Definition

• Rash on the male genitals (penis or scrotum)

Health Information

Symptoms

• Red or pink rash on the penis, foreskin or scrotum
• Rashes on the scrotum also cause swelling.
• These rashes can be itchy.
• Poison ivy or oak contact can even cause blisters.

Causes

• Most rashes on the penis or scrotum are caused by skin irritants.
• Hand-to-penis contact is normal when passing urine. Therefore, the rash is most likely from an irritant that was on the hands.
• Examples are plants (such as weeds) or chemicals (such as bug spray). Fiberglass, pet saliva or even food can also be irritants.
• Rashes are more common in the summertime. Reason: Children are outdoors and have more contact with plants and pollens and insects.

Summer Penile Syndrome

• When the swelling and itching is severe, it is called "Summer Penile Syndrome".
• The foreskin can swell so much that you can barely see the head of the penis.
• The changes can come on very quickly.
• Cause: a substance that gets on the penis and causes an allergic reaction.
• Insect bites such as from mosquitoes or chiggers can cause it.
• Plant chemicals such as from poison ivy or pollens can also cause it.
• Treatment: no different that more milder rashes. Benadryl for a day may help reduce the swelling.

Care Advice

1. Overview:
   • Most new small rashes are due to skin contact with an irritant.
   • If the rash is very itchy, it’s usually from an allergic substance.
   • Hand-to-penis contact is normal when passing urine. Therefore, the rash is most likely from something that was on the hands.
   • Most small rashes can be treated at home.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Cleansing:
   • Wash the area once with soap to remove any irritants.
   • Then avoid soaps. Reason: Most soaps interfere with healing.
   • Just rinse the area with warm water.
3. Steroid Cream:
   • For itchy rashes, put 1% hydrocortisone cream on the rash.
   • No prescription is needed.
   • Do this 2 times per day for a few days.
4. Antibiotic Ointment:
   • For any cuts, sores or scabs that look infected, put on an antibiotic ointment.
   • No prescription is needed.
   • Use 2 times per day until seen.
5. Try Not to Scratch:
   • Help your child not to scratch.
   • Cut the fingernails short.
6. Prevention of Recurrent Rashes:
   • Teach your son to wash his hands if they are dirty.
   • Have him wash his hands before touching his penis.
7. What to Expect:
   • Small rashes from irritants should go away in 2 or 3 days with treatment.
   • Severe swilling and redness may take a week to resolve.

Call Your Doctor If

• Rash looks infected
• Rash spreads or gets worse
• Rash lasts more than 1 week
• You think your child needs to be seen
• Your child becomes worse

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.

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