcer that does not heal for a long time is due to a malignant tumor on the penis. It usually settles in the foreskin or glans area.
It is a very early manifestation of the disease, so the treatment can be very effective if it is detected in time.
Treatment consists of removing the lesion. Depending on the severity of the condition, radiation therapy may also be required.
If you suffer from ulcers, sores, or wounds on the penis, you should not ignore it. Getting the proper diagnosis will help you solve it more quickly, whether it is a serious problem like this or if the reason is a disease that you can pass on to your sexual partner.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Ulcers on the penis: causes, symptoms, and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Male reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.