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Male genital eczema factsheet

With any genital condition it is important that you have the correct diagnosis made by your
doctor so that any possible underlying conditions can be identified and treated. Please do not
feel embarrassed about asking for a proper examination to be performed.

There are different types of eczema that could affect the genital area, including atopic eczema,
seborrhoeic dermatitis, allergic contact eczema and irritant contact eczema (for more information
on the different types of eczema, please visit the NES website or contact our Helpline).

Genital eczema frequently affects the penis, scrotum, groin, the skin around the opening of the anus
and the skin between the cheeks of the buttocks (perianal eczema). There are other causes of red,
sore skin, such as fungal and yeast infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which might
need to be ruled out by your doctor. Your GP might also refer you to dermatology, particularly if
allergic contact dermatitis is suspected or diagnosis is uncertain.

If you have genital eczema, it is not always possible to irritant ingredients. Your doctor will usually prescribe
discover the cause, although sometimes it can be due emollients and topical steroids to treat genital and
to a contact allergy. However, genital skin can be perianal eczema.
particularly prone to irritation because of sweating,
Emollients can be applied to the genital area as required.
tight clothing, and friction between skin surfaces. Soaps,
They should be reapplied after bathing and showering.
bubble baths, shower gels, talcum powder, moist toilet
Use emollient as a soap substitute and avoid all soap
tissue/wipes, aftershave, personal deodorants,
and cosmetic washes. It is also a good idea to wash with
haemorrhoid preparations, antiseptics such as Dettol,
emollients after opening your bowels to prevent infection
Savlon and TCP, and similar products can also trigger
when skin is red and sore.
eczema. Urine and faeces are especially irritating to the
skin, and incontinence always makes any genital Steroids are safe to use in the genital area as long as
condition worse and harder to treat. If you are incontinent they are of the correct strength and are used
of urine, faeces, or both, discuss this with your doctor or appropriately. The skin here can absorb topical steroids
nurse, who can refer you to specialist teams. Trying to more readily than in other parts of the body, and topical
manage the problem with wipes or pads may make the steroids should therefore be used carefully in the genital
eczema worse. Don’t feel embarrassed about it. area. They only need to be used once or twice a day, as
prescribed, and a 30g tube should normally last at least
Treatment 3 months. It is important to avoid prolonged or over-use
If you experience genital irritation, it is better to seek of combination steroid preparations, in particular those
medical help than to self-medicate, since some over- containing certain antibiotics such as neomycin, which
the-counter treatments contain potentially allergenic and may cause contact dermatitis. If combined topical

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Male genital eczema factsheet

steroids and antibiotic creams are prescribed for Remember, if you have genital eczema, itching may also
infection, they should be used for a maximum of 14 days, occur due to yeast infections (thrush) or STIs, which can
after which you should return to plain topical steroids if cause intense itch and invariably make eczema worse.
the eczema is still flaring. If you have any different symptoms to eczema, do ask a
health care professional for further advice.
Ointment-based topical treatments contain fewer
potential allergens than creams, so are especially Hygiene
suitable for sensitive areas. Since ointments are It is important to keep the genital area clean. However,
greasy, they generally spread easily and are well- washing the area too much may encourage further
absorbed. However, creams are easier to spread irritation, especially if abrasive sponges or flannels are
on hair-bearing skin. used. Uncircumcised males should pull back the foreskin
If using a topical steroid, apply this at least half an hour in order to wash the head of the penis.
before using an emollient (please see the NES factsheets Wash with warm water and an emollient soap substitute
on Emollients and Topical Steroids). or use your usual leave-on emollient cream for washing.
Avoid soaps, antiseptic washes, moist tissue wipes,
Itching
bubble bath, deodorant, perfume, fragrance and any
Genital eczema can cause embarrassment because the
other products that could irritate and dry out the skin.
area is intensely itchy, leading to scratching. Anti-itch
Also, avoid using shampoo in the bath or shower since
preparations, including anti-itch emollients (Balneum Plus
it could inadvertently come into contact with the genital
or E45 Itch) may be helpful in relieving severe itching and
area and cause irritation. If you do need to shampoo
discomfort. Ask the pharmacist if you are uncertain about
your hair in the bath, apply your emollient cream to the
a product’s ingredients. You can keep your emollients in
genital skin first and then rinse it off after you have
the fridge, as a cold application can be more soothing.
rinsed your hair.
Some people develop an allergy to nail varnish, so if your
Good hand hygiene is important when using emollients
partner wears it and you think this may be causing
and topical steroids – always wash your hands before
problems for you, see if leaving it off makes a difference.
and after applying treatments. If possible, use emollients
If the itching persists, don’t try to treat yourself – seek from a pump dispenser. If you are using cream or
medical advice. You may be offered a blood test if, by ointment from a pot, do not put your hands in and out
reference to your medical history, your healthcare of the pot as there is a risk of infection – instead, use a
professional thinks it necessary – for example, ferritin clean spoon or spatula to decant the amount you
(iron) levels might be checked as iron deficiency anaemia need to use from the pot.
can cause itching; or you may need further tests such as
If you wish to remove hair in the genital area, waxing and
patch testing to exclude allergic contact dermatitis.
shaving products may irritate the skin further. Using your
If night-time itching is a problem, an antihistamine may emollient wash product may be a more gentle option on
help you to sleep. the skin (and while you’re there, it’s a good idea to check
your testicles for lumps once a month after a warm bath
or shower).

National Eczema Society Helpline: 0800 089 1122 Email: [email protected] www.eczema.org 2
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Male genital eczema factsheet

Clothing Barrier contraceptives

Comfortable, loose cotton clothing will help to lessen Most condoms, diaphragms and caps are made from
irritation and friction. Wear loose-fitting underwear (100% latex rubber and generally do not cause problems for
cotton or silk is more comfortable, as natural fibres will people with eczema. However, some people have an
not be irritating). Avoid thongs. Most people prefer to use allergy to latex or other rubber ingredients and they
a non-biological washing powder to wash their clothes. should use products made from material such as
Finding the most suitable one is a case of trial and error. polyurethane or silicone.
You may find that you need to wash at 60°C or higher
Spermicides can also irritate the skin. If this is a problem
with the non-biological powder to clean your clothing
or concern, discuss this with your pharmacist, doctor, or
effectively and remove the grease from emollients.
staff at your family planning clinic.
Always ensure that your clothing is rinsed well. It is
best to avoid fabric conditioners since they contain Emollients and topical steroid creams can affect the
fragrance and other ingredients that might cause integrity of condoms and diaphragms, so be aware that
irritation or an allergy. their effectiveness will be reduced if creams have been
applied recently.
Piercing and tattoos
Body piercing does not cause eczema, but problems can Lubricants
occur later on as a consequence. Nickel allergy is very Personal lubricants (or lubes) are specialized lubricants
common and the chance of this developing is greatly that help to reduce friction, pain and discomfort during
increased if you have body piercing and use cheap sexual acts. There are many types available and choice is
metal jewellery. Having a tattoo (particularly when black a very individual thing. Water-based lubricants are water-
henna or dye is used) increases the risk of developing soluble and are the type most commonly used. They do
a contact allergic dermatitis to dyes especially PPD tend to dry out during use, so you may need to reapply
(p-Phenylenediamine). There is also a high risk of them or add water to reactivate them. Silicone-based
pierced and tattooed areas becoming infected. lubricants are usually formulated with fewer than four
ingredients and do not contain any water. Silicone
Sex lubricants feel different to water-based ones and, since
Be careful not to use topical steroids shortly before they are not absorbed by skin or mucus membranes,
having sex on an area that is likely to transfer them onto last longer.
your partner. You need to let the topical steroids be
completely absorbed into the genital area first. As long Conclusion
as you do this, topical steroids should not cause any Genital eczema can be treated and controlled, but as
problems. The same applies to oral sex. with all types of eczema it is often a long-term condition
with no cure. It is important that you use the products
Sperm fluid (semen) can make irritant eczema worse;
prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist, and attend
however, a true allergic reaction to sperm or sperm fluid,
appointments in order for the condition to be monitored
which in its severest form can cause an anaphylactic
and treatments changed if necessary.
reaction, is exceptionally rare.

National Eczema Society Helpline: 0800 089 1122 Email: [email protected] www.eczema.org 3
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Male genital eczema factsheet

Resources Useful organisations

National Eczema Society Brook Advisory Service
www.eczema.org/factsheets (Clinics throughout the UK for young people under 25
for contraception, sexual and relationship problems)
British Association of Dermatologists
www.brook.org.uk
www.bad.org.uk
Family Planning Association
New Zealand Dermatological Society
www.fpa.org.uk
www.dermnetnz.org
Latex Allergy Support Group
Shah. Common skin conditions
www.lasg.org.uk
affecting the genitals
www.radcliffehealth.com/sites/radcliffehealth.com/files/ NHS Choices Contraception
books/samplechapter/0401/Shah_ www.nhs.uk/Conditions/contraception-guide/
chpt11-442d4f80rdz.pdf Pages/contraception.aspx

DermNet NZ (2014) Balanitis

www.dermnetnz.org/site-age-specific/balanitis.html

DermNet NZ (2013) Seborrhoeic dermatitis

www.dermnet.org.nz/dermatitis/seborrhoeic-
dermatitis.html

DermNet NZ (2013) Allergic contact dermatitis

www.dermnet.org.nz/dermatitis/contact-allergy.html

DISCLAIMER
Our publications contain information and general advice about eczema. They are written and reviewed by dermatology experts, with input from people with eczema.
We hope you find the information helpful, although it should not be relied upon as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional. While
we strive to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date, National Eczema Society does not accept any liability arising from its use. We welcome reader feedback
on our publications, please email us at [email protected]

Factsheet last reviewed February 2018.

© National Eczema Society, June 2019. All rights reserved. Except for personal use, no part of this work may be distributed, reproduced, downloaded, transmitted or
stored in any form without the written permission of National Eczema Society.

National Eczema Society is the UK charity for everyone affected by eczema. We help support
people with eczema, providing information and advice, which we deliver through our
website, social media, campaigns, publications and nurse-supported Helpline. We also
provide a voice for people with eczema, raising awareness of the condition, supporting
research into new treatments and campaigning for better medical care.

National Eczema Society Helpline: 0800 089 1122 Email: [email protected] www.eczema.org 4