Genital Skin Conditions

It is important to note that whilst this area of skin can be affected by conditions that affect other areas as well, there are certain medications that have higher absorption in the genital area and treating it appropriately helps to minimise risk of treatment. For example, Eczema and Psoriasis can affect the genital area as well. Potent medications such as certain potent topical steroids are not advisable for these conditions for longer term due to the higher absorption in this area leading to thinning of the skin. And yet, there are conditions such as Lichen sclerosus mentioned later in this section, that require potent topical steroids to prevent scarring and loss of function.

Painful lumps and bumps

This can be due to infection or inflammation.

Infection such as:

Staphylococcus infection within the hair follicles or skin can lead to boils or furuncles
Herpes simplex virus infection can lead to painful vesicles and erosions or ulcers
Herpes zoster activation from previous chicken pox or Varicella infection can also lead to painful vesicles and erosions or ulcers
Candida, a type of yeast, can also cause painful or itchy red pustules

Inflammation such as:

Cysts can be inflamed or infected and can also lead to pain and swelling. This can sometimes present as a previously non-painful small lump, suddenly becoming swollen, painful and red. They may require incision and drainage with a curettage (clean out) to relieve the acutely painful stage especially if not responding to a few days of antibiotics. At times, the cyst lining may not be cleared in entirety due to inflammation and a subsequent excision of the cyst, when the painful inflamed or infected state has resolved, may sometimes be required. As opposed to an incision and drainage, the later procedure needs stitches.
Hidradenitis Suppurative due to recurring painful discharging boils. Treatments range from topicals, oral medications, surgery and injections

Red, dry patches of skin

A variety of skin conditions that may affect others in other areas of the skin but may only affect the genital areas in a small proportion of people

Eczema
Psoriasis

Another condition which causes red, swollen itchy and sometimes peeling patches on the glans penis is Balanitis. It is important to note this is not due to sexually transmitted infection. The key is to avoid soap to that area. Sometimes there is concomitant yeast infection that can be excluded with a fungal scraping.

White, painful thin or hardened patches

Lichen Sclerosus is an important condition to diagnose early as the inflammation can lead to scarring and tightening of the affected area which may affect function. Treatments range from topicals and oral medications which may include immunosuppressants. Corrective surgery may be required in advanced cases.