Penis Scabies – Recognizing the Signs

Any man can develop penis scabies, regardless of his age, race or lifestyle. Even men who are attentive about their personal hygiene may become infected. Unfortunately, scabies will not go away without treatment, so ignoring them and hoping they will disappear on their own is not an option. Scabies symptoms are similar to those of some sexually transmitted diseases, so a professional diagnosis is needed to determine the best course of action. Recognizing the signs of a possible scabies infection is the first step in treating the condition and restoring penis health.

What is scabies?

Scabies is a parasitic infection caused by tiny mites that are known scientifically as Sarcoptes scabiei. The infection is highly contagious and can easily be spread from one person to another, as well as to other parts of the body. Scabies typically affects areas of the body such as the armpits, in between the fingers, in the folds of the neck, behind the knees, at the waistline and on the feet; scabies may also affect the penis and scrotum. Scabies is not technically a sexually transmitted disease, but the mites can be transmitted through sexual contact, as well as any other close personal contact or the sharing of towels, clothing or bedding. Transmission is from human to human; people do not contract scabies from pets or other animals.

Signs of scabies on the penis

The first symptom most men experience when infected by scabies is intense itching, which often becomes much worse at night. The itching may be accompanied by a rash on the penis, scrotum, or other parts of the body, or men may develop penis blisters, bumps and/or burrow tracks from the mites. While the itching can be severe, scratching is not a good idea, as this can cause further damage to the skin and lead to bacterial infection on top of the scabies infestation.

Testing for penis scabies

Men who have symptoms of scabies should be tested by a doctor, and anyone else who lives with them or has close personal contact should be tested and treated, as well. Testing for scabies involves taking a skin sample, usually with a swab; this is generally not painful and can be done in a doctor’s office.

Treatment

Treating scabies generally requires applying a topical cream prescribed by a doctor; the cream should be used for the recommended time, even if the symptoms seem to ease, in order to ensure that the pests have been completely eliminated. In some instances, penis scabies may be treated with oral medications, particularly in instances when topical creams cause irritation of the delicate penis skin. Antihistamines may also be used to treat the itching caused by the infection.

Usually, all members of a household are treated at the same time, whether or not they are showing signs of infection, because it may take several days after infestation for symptoms to appear. Sexual partners should also be treated, even if they do not cohabitate.

Preventing reinfection

Besides using medications to eliminate the parasites from the body, all bedding, clothing, towels, and other personal items, as well as carpeting, should be thoroughly cleaned; otherwise, reinfection is likely.

Rejuvenating the penis

While preventing scabies is not always possible, there are some steps that men can take to speed healing once the pests have been eliminated from the body. A penis health formula (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) that is rich in skin-replenishing vitamins such as A and C can help to restore an even tone and texture and may help to reduce the chances of scarring from the burrow tracks left by the mites; natural emollients such as shea butter are also effective in reducing scarring and leaving the skin clear and smooth.