Why Are My testicl*s Itchy? 12 Possible Causes (2024)

Having itchy testicl*s, or an itchy scrotum, is a common symptom of many different skin conditions. Itchiness may be caused by skin irritation from excess moisture or an infection. Some of the conditions can be treated at home, whereas others will need a visit to a healthcare provider for treatment.

This article discusses the causes of itchy testicl*s and how to prevent and treat them.

Why Do I Have Itchy Balls?

Having an itchy scrotum, the sack containing the testicl*s (euphemistically known as balls), is an incredibly common issue, and people can have an itchy scrotum for numerous reasons. These reasons can include:

• Fungal infection
• Skin irritation
• Bacterial infection
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Irritation or Chafing

Chafing is a type of skin irritation that occurs when the scrotum rubs against other skin. Irritation from chafing can make the skin red, raw, and quite painful. It tends to happen when there is moisture on the skin from exercise or physical activity. Treatment is aimed at keeping the skin clean and dry.

Ways to prevent and treat chafing include:

• Wear clean, dry clothing.
• Change out of clothes soon after exercise.
• Avoid activities that cause chafing.
• Avoid coarse fabrics.
• Wear proper clothing for the activity (i.e., bike shorts for cycling).
• Use petroleum jelly on the skin until it heals.

Fungal Infection (Candidiasis)

A yeast infection, also called candidiasis, on the scrotum is caused by fungi that live on the skin. Fungi that burrow below the skin's surface cause an infection. The moisture and warm temperature of the groin area make it easy for Candida to multiply quickly.

The symptoms of a fungal infection on the scrotum include a red rash on the scrotum and the surrounding area and skin peeling. Treatment is typically an antifungal cream like Monistat (miconazole). Daily maintenance should include keeping the area clean and dry and using drying powders to absorb moisture.

Jock Itch

Jock itch is a fungal infection from the same fungus that causes ringworm. The fungus grows well in warm, wet skin that is covered by clothing, making the scrotum a perfect location.

The symptoms of a jock infection are scrotal burning and itching. The rash appears red, raised with scaly skin patches that can blister and ooze. Treatment is aimed at keeping the skin clean and dry. Avoid wearing clothes that irritate the scrotum. Use an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream or powder like Monistat, Lotrimin (clotrimazole), Lamisil (terbinafine), or Tinactin (tolnaftate).

Intertrigo

Intertrigo is an inflammatory skin condition typically found in areas where skin rubs against skin. Several types of bacteria and fungi can cause it. It thrives in wet, warm environments, making the scrotum an ideal location in which to grow.

Intertrigo presents in many different ways. It can look like a red or brown rash with bumps. Or it may be raw, red, open skin. Treatment will vary based on the underlying cause of the rash and can include OTC antifungal creams, hydrocortisone, or topical antibiotics.

Contact Dermatitis

Scrotal dermatitis is a skin condition that can be caused by several factors. It is often due to an allergic reaction to something that has touched the scrotum. This can be a lotion, laundry detergent, or soap. The result is significant itching, redness, swelling, and skin scaling.

The itching caused by scrotal dermatitis can cause people to repeatedly scratch their skin, causing it to worsen. Treatment is focused on removing the factors that caused the rash. This can mean avoiding certain soaps and wearing loose-fitting clothing. A healthcare provider can prescribe a steroid cream or oral antihistamine.

Crabs (Pubic Lice)

Pubic lice, also called crabs, are tiny bugs that live in the pubic hair. They feed on blood from their host. Pubic lice cause severe itching in the genital area.

Pubic lice treatment is an OTC lotion that contains permethrin or permethrin and piperonyl butoxide. In addition to using the lotion, it's important to wash clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry in hot heat to kill any lice.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It spreads through sexual contact with someone who has the infection.

Genital herpes may not present any symptoms. In those who do have symptoms, it can cause blisters in the genital area that can break open and become painful.

There is no cure for genital herpes, but there is an oral medication that can be prescribed to reduce the incidence of outbreaks. The medication also helps prevent transmission of the virus.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a common STI sometimes called the clap. It is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium and transmitted through sexual contact with someone who has the infection.

Gonorrhea grows in warm, moist areas, making the scrotum a perfect environment for the infection. The symptoms include swollen and tender testicl*s, burning while peeing, red and swollen urethra, and discharge from the penis.

Antibiotics are the mainstay treatment for gonorrhea. A healthcare provider will need to prescribe the medication. It is important that your partner or partners are also treated.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are another type of STI that is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear as small skin-colored areas on the scrotum and other areas around the genitals. They can be flat or raised and bumpy.

Unlike warts found on other areas of the body, genital warts need to be treated by a healthcare provider. Treatments may include:

• Medication applied or injected into the wart by a healthcare provider
• Freezing
• Laser
• Burning

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is an STI that is transmitted from sexual contact with a person with the infection. It causes pain and swelling in the testicl*s, burning when urinating, and discharge from the penis.

Treatment is through antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Trichom*oniasis

Trichom*oniasis, commonly referred to as trich, is an STI caused by the Trichom*onas vagin*lis parasite. Most people with the infection do not have symptoms. Those who do have symptoms can experience irritation and inflammation in the genital area.

Trich can make the scrotum feel itchy, burning, or irritated. It is treated with an oral medication that needs to be prescribed by a healthcare provider. Your partner or partners also need to be treated.

Scabies

Scabies is a skin condition caused by a tiny mite. The symptoms of scabies include itching (especially at night) and a pimple-like skin rash. There might be tiny burrows that appear like small raised gray-white or skin-colored lines on the skin from where the mites enter and burrow under the skin.

Treatment requires a prescription from a healthcare provider for a scabicide lotion. It is applied to the entire body, including the head and neck.

How to Prevent Itchy testicl*s

While it's not always possible to prevent an itchy scrotum, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the chances:

• Regular bathing or showering
• Completely drying the genital area after bathing
• Wearing loose-fitting, cotton clothing
• Washing clothing that touches the genital area in hot water and drying on hot heat
• Wearing a condom when having sex

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Depending on the cause, scrotum itching can be treated at home with OTC treatments. However, causes like STIs need to be treated by a healthcare provider.

If the itching does not go away with home treatment or worsens, then it's time to contact a healthcare provider. If the itching is accompanied by a moderate to severe rash, fever, chills, or other signs of an infection contact a healthcare provider.

Summary

Itchy testicl*s, or an itchy scrotum, are common symptoms of many conditions. The itch can be caused by chafing, fungi, STIs, or other infections. To relieve itching, you need to treat the underlying cause and keep the area dry and clean.

While some conditions like jock itch can be treated at home, other conditions like STIs need to be seen by a healthcare provider for treatment.