Genital skin problems are very common and can be very itchy or painful, distressing and embarrassing. They can interfere with sexual functioning, self-image and interpersonal relationships. Some genital disorders are contagious, including sexually transmitted diseases.
This page provides an overview about skin conditions affecting the genital area.
- Genital itch in males
- Genital pain in males
- Genital itch in females
- Genital pain in females
- Vaginal discharge
- Non-sexually transmitted skin infections affecting genital area (males and females)
- Sexually transmitted infections (males and females)
- Genital skin lesions (males and females)
- Diagnosis of genital conditions
- Treatment of genital conditions
Genital itch in males
- Pruritus ani(itchy anus)
- Balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis in males)
- Dermatitis (eczema), including:
- Lichen simplex(dermatitis due to localised itch-scratch-itch response and resulting in thickened skin on scrotum)
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis (usually affects scalp as well)
- Irritant contact dermatitis(from wetness, incontinence, vigorous cleansing) the most common cause of nonspecific balanitis (in males)
- Intertrigo(in skin folds)
- Allergic contact dermatitis(most often due to fragrances, preservatives or rubber)
Genital pain in males
- Balanitis(inflammation of the tip of the penis)
- Behcet disease
- Erosive lichen planus(which often also affects the mouth)
- Plasma cell balanitis
- Fixed drug eruption
- Crohn disease, which may cause swelling, ulcers and granulomas
- Pudendal nerve entrapment syndrome
- Dysaesthesia and/or burning discomfort (and less often, itching) of the penis (penodynia) and/or scrotum (scrotodynia) in the absence of a primary skin problem. The affected area is often redder than normal.
Genital itch in females
- Itchy anus(pruritus ani)
- Itchy vulva(pruritus vulvae) in adult women
- Itchy vulva(pruritus vulvae) in prepubertal girls
- Dermatitis(eczema), including:
- Lichen simplex(dermatitis due to localised itch-scratch-itch response and resulting in thickened skin on labia majora
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis(usually affects scalp as well)
- Irritant contact dermatitis(from wetness, incontinence, vigorous cleansing) the most common cause of vulvitis
- Intertrigo(in skin folds)
- Allergic contact dermatitis (most often due to fragrances, preservatives or rubber)