A rash that occurs in men's genitals has a particular name. Continue reading to learn more about summer penile syndrome.
What Is Summer Penile Syndrome?
Summer Penile Syndrome is a skin ailment that, during the warm months, primarily affects boys and children who were assigned male at birth (AMAB). Adults may also be impacted, according to Cleveland Clinic.
It is an allergic reaction around the genitals brought on by exposure to chiggers, other mites, or, extremely rarely, a plant like poison ivy. Red pimples, swollen penis, and itchy skin are possible symptoms for you or your child.
Chiggers and poisonous plants can cause skin rashes in persons of all ages and genders. You can get the rash anywhere on your body. When the penis, scrotum, or other elements of the male reproductive system are affected, it is called summer penile syndrome.
According to Women's Health Magazine, there are two types of summer penile syndrome - chronic and acute. Acute summer penile syndrome is a short-term condition that lasts a few days and a week. The penis becomes red, swollen, and itchy with this condition.
Conversely, chronic summer penile syndrome is a persistent condition that can persist for several weeks or months. It is characterized by ongoing penile swelling and inflammation, which can cause scarring and long-term harm.
Summer Penile Syndrome Causes & Symptoms
An allergic reaction to certain insects, such as mosquitoes, baby chiggers, or larvae, causes summer penile syndrome. When an insect bites skin, saliva is injected into the wound, yielding a response.
Saliva contains proteins that, in certain people, might cause an immunological reaction, resulting in inflammation and penis swelling. Due to the foreskin's ability to keep insects warm and moist, the condition is more prevalent in uncircumcised men.
On rare occasions, exposure to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac can cause summer penile syndrome. The urushiol brings on allergic contact dermatitis, an oily secretion found on these deadly plants.
According to Access Medicine, the most common symptom is pruritus or itchy skin. Women's Health Magazine noted that other symptoms include redness and swelling.
Additionally, the affected area may feel warm to the touch and may be painful to the touch. In severe cases, blisters may develop on the penis, which can be uncomfortable and painful. Additionally, persistent summer penile syndrome can permanently leave scars and harm the penis.
Summer Penile Syndrome Treatment
Depending on how severe the problem is, summer penile syndrome requires different treatments. Antihistamines or ibuprofen are examples of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs that can be used to treat mild cases of inflammation and swelling.
Corticosteroids or other prescription-strength drugs may be required in more extreme circumstances. Surgery may be necessary in some instances to remove scar tissue or fix damage to the penis.
You can treat the affected region with a cold compress for home remedies.
Your doctor can advise applying a hydrocortisone cream to the skin. You can also use aloe vera gel on the skin to calm it and reduce itching.
It's best to avoid scratching the affected area to prevent further irritation. In a previous report from Science Times, scratching feels good, but it only offers short-term relief and will leave you with a nagging itch worse than your initial condition.
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