By Jayne Leonard

Reviewed by Stacy Sampson, DO

A sore is a painful bump or wound. Sores can appear on any part of the skin, including on the penis. Penis sores often result from a sexually transmitted infection or a skin condition.

While some penis sores will clear up on their own, many require treatment to prevent symptoms from getting worse, complications, and transmission to others.

In this article, we list 12 potential causes of penis sores and the treatments available for each one.

1. Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that passes from one person to another during sexual activity. In the United States, more than 1 in every 6 people aged 14–49 have genital herpes.

The herpes simplex virus causes genital herpes. Its symptoms can include painful, itchy, fluid-filled, blistering sores on the penis and other parts of the genitals. When these blisters burst, they can leave scars.

Treatment

There is no cure for herpes, but antiviral medications can help prevent or treat outbreaks.

Individuals should avoid sexual activity until the sores go away. People should also refrain from touching the sores, as this may cause them to spread the virus to other areas.

2. Genital warts

Genital warts are another type of viral STI, caused by the human papillomavirus. They appear on the penis as small, bumpy, sometimes stalky, cauliflower-like growths. Genital warts can cause itching and discomfort.

Approximately 1% of sexually active people in the U.S. have genital warts at any given time.

Treatment

If the warts do not cause pain and discomfort, then no treatment is necessary. For up to 1 in 3 people with the condition, the warts will go away on their own within 2 years.

To remove the warts, a doctor can freeze them off, perform laser surgery, or prescribe a topical medication to destroy the warts. These treatments do not kill the virus that causes the warts, however, so they may return in the future.

Individuals should avoid sex for at least 2 weeks after the warts have gone away. It is still possible to spread the virus to others after this time, so it is important to use barrier protection when having sex.

3. Syphilis

Syphilis is a severe bacterial infection and another type of STI.

In the early stages of infection, syphilis usually causes a hard, painless, red sore on the penis. This sore lasts for 3–6 weeks.

Untreated, syphilis can lead to:

• cardiovascular problems
• dementia
• hearing or vision loss
• increased risk of HIV infection
• meningitis
• pregnancy, childbirth, and fetal complications
• stroke

Treatment

If a person suspects syphilis, they must seek medical attention as early as possible to prevent the infection from progressing and causing severe, lasting health complications.

A penicillin injection is the main form of treatment for syphilis.

4. Scabies

Scabies is a contagious skin condition that can affect many parts of the body, including the penis.

People get scabies when the Sarcoptes scabiei mite burrows into the skin. Sexual contact increases the risk of scabies in the penis.

Scabies causes tiny blisters or sores on the skin that are extremely itchy, especially at night. These sores typically occur in thin, irregular lines showing the path of the mite under the skin.

After an infestation occurs, a person who has never had scabies before may not develop symptoms until after 4–6 weeks. Symptoms typically show up within 1–4 days in cases of a second or subsequent infestation.

Treatment

Prescription creams and lotions are the first line of treatment for scabies. If these do not work, a doctor may prescribe oral medications.

Cold compresses and antihistamines can relieve itching until the scabicide medication takes effect.

5. Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection. Anyone can catch molluscum contagiosum from direct contact with others or from sharing towels or personal items. Sexual contact can cause it to develop on the penis.

Symptoms include itchy, round, raised, pink or flesh-colored sores on the penis. These can occur alone or in clusters.

Many cases clear up without treatment within 12–18 months. While sores are present, people can transmit molluscum contagiosum to others.

Treatment

To remove the sores and to avoid transmitting the infection to others, doctors recommend:

• topical creams or lotions
• surgical removal of the lesions with a curette, which is a small hooked tool
• cryotherapy
• laser surgery

6. Chancroid

Chancroid is a bacterial infection that the Haemophilus ducreyi bacterium can cause. It spreads from one person to another through sex without barrier protection.

The infection causes small, red, raised sores to form on the penis. These are itchy and painful, and they ooze blood or other fluid when they later open and become ulcerative.

Other symptoms include pain during sexual activity or urination, and swelling in the groin.

Treatment

As with other bacterial infections, the main treatment for chancroid is antibiotic medication. Treatment can cure the infection and prevent it from spreading to others.

Chancroid is a risk factor for HIV infection.

7. Granuloma inguinale

Granuloma inguinale is a bacterial STI that causes ulcers to form on the genitals and anus. It is rare in the U.S., but common in some developing regions.

In the beginning, the infection causes small, painless bumps. Over time, these sores slowly develop into deepening ulcers that bleed.

Treatment

Antibiotics treat the infection and reduce the risk of scarring.

8. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes red, scaly patches of skin. On the penis and genitals, it can cause:

• a red rash with silvery scales
• dry, cracking skin that may bleed
• itching, pain, and discomfort

Symptoms vary from one person to another. In some, it may appear as just a few spots, while others experience a widespread rash.

Treatment

There is no cure for psoriasis, but treatment aims to keep symptoms under control. Medical treatments include:

• topical creams and ointments
• oral medications
• injected medications
• UV light therapy

Lifestyle changes and home remedies can relieve discomfort. These include cool compresses, moisturizing lotions, and stress management.

9. Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic skin condition. It can affect many body parts, including the penis.

An eczema rash causes red, flaky bumps that itch. The bumps may blister and burst before forming a scab.

Eczema occurs in people who have a gene variant that affects their skin’s ability to protect against irritants and allergens. Eczema rashes on the penis may result from contact with scented cleansing products, laundry detergents, or from chafing from clothing.

Treatment

Mild eczema may respond to the following home remedies: