Sores on the penis can appear due to an injury caused by friction from tight clothing or sex or due to poor hygiene. It can also be caused by an allergy to clothing or hygiene products, or they can appear due to dermatitis. It is also possible for sores on the penis to develop due to infections, such as syphilis or genital herpes, or even due to penile cancer.

In addition to sores on the penis, men may experience other symptoms, like itching, burning, dischare and swelling.

Because there are so many causes for sores on the penis, you are advised to see a urologist to assess the characteristics of the sores and request tests as necessary. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause, and may include healing ointments, antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals. Treatment for sores on the penis caused by an STI should also be started by any sexual partners.

Why do I have scabs on my penis?

The most common causes of sores on the penis are:

1. Friction on the glans

Friction on the glans, or head, of the penis can be the result of excessive rubbing during vaginal anal or oral sex, or from rubbing against clothing.

In addition to small wounds or cuts, other symptoms include local redness, pain and bleeding, which in some cases require immediate treatment. Learn more about what can cause red spots on the penis.

How to heal: if there is a wound on the head of the penis or a fissure in the penis possibly related to friction, it is recommended that you consult a urologist so that an evaluation can be made and the most appropriate treatment can be started to heal the wound.

2. Skin irritation

Some people may experience skin sensitivity to clothing fabric or hygiene products, which can trigger redness, skin peeling, open sores, itching and burning. Read more about penis irritation and how it can present.

Skin irritation can also occur due to friction from clothing or sex. Poor hygiene may also lead to irritation, as accumulated sweat, oil and microorganisms can cause a penile inflammation called balanitis.

How to heal: If irritation is allergy-related, you should avoid contact with the triggering allergen. You can take antihistamine pills or creams to relieve symptoms. Moisturizing creams may also help to heal affected skin. Balanitis is treated with corticosteroid creams, antifungals or antibiotics. When treated correctly, the lesions may take about 1 week to heal.

3. Allergies

A sore on the penis may appear due to an allergy to clothing fabric, soap, hygiene products or latex in condoms.

These products can cause skin irritation and inflammation around the penis as well as redness, flaking, ulcers, itching and burning.

How to heal: it is necessary to identify and avoid the triggering substance or material that is causing the allergy. In some cases, doctors may recommend the use of anti-allergy medications, like hydroxyzine, in the form of ointments or tablets to relieve symptoms.

4. Diabetes

Diabetes, especially when not properly managed, can increase the risk of inflammation and/or infections on the head of the penis or foreskin, like or balanoposthitis or balanitis.

These infections can be caused by Candida albicans fungus, and lead to wounds or fissures on the penis, redness, itching and swelling in the area.

How to heal: you should see a urologist for assessment and treatment, which usually involves the use of antifungal ointments and/or corticosteroids. The doctor may also advise you to improve your hygiene habits to prevent reinfections in the future.

In addition, it is essential to ensure that blood sugars remain within normal levels.

5. Genital herpes

Genital herpes is one of the most common causes of sores on the penis. Is caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can be acquired through contact with a person with active, open sores. Genital herpes is characterized by the appearance of small blisters that cause pain and burning. Check-out the common symptoms of genital herpes.

How to heal: Treatment for genital herpes is prescribed by the doctor, who may advise the use of antiviral medication like acyclovir or famcyclovir in pill or cream form. These help to reduce virus replication. Other creams or gels with anesthetic properties, like lidocaine, may help to relieve uncomfortable symptoms like pain and burning.

Learn more about other causes of lumps or bumps on the penis.

6. Syphilis

Syphilis is an infection caused by Treponema pallidum bacteria. It causes a painless ulcer that appears about 3 weeks after initial exposure. This infection is often transmitted through unprotected sex from an infected partner. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to more advanced stages of infection, like secondary or tertiary syphilis. Read more about how to recognize symptoms of syphilis.

How to heal: You should see your doctor if you suspect you have symptoms of syphilis so that appropriate treatment can be initiated promptly.

7. Lymphogranuloma venereum

Lymphogranuloma venereum is another STI that is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. It usually causes painless sores or small fluid-filled blisters, which can appear 3 to 5 days after initial exposure to the infection.

In addition, the sores or lumps can turn into painful, bleeding ulcers at the site of infection, which eventually turn into bumps.

How to heal: Treatment is guided by a urologist, who may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the bacteria.

It is important for any sexual partners to also undergo treatment to prevent reinfection, even if they do not present with any symptoms.

8. HPV

An HPV infection is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that spreads through unprotected sexual contact with a person that is infected with the virus.

This type of infection can cause genital warts, lumps or sores on the penis. Read more about the symptoms of HPV and how it can present.

How to heal: treatment should be guided by a urologist, who may prescribe u ointments or acids to apply to the HPV warts. In more serious cases, the warts can be surgically removed.

9. Donovanosis

Donovanosis, also known as granuloma inguinale, is another sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by Klebsiella granulomatis bacteria.

Generally, after 3 days of infection, swelling may appear in the genital region. If left untreated, they can develop into wounds or ulcers on the penis that increase in size over time and bleed easily.

How to heal: treatment for donovanosis involves the use of prescription antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. More extensive lesions, may require surgical intervention.

10. Urethritis

Wounds on the penis can also appear internally, which is the case with urethritis. This condition is associated with pain and a yellowi or light-colored discharge. It can be caused by STIs such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.

How to heal: treatment should be guided by a urologist and usually involves the use of antibiotics, depending on the type of bacteria that caused the infection.

11. Mpox

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infection caused by a virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It causes symptoms such as fever, chills, and painful blisters or sores on the skin that itch.

This infection can appear on the skin in any region of the body or genitals, such as the penis or anus, and is transmitted by direct contact with secretions from blisters and sores, which also increases the risk of transmission through sexual intercourse.

How to heal: treatment usually involves the use of antivirals, such as tecovirimat, prescribed by a urologist or infectious disease specialist. The doctor can also prescribe medications, like acetaminophen, to relieve other symptoms, such as fever or discomfort.

12. Pubic lice

Pubic lice is an STI caused by infestation by Pthirus pubis species lice. It is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person.

This STI can cause intense itching in the genital area, especially in the pubic area or scrotum, as well as inflammation, bumps or sores due to intense scratching.

How to heal: treatment should be guided by a urologist or dermatologist and usually involves the use of lotions or shampoo with 1% permethrin. These medications should be applied in another course after 1 week.

13. Autoimmune disease

Some autoimmune disease can also trigger the appearance of penile and genital sores, which is the case with Behcet's disease, pemphigus, lichens planus, Crohn's disease, Reiter's disease, erythema multiforme and dermatitis herpetiformis. With these illnesses, lesions will often appear in other areas of the body as well. It is also common to experience systemic symptoms, like fever, fatigue or weight loss.

How to heal: Diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases are often done under the supervision of a rheumatologist or dermatologist. Treatment consists of medications, like immunosuppressants or corticosteroids, that regulate immunity and improve symptoms.

14. Cancer

Penile cancer is very rare and characterized by the growth of a tumor that can occur on the shaft or scrotal skin. It can lead to the appearance of sores, nodules, or changes to skin color or texture. This type of cancer is more commonly seen in men over the age of 60, but it can also occur in younger men who are smokers or do not practice appropriate hygiene. Ensure you are familiar with the most common signs and symptoms of cancer.

How to heal: The treatment for cancer is directed by an oncologist and urologist, and may involve the use of medications, surgery to remove affected tissue and/or chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Treatment modalities will vary depending on the cancer stage and lesion severity. Learn more about how penile cancer is diagnosed and treated.