Causes of Sores on the Penis

Injuries to the penis are often a cause for concern. However, many men may feel embarrassed to have themselves checked to the doctor when you experience it. The causes of sores on the penis vary, ranging from irritation of the skin of the penis to infection.

Penis can experience sores of various shapes, colors, and sizes. There are sores on the penis that are accompanied by annoying pain, there are also those that do not feel anything.

Some sores on the penis may be accompanied by itching, peeling skin, swelling, or discharge such as pus or blood. In general, the causes of sores on the penis can be divided into infectious and non-infectious.

Penis Wound kinfection arena

Sores on the penis due to infection are mostly transmitted through physical contact during sexual intercourse. While the rest, is transmitted through indirect contact, for example due to using the same clothes or towels with infected people.

Some infectious diseases that can cause sores on the penis are:

viral infection

The virus that most often causes sores on the penis is the herpes simplex virus (HSV). In general, there are two types of herpes virus, namely HSV 1 and HSV 2. Both can cause sores on the penis, but research shows that 51% of sores on the penis due to herpes virus infection are caused by HSV-2.

Sores caused by HSV-2 infection are usually sore, itchy, and may appear as lumps filled with clear fluid before they burst. Another virus that can also cause painful sores on the penis is a virus Molluscum contagiosum.

Bacterial infection

Diseases caused by bacterial infections in the genitals are the most well known is the lion king or syphilis. In the same study as before, syphilis was the second most common cause of sores on the penis. The bacteria that cause this disease are Treponema pallidum. The sores caused by syphilis are usually painless.

In addition to syphilis, sores on the penis can also be caused by bacterial infections Haemophilus ducreyi on disease chancroid, bacteria Klebsiella granulomatis causes of inguinal granuloma, and bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis on disease lymphogranuloma venereum.

Fungal and parasitic infections

Examples are Candida yeast infections, or parasitic infections, such as scabies and lice in pubic hair. The most prominent symptom of fungal and parasitic infections is itching. Sores on the penis can occur as a result of scratching.

Penis Wound karena of Non-infectious Cause

In addition to infection, sores on the penis can also occur due to non-communicable diseases, such as:

1. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a form of autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system attacks the body's own skin cells. Psoriasis appears in the form of thick red patches and white or silvery scales.

However, in the genital area, psoriasis scales are usually less than in other parts of the body, due to the high humidity of the body in the genitals.

2. Eczema

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that can be triggered by exposure to irritants or allergies. Eczema usually looks dry and itchy, but it can also be a fluid-filled lump that then bursts and leaves sores.

3. Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a rare skin disease. In men, this condition can cause patches that are paler than the surrounding skin (hypopigmentation), accompanied by sores that can leave scar tissue. These patches usually appear on the penis or the skin around the anus.

4. Behcet's syndrome

This is an autoimmune disease characterized by damage to arteries and veins. This disease can cause sores in various parts of the body, including the penis.

5. Penile cancer

Although rare, penile cancer is a very serious condition. Symptoms can include sores or lumps on the head of the penis that do not heal.

Treatment of sores on the penis will be tailored to the cause. For sores on the penis caused by bacterial infections, treatment with antibiotics from a doctor is required. As for sores on the penis due to viral infection, the doctor may prescribe antiviral treatment.

So that the cause of the wound on the penis can be ascertained, the patient is advised to check with a doctor first before using over-the-counter medications or ointments. As long as there is a wound on the penis, it is advisable not to have sex until the cause of the wound is known and treated.

If the sores on the penis appear along with several other complaints, such as fever, pain when urinating or during ejaculation, foul-smelling discharge or pus from the penis opening, consult a doctor immediately.