A red penis can be caused by a variety of factors, including balanitis, jock itch, and simple friction irritation. There’s another, thankfully rare cause for men to consider, the aptly named red scrotum syndrome. Even men who regularly practice exemplary penile care can encounter this unpleasant condition.

What it is

Red scrotum syndrome, sometimes called burning scrotum syndrome, is a chronic condition that tends to affect men over the age of 50, although it has also been found in men of much younger ages. When a man has red scrotum syndrome, his scrotum (and usually the base of the penis) turns a bright red. The redness is not usually accompanied by scaling, but is often associated with a burning sensation. The burning sensation can sometimes be very intense.

Also, the scrotum and the affected parts of the penis became quite sensitive to touch. Sensitivity increases, often to a painful degree.

Red scrotum syndrome is classified as a form of erythromelalgia (also called Mitchell’s disease), which is a vascular pain disorder in which blood vessels become blocked, causing swelling and inflammation.

Discomfort

Red scrotum syndrome produces a significant degree of discomfort in its victims. In addition to burning and tenderness, many men experience severe itching in the area. Due to the sensitivity, scratching the itch can cause pain. Persistent scratching can, in turn, lead to flaking skin.

In some cases, the burning and sensitivity are such that the contact of the fabric against the affected area can be painful. Whether clothed or naked, sitting can be uncomfortable as the scrotum rubs against the man’s legs or flesh, and many men with this condition need to sit near the front of a seat so that the balls hang down and do not touch anything.

While the red penis problem associated with the condition tends to be contained at the base, in some cases the redness spreads throughout the entire penis. This also causes major problems, due to burning, itching, and sensitivity.

Men with red scrotum syndrome often have decreased sex life, especially when the condition occurs over large portions of the penis. The friction on the penis associated with sex can be too painful for many; in turn, the movement of the scrotum during intercourse and its contact with other parts of the body also causes a greater degree of pain.

Causes

What causes red scrotum syndrome? Doctors really aren’t sure. Some factors that may be involved in triggering this condition include the use of topical corticosteroids, fungal or bacterial infections, and sexually transmitted infections.

With so little information about its causes, doctors are also unaware of other issues, such as why it tends to occur more often in men older than 50. Some believe it may have something to do with hormonal changes due to aging, but research is lacking to investigate this possibility.

Because the cause is unknown, some doctors recommend that a man with this condition refrain from having sex with his partner.

Treatment

Doctors tend to treat symptoms with familiar methods, such as mild soaps and detergents, antifungal medications, and proper hygiene. In some cases, doxycycline may be recommended.

When red scrotum syndrome includes the presence of an abnormally red penis, men can get some relief by regularly using a top-rated penis health cream. (Healthcare professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven to be gentle and safe for skin.) on the penis itself. A cream that already helps to relieve the normal itching of the penis is recommended; those that promote hydration are the best. If the cream contains a high-quality emollient (like shea butter) and one of nature’s best moisturizers (like vitamin E), it’s likely to soothe itchiness. It’s also wise to choose a vitamin D cream, widely known as a “miracle vitamin.” The general health benefits associated with vitamin D can improve the overall health of the penis, making it more likely to support dermatological problems.