Why are my balls itchy and sometimes dry? This is probably the question in your mind. Do you know why your ball sac is so itchy at night? A number of causes including STD could be the reason. Discover the facts about this condition including a red itchy rash or bumps on balls and how you can get rid, cure, treat or relieve.
You may be experiencing an itch on or around your testicles or scrotum. This condition can be on the testicles sac. It is not unusual. Sometime, a simple reason like hygiene could cause an itch on balls. Sweating in your groin either from walking or exercise could also make the balls itch more intense than usual.
Health conditions like STDs could also lead to balls to get itchy. While some of these conditions may require treatment or just medication, simple home remedies can help cure, stop and get rid of this condition.
Why are my balls itchy? – Causes
Having an itch in the balls can be a difficult condition to live with. The urge to constantly scratch your groin is not embarrassing but also brings discomfort. The possible reasons of itchy balls include:
1. Itchy balls STD
Itching in the genitals can be a sign of sexually transmitted diseases, STDs. Below here is the discussion on each sexual related infection causing an itch in your balls.
Genital Warts
This kind of infection is passed through sexual intercourse with an infected person. Genital warts are described as small fleshy growth that appear on or around the genital area or buttocks. This kind of infection is considered common after Chlamydia.
It is viral infection caused by the Human papilloma virus, HPV. Although they are painless, they can cause itching to some people. They however do not pose any threat to your health.
Herpes
This is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The symptoms include:
- Painful itchy blisters on the groin including the balls
- Small blister that break open and cause painful sores
- Pain when passing urine
- Flu like symptoms
Herpes is a highly contagious infection and can be passed on via unprotected sex
Chlamydia
This is one of the common STI that would cause an itch in the balls. Although it is common in teenagers, adults too can get it. Chlamydia will cause pain when peeing, swelling and itching in your balls. It is important to get tested and treated. The symptoms sometimes may go undetected.
Gonorrhea
This kind of STD is caused by a bacterial infection that infect your genitals, your mouth, rectum as well as the throat.
If you suffer from gonorrhea, the symptoms will include:
- Itchy and swollen balls
- Burning or pain while urinating
- Pain in the testicles
- Discharge, green white or yellow from the penis
Trichomoniasis
Commonly called trich, it is bacterial STI caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis. Although it more commonly affect women, it can also be passed to men via unprotected sexual intercourse. The symptoms include:
- Irritation or inflammation in the genitals
- Itchy feeling in your penis and balls
- White, green or yellow discharge from the penis
- Pain while ejaculating or urinating
2. Fungal infection, jock itch
Itching on skin and areas of the genital including the testicles can be as a result of fungal infection. Candidiasis infection is one of the common fungal that could be found in your genitals. Fungi tend to live in our body. If they grow out of control that can lead to an infection.
This exact reason your balls getting itchy. Other symptoms would include:
- Reddish skin around the scrotum or penis
- Foul odor
- Dry flaky skin
- Swelling of the scrotum
- Burning or itching around the penis or ball sack
A different strain of fungal infection known as dermatophyte can lead into an infection called jock itch
3. Irritation or chafing
Irritation or chafing could be another cause of itchy balls. Chafing happens when the skin get rubbed together. This is common in the inner thighs. Normally friction from running, walking or exercises could be the reason of skin irritation.
The signs include:
- Redness or rash around the skin
- Skin feeling raw to touch
- The rubbed surface cut open leading to sores on the skin that could bleed
4. Scabies
Itchy balls could be a sign of scabies. This is a skin infection by invasion of mites. These microscopic scabies mite or Sarcoptes scabiei are passed through skin contact from an infected person. Scabies mites may take several weeks before you notice the symptoms. People who have scabies experience symptoms such as:
- Rash
- Intense itching especially at night
- The rash looks like blisters or pimples
- You may develop a red and scaly patches on skin
Treatment of scabies is usually a topical medical prescribed by a doctor. Treat your scabies to stop itching in your balls.
5. Pubic Lice
Simply known as crabs, pubic lice are type of lice that live in area around the genitals and coarse pubic hair. This type of lice are not different from other lice. They feed on blood around the pubic area. You can get pubic lice by coming in direct contact with an infected person. In this case of itchy balls, it can happens while having unprotected sex or simply contact.
The lice can’t spread disease or infection while feeding on your blood. But they can make your genitals and balls to get itchy as they crawl around in your pubic area.
6. Intertrigo
Intertrigo can also make your balls to get itchy. Intertrigo is characterized by raw, red itchy rash that stings. The condition is common in areas that contains lots of moisture or sweat, like the groins, balls and folds of your armpits, stomach or between the toes.
The moisture forms a conducive area for an overgrowth or bacteria and fungus. How to treat intertrigo. You can use over – the- counter antibacterial creams like Neosporin. Otherwise use antifungal creams like Lotrimin to get rid of this condition.
7. Contact Dermatitis
Itchy scrotum or balls can also be caused by contact dermatitis. This happens when your skin comes in contact with allergens. You’re likely to develop an intensely itchy red bumpy rash. The allergens could be a laundry detergent, fabric softener, soap, shaving cream or body lotion.
Antifungal cream or anti – itching cream can be used to treat and sooth the irritated skin.
Itchy dry balls after shaving
You’ve probably experienced this before. Why are your balls dry and itch after shaving? There are two ways in which your balls can get itchy after shaving.
1. Poor shaving methods.
A common cause of itchy bumpy rash on your scrotum could be how you shave. When you shave the skin around the ball risk getting folliculitis. This is due to damaged hair follicles. Infected hair follicles could cause genital rash .This could also lead to razor bumps or rash that can be itchy.
2. Allergic reaction to shaving creams.
The itchy feeling on your balls after shaving could arise from the creams used. This is a case of contact dermatitis. The shaving creams or the soap you use after shaving can lead to super itchy rash on your balls.
Relieve the itching with antifungal and shaving creams.
Why are my balls so Itchy at night
Having your balls so itchy at night can be a difficult condition to live with it. The discomfort and pain it brings can really be embarrassing. Why would your balls get so itchy at night?
According to dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital, there are a number of causes that can make balls to get itchy. The causes include:
- Fungal infection such as yeast infection
- Chaffing that occurs when the skin around your genitals rub together
- Intertrigo
- Contact dermatitis
- Pubic lice
- STDs such as genital herpes, warts etc.
- Scabies mites
It is not possible to tell exact what could be the cause of itchy balls at night. The list above gives a number of possible reason for this condition. Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. First, you have to identify the cause before treating.
Red itchy rash on my balls sac
A red itchy rash on ball sac could mean a number of issues. While the rash can be caused by many conditions such as fungal infection or bacterial infections, jock itch is a type of fungal infection that is capable of causing itchy rash on your balls sac. Other possible causes include:
Scrotal eczema
Sometimes referred to as “the itch that rashes”, eczema on scrotum is type of skin condition that causes the affected area to become itchy, dry and scaly. This type of eczema thrives in moist places typical of scrotum.
STDs
A number of sexually transmitted diseases can be the reason you’re having red itchy rash on your balls. They include: genital herpes, warts, chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis
Heat Rash
Itchy rash on balls could be a sign of heat rash also known as miliaria. It is caused by blocked sweat pores on the skin of scrotum or balls. Wearing too tight undergarments is the other reason of heat rash.
Allergic reactions or scrotal dermatitis
Scrotal dermatitis can also cause itchy rash on your ball sac. The reaction could arise from laundry detergents, soaps, fabrics, deodorants. The chemicals in these items can cause skin reaction leading to a rash on your balls sac.
Scabies mite
Pubic lice
Itchy balls no rash
Rarely do you get itchy balls with no rash. Itchiness is symptoms of an underlying medical condition. Usually it is accompanied by a rash due to skin irritation. An itchy scrotum may be caused by an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis.
While most conditioned mentioned above will have a rash, it is important to check out for those skin condition or causes that don’t show a rash as a symptom.
Itchy bumps on balls
Your balls can have itchy bumps from a number of reasons. Itchy bumps could mean one of the following causes:
1. Ingrown hairs on balls
This happens when hair on the skin begin to grow back into the skin leading an itchy ball, swelling and redness on the skin
2. Itchy Bumps on Balls STDs
Bumps on balls that get itchy could be a sign of sexually transmitted disease such as genital herpes, warts or gonorrhea
3. Scrotal Eczema
Eczema on balls could appear as red raised bumpy rash. Eczema is a skin condition that is characterized by intense itching, redness and bumpy rashes
4. Other causes of itchy bumps on balls include:
- Scabies
- Pubic lice
- Fungal/bacterial infections
- Allergic reactions
How to get rid of itchy balls – remedy
You may get rid or cure itchy balls with simple home remedies. They include:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider has both antifungal and antibacterial properties to get rid of skin ailments. Washing the affected skin with diluted apple cider vinegar is a sure way to relive itching.
What to do at home
- Take 2 cups of warm water
- Add 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- Wash the infected area with this mixture
- Allow it dry on its own
- Repeat this procedure twice daily for a couple of days
2. Rubbing Alcohol
Another simple but effective home remedy to get rid of itchy balls. It gets rid of fungal infection and keeps the area dry.
What to do at home
- Dip cotton swabs in 90% isopropyl alcohol
- Dab it on the affected area of the skin
- Rinse it off
- Do this at least twice daily for speedy recovery
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a naturally soothing and anti- itching agent. It helps get rid of skin inflammations such as eczema.
Do this at home
- Extract gel from freshly cut aloe plant
- Apply the gel on the affected skin
- Allow it dry then rinse it off
- Do this twice daily for best results
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has natural antifungal properties that help cure fungal infections such as jock itch.
Do this at home
- Dip cotton balls in the oil
- Apply twice daily on the itchy balls
How to cure, stop, treat or relieve itchy balls
How to treat, cure, relieve or stop your balls from itching depends on underlying cause.
Here’s how to treat itchy balls:
1. Treat fungal infections
Although fungal infections can go away on their own without treatment, to relieve the discomfort and intense itch especially at night, antibiotics or antifungal creams and ointments can be used. See your dermatologist if you have symptoms of fungal infection on your balls.
2. Treat STDs with antiviral medications
Antiviral medication such as valacyclovir or acyclovir can be used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes.
Other STDs can be treated with prescribed medication. Talk to your doctor once you notice symptoms of STDs.
3. Cream for itchy balls
Talk to your doctor for prescription of best ointments, creams and lotion that can relieve itching and rash. Itchy balls at night caused by scabies can be applied during the night when the scabies are most active.
4. Antihistamines
When dealing with itching and pain on skin, antihistamines should always come in mind. Use antihistamines during the night when itching is so bad.
5. Avoid Allergens
Allergens are the prime cause of irritation on the skin. Identify the items that cause itching. They include creams, perfumes, soaps and body lotions.
6. Avoid Scratching
Scratching an irritated skin increases the risk of infection. Resist the urge to scratch otherwise you risk cutting open the skin, which could it even worse. Use a moisturizer instead.
Sources and references
- Itchy Crotch: https://www.menshealth.com/health/itchy-crotch
- https://www.medicinenet.com/jock_itch/article.htm
- https://www.zocdoc.com/answers/10622/what-is-causing-my-testicles-to-itch
- https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/4319784/from-stis-to-chafing-what-your-itchy-testicles-really-mean-and-when-you-should-be-worried/
- https://www.steadyhealth.com/topics/intensely-itchy-and-persistent-rash-on-scrotum
- https://thepiratebay.org/search/suits/0/99/0
- Common Symptoms of Genital Herpes: https://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/common-symptoms
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-herpes/symptoms/
- Rash on Scrotum: http://treatmd.org/scrotal-rash/rash-on-scrotum-itchy-symptoms-causes-and-treatment/