Genital sores (male)

Considerations:
Sores or lesions on the male genitalia may have many causes. Often, the lesions of most concern are those seen with sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Venereal warts , syphilis , genital herpes , chancroid , molluscum contagiosum and granuloma inguinale are STDs that cause visible and fairly classic appearing lesions. Non-sexually transmitted diseases may also produce lesions on the genitalia.

Because genital lesions (genital sores) often adversely affect a person's self image, many do not seek proper medical care. These lesions may be due to a malignancy or to a sexually transmitted disease and in every case should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Itching , painful urination , or painful sexual intercourse often accompany genital lesions (singular or multiple) which may be limited to the genitalia or may also show up elsewhere on the body.

Common Causes:

Note: There may be other causes of genital sores on a man or boy. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for genital sores, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Avoid self treatment before seeing a doctor. It can mask the symptoms and make diagnosis of the cause of the sore more difficult.

A sitz bath is recommended to relieve itching and crusting. Moist lesions can be dried by using a heat lamp.

If the cause is due to a sexually transmitted disease, the sexual partner should be notified and treated and all sexual activity should be discontinued until the lesion(s) is no longer contagious.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • there are any unexplained genital lesions.
  • there is any change in the lesion(s).



What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:

  • type of lesion

  • other descriptors
    • What color is the lesion?
    • How big is it?
    • Does it itch ?
    • Is it scaly?
    • Does the border look distinct (sharp) or blurry?

  • time pattern
    • When did you first notice the lesion?
    • How long have you had it?
    • Have you ever had a similar lesion in the past?

  • distribution
    • Does the size of the lesion spread?
    • Is there an increasing number of lesions?
    • Is there one lesion or multiple lesions?

  • location
    • Exactly where on the genitals is the lesion located?

  • other

The physical examination will include detailed examination of the genitals and pelvis.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Intervention:
Treatment may include medications that are applied to the skin or that are taken internally. The type of medication varies depending on the cause, but may include corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, antibiotics, or antipruritic (non-itching) substances.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to genital sores to your personal medical record.


Balanitis is inflammation of the skin of the head of the penis (glans). This inflammation may be ulcerative or non-ulcerative. This is a non-ulcerative form of balanitis. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)



This is the initial lesion seen with syphilis. There may be single or multiple ulcers. The ulcers are usually painless unless there is also a bacterial infection. The lesion may be hidden from view in women, and subsequently go unnoticed until the rash of secondary syphilis appears.



This is a chancroid erosion on the shaft of the penis. Chancroid is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that produces a painful ulcer at the site of initial infection. The ulcer can be mistaken for the primary ulcer of syphilis. Specific lab studies should be done to differentiate between the two.



Granuloma inguinale lesion on the penis. This is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that begins with an ulcer at the initial site of infection. In women, this lesion may go unnoticed. Infection spreads to the skin and lymph nodes of the groin where it produces large granulomatous lesions.



Syphilis is the third most commonly reported infectious disease in the United States. The multiple chancres on this penis are associated with primary syphilis. There may be single or multiple ulcers and they are generally painless. The lesions may be hidden from view in women and subsequently go unnoticed until the rash of secondary syphilis appears.



An example of raised genital warts in the male. The virus which causes this condition is sexually transmitted. Genital warts are easier to treat in the male than the female. There is controversy as to whether the virus can be completely eliminated.



This is a picture of early vesicle (small blister) formation on the shaft of the penis caused by genital herpes. There may be tingling or burning at the site before the appearance of the lesion.



Syphilis is the third most commonly reported infectious disease in the United States. This is the initial lesion seen with syphilis (a chancre). There may be single or multiple ulcers that are generally painless. The lesion may be hidden from view in women, and subsequently go unnoticed until the rash of secondary syphilis appears. This lesion is on the scrotum.



In heavy infestations, the rash of scabies can be found anywhere on the body. The genitalia are not exempt.



Perianal (on the anus) warts in the male may resemble genital warts in the female, as the moist conditions promote growth of the warts.



A chancre on the penis caused by primary syphilis. The "chancre", a painless ulceration at the site of infection, is the classical presenting skin finding of syphilis. Chancres are highly visible in males but may go undetected in females.



This large mass of cauliflower-like tissue is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) and is a sexually transmitted disease.



Scabies. In heavy infestations, the rash of scabies can be found anywhere on the body. The genitalia are not exempt, as seen here on the penis. Scabies can also be spread during sexual activity.



Scabies on the penis and scrotum: The mites burrow beneath the skin and cause severe itching. Scabies can affect all parts of the body, including the genitalia, as seen here. They seldom cause problems on the face.



Chancroid is a highly infectious sexually transmitted disease that produces ulceration of the skin, seen here on the head of the penis. Multiple ulcers may be present. Following contact, the incubation period is approximately 3 to 5 days.



Chancroid erosion on the glans of the penis: Chancroid is a highly infectious sexually transmitted disease that produces ulceration of the skin. Multiple ulcers may be present. Following contact the incubation period is approximately 3-5 days. The ulcers often have sharp edges and a yellowish base. They may ooze purulent (pus) material.