Penis scabies is a contagious parasitic infection that affects a man’s genitals, and is caused by mites that are scientifically referred to as Sarcoptes scabiei. They infect the skin and cause intense and persistent itching. Most people get scabies on other parts of the body, but genital infection is possible as well. When a man has them on his genitals, they can affect both his penis and his scrotum. A man can contract scabies as the result of sexual or skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, and topical medications are often used to kill the mites.
When a man has penis scabies, he has a parasitic infection that affects the skin of his penis. Scabies is caused by a tiny parasitic mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into the skin of the penis and cause intense itching as well as burrow tracks, bumps, or blisters. Usually, the itching associated with penis scabies is intense, and men may notice that it worsens at night.
While a man may develop penile scabies, this is not the most likely location for this mite infection. More often, they develop between a person’s fingers or in the creases of the armpits. A person may also develop them on his waistline, in his elbow crease, or on his feet or buttocks. The knees and shoulder blades are usually susceptible as well, and a woman may get them in the area under her breasts. Interestingly, children are more likely to develop them in such places as the scalp or the face as well as the palms of their hands and the soles of their feet.
Scabies isn’t really a sexually transmitted disease, since its primary source of spreading isn’t sexual contact. Basically, any type of skin-to-skin contact can put a person at risk for the infection, as it is highly contagious. An individual can, however, catch it from an infected partner during sexual activity. Interestingly, the source of infection is usually human — scientists assert that scabies-infected animals cannot spread the mites to human beings.
Treatment for penis scabies, as well as scabies that affect other parts of the skin, typically involves a topical medication. An oral medication may make a better option if the man’s penis proves sensitive to creams, however. Additionally, antihistamines can prove helpful for temporarily controlling the annoying itching, though they don’t help get rid of the infection.