Penis Sores: Common Causes & Complications

Penis Sores: Common Causes & Complications

Genital sores, bumps, rashes, spots, and pimples are alarming for obvious reasons. And it’s natural to assume that penis sores are the result of a sexually transmitted disease. In many instances, that is indeed the case. However, STDs aren’t the only cause of bumps, rashes, or sores on or around the genitals. What’s more, different STDs can cause different symptoms –– and crucially –– pose varying degrees of risk to a person’s health. Here, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this worrying condition:

STDs & Penis Sores

Several common STDs can cause symptoms such as sores on or around the penis. First, genital herpes may manifest in the form of small red bumps. These bumps may also form closely together and resemble a rash. Herpes bumps look somewhat similar to zits or pimples, and when ruptured, they tend to “crust over.” 

In addition, syphilis may cause sores to appear on or around the genitals for several reasons. In the early stages of syphilis, a chancre will form where the infection entered the body. A chancre is a small sore, and for many men, it will appear on or around their genitals. However it’s worth noting here that both herpes bumps and syphilis chancres will fade with time. Yet, just because the symptoms disappear, it doesn’t mean the STD has left the body. In fact, just the opposite is often true. Syphilis, for instance, can remain dormant for decades before inflicting serious damage to a person’s internal organs, nervous system, and brain. 

Lastly, HIV may cause sores, rashes, or lesions to appear throughout the body. HIV rashes may occur within the first two months of contraction. HIV sores, like syphilis rashes, may not appear solely on or around the genitals, though, but on other parts of the body as well. 

Other Causes

A number of other conditions may cause the penis to become reddened, chafed, or otherwise bruised. Here is a brief list of possible causes of penis sores that are not related to STDs: 

• Friction burn
• Jock itch
• Balanitis
• Allergic reaction
• Yeast infection
• Psoriasis
• Penile hematoma
• Penile papules
• Fordyce spots

Identifying STDs

Trying to self-diagnose an STD is a difficult –– if not impossible –– task. What’s worse, is that making a misdiagnosis can have potentially grave consequences. Nevertheless, STD symptoms such as penis spots may occur in conjunction with other common STD symptoms such as: 

• Penile discharge.
• Swollen testicles.
• Pain during urination.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Genital itching.