Five dangerous causes of penis blisters and how to treat them
Blisters on the penis, filled with pus, angry, red, and causing a wince every time they are touched, are a pain unlike many things. Often penetrating and long-lasting, the discomfort can be intense. However, some blisters on the penis do not hurt at all and hope to turn into something a little more insidious. While there are many perfectly innocent reasons for penis blisters, such as friction and folliculitis, there are also some more serious causes that require immediate special attention. Any man who believes that he may have blisters on his penis from one of the following causes should see a doctor as soon as possible.
The dark side of penis blisters: serious causes
I don’t want to be a Negative Nellie, but penis blisters can be the result of some pretty serious things. Here are some of the more serious causes of blisters on the penis:
1) Herpes. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is one of the most common causes of blisters on the penis and blisters in the pelvic region in general. These blisters can be found anywhere in the lower region, including the groin, pubic area, buttocks, and upper thighs. They can also occur in the mouth.
Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is spread through sexual contact with an infected person. Herpes can cause watery blisters that eventually burst and crust over, causing itching and redness. There is no cure for herpes. Immediate care includes antiviral medications, washing the area with warm water and a mild cleanser, and wearing loose-fitting clothing. Be sure to ask your diagnosing physician for information on living with herpes to preserve your overall health and reduce the risk of passing it on to your current or future intimate partners.
2) Chancroid. Even the name sounds like a Star Wars villain. Another STI, chancroid, appears as tiny, soft, grayish blisters on the penis, scrotum, or other areas of the reproductive region. These blisters can burst or ooze, cause itching and swelling, and are painful to the touch. Treatment includes antibiotics and surgery to drain the abscesses of pus.
3) Syphilis. Caused by bacteria, syphilis is another common sexually transmitted infection. According to the CDC, more than 100,000 people were diagnosed with syphilis in 2017. Symptoms include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and hair loss. The good news? It can be treated if caught in the early stages. The bad news? If it is allowed to progress or not treated, it can lead to loss of sight, loss of cognition, and even death.
4) Warts. Rounding out the STI group, warts can look like blisters and often have a “cauliflower” appearance. It is one of the most common STIs out there, especially among young people. Men will need to use a cream to get rid of them. However, larger groups may need to be frozen by a trained physician.
5) Penile cancer. It’s the big C. Penile cancer can start as a blister on the foreskin, head, or shaft of the penis. It can then transform into a wart-like growth that discharges blood or a particularly foul-smelling exudate. Treatment includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Keep the blister off the penis with these tips
First, a note about sex. Do you notice that the first four of the five serious causes of penile blisters were STIs? Before engaging in intimate contact with new partners, have a frank conversation about sex, including your sexual health. Be sure to use condoms and dental dams whenever necessary.
Second, have a solid hygiene ritual and during that ritual take a moment to inspect the products. Wash every day with a mild cleanser and warm water. Pat dry and then moisten the area with a specially formulated penis health cream. (Health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically shown to be safe and gentle on the skin). These types of creams not only calm the skin, but also keep the area clean and free of bacteria. Creams like this also keep the delicate skin of the penis in tip-top condition, making it easier to inspect for a man to mistake acne for a blister.
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