Genital Ulcers: 12 Potential Causes and Remedies
In the United States, approximately 50% of people aged 14 to 49 have genital herpes, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause painful, blistering sores on the penis [1]. However, there are several other STIs that can also manifest as penis sores, each with distinct causes, symptoms, and treatments.
## Common Causes
The most common STIs associated with penis sores include genital herpes, genital warts, syphilis, chancroid, and granuloma inguinale (Donovanosis) [2].
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-2, sometimes HSV-1), while genital warts result from infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) [2]. Syphilis is a severe bacterial infection caused by the bacterium *Treponema pallidum*, chancroid by the bacterium *Haemophilus ducreyi*, and granuloma inguinale by *Klebsiella granulomatis* [2].
## Symptoms
Symptoms of these STIs can vary significantly. Genital herpes symptoms may include painful blisters or sores on the penis, itching, burning, or tingling before sores appear, with outbreaks recurring periodically [2][4]. Genital warts appear as flesh-colored or grayish growths or bumps on the penis or groin, while syphilis causes painless, round sores (chancres) on the penis or genital area [2].
Chancroid causes small, red, raised sores on the penis that are itchy and painful, and may ooze blood or other fluid when they later open and become ulcerative [2]. Granuloma inguinale initially causes small, painless bumps, which slowly develop into deepening ulcers that bleed [2].
## Treatments
Treatment options for these STIs vary. Antiviral medications can reduce the severity and frequency of genital herpes outbreaks, but the virus remains in the body [1][4]. Topical treatments, cryotherapy, or surgical removal are used for genital warts, with no cure for HPV itself; vaccines are available for prevention [2][4].
Syphilis is treated with penicillin, with alternatives available for those allergic to penicillin [2]. Chancroid is treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin, ceftriaxone, or erythromycin, with buboes requiring aspiration or drainage [2]. Granuloma inguinale is treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, or erythromycin for several weeks until lesions heal [2].
## General Care and Management
In addition to treatment, symptomatic relief, regular check-ups, and lifestyle changes are crucial. Over-the-counter pain relievers, warm compresses, and good hygiene practices can help reduce discomfort and prevent secondary infections [1]. Abstaining from sexual activity until treatment is complete and sores are healed is also recommended [1].
## Other Conditions
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic skin condition that can affect the penis and cause red, flaky bumps that itch, blister, and form a scab. Scabies, a contagious skin condition, can also affect the penis, causing tiny blisters or sores that are extremely itchy [1].
Penile cancer, while less common, can cause changes in the skin of the penis, such as a lump or small, crusty sore or ulcer that may bleed, changes in skin color, thickening of the skin, a rash under the foreskin, or odorous discharge or bleeding under the foreskin [1].
Consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of penis sores related to STIs [1][2][4]. It is essential to practice safe sex, get regular STI screenings, and seek medical attention promptly if any unusual symptoms appear.
References: [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Genital Herpes.
- Men who have penile sores should consider getting tested for various sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as genital herpes, genital warts, syphilis, chancroid, and granuloma inguinale (Donovanosis).
- The herpes simplex virus (HSV-2, sometimes HSV-1) causes genital herpes, while genital warts result from certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Psoriatic skin conditions can also affect the penis, causing red, flaky bumps that itch, blister, and form a scab.
- A severe bacterial infection known as syphilis causes painless, round sores (chancres) on the penis or genital area.
- Chancroid causes small, red, raised sores on the penis that are itchy and painful, and may ooze blood or other fluid when they later open and become ulcerative.
- Depression can be a common mental health issue for individuals dealing with multiple medical conditions, including various STIs that manifest as penis sores.
- Losing weight, quitting smoking, and practicing good skin-care habits are all part of a holistic approach to health and wellness, which can help manage conditions like genital herpes.
- Multiple arthritis conditions may not directly cause penis sores, but they can affect sexual health due to factors like pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- The predictive value of medical research lies in its ability to help anticipate, diagnose, and treat various medical conditions, such as cancers, mental health issues, and STI-related penis sores.
- Engaging in sexual activity while dealing with untreated penis sores can lead to the transmission of other STIs, such as HIV, making it crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
