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Treatment of itching in the intimate area in men
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025

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Since itching in the perineum in the stronger sex can be a consequence of various factors, there is no need to talk about any general treatment regimens. This already became clear when we considered the dependence of the quality of differential diagnostics and the results of the therapy prescribed based on its results.
For example, when it comes to genital herpes, which, although considered a sexually transmitted infection, is still not a bacterium but a virus, treatment with systemic antibacterial agents does not make sense. The patient is prescribed immunostimulants and vitamins that increase the body's defenses to fight the herpes virus, as well as systemic and local use of antiviral agents in the form of injections, tablets and ointments (Acyclovir, Panavir, Alpizarin, etc.) and interferon preparations. Even some budget products with antibacterial action are used, which have proven themselves well in the treatment of herpes infection (Levomekol ointment, Chlorhexidine and Miramistin solutions).
Treatment of diabetes mellitus is carried out with hypoglycemic agents (Metmorphine, Diabeton, Maninil, Amaril, Glucobay, etc.). In case of insulin dependence, insulin preparations are administered. But in any case, a low-carbohydrate diet is considered mandatory, in which sugar is absent, giving way to sugar substitutes.
If we are talking about a bacterial infection, then broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually prescribed, taking into account the possible pathogen. However, effective treatment is possible only after identifying this pathogen using laboratory methods. The antibiotic treatment regimen should also be supplemented with one of the effective probiotic drugs, which will help restore the intestinal microflora damaged by potent antibacterial agents, otherwise there is a high risk of developing dysbacteriosis.
Bacterial infection always leads to the development of inflammation, therefore anti-inflammatory drugs are additionally prescribed (hormonal local glucocorticosteroids, less often NSAIDs). If a man has not only itching and redness on the skin in the intimate area, but also wounds, wound healing agents are used (for example, the same Levomekol ointment, antiseptic solutions).
Treatment of mycoses, including ringworm, is carried out using antifungal drugs in the form of ointments (Clotrimazole, Lamisil, Nystatin, Nitrofungin, etc.). Fungal infection also causes severe tissue inflammation and requires the use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Eczema on the penis, scrotum and pubic area, which is classified as a dermatose, like pink lichen, requires a different approach to treatment. This disease is mostly allergic in nature, although it can very quickly become complicated by the addition of a fungal or bacterial infection. The treatment regimen for the disease includes:
- hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs with an analgesic effect (usually hydrocortisone ointment or a complex of hydrocortisone + prednisolone),
- sedatives (Sedavit, Motherwort Tincture, Glycised, etc., since the disease often develops on nervous grounds),
- local antiseptics (Furacilin, Chlorhexidine, Betadine),
And, of course, antihistamines that relieve allergy symptoms, including itching in the intimate area in men.
Pubic pediculosis is treated with special insecticidal solutions, lotions, sprays applied directly to the pubic area (sprays "ParaPlus", "PedikulenUltra", lotions or emulsion "Medifox", lotion and ointment "Nittifor", etc.). It is advisable to shave the hair in this area.
We can talk about the treatment of various diseases that cause itching in intimate areas for a long time. But in addition to the direct therapy of the identified disease, symptomatic treatment is also carried out, aimed at removing the painful symptom that does not allow effective treatment and only worsens the situation (formation of wounds, infection, spread of infection to large areas, etc.). In order to moderate skin itching, antipruritic agents are prescribed.
Since itching can be considered an allergic reaction of the body to a certain irritant, antihistamines (allergy medications) are considered effective in this regard, which can be used as monotherapy for allergies to fabrics and detergents (however, the allergen should be excluded from use), as well as medications.
Antihistamines can be prescribed for internal use (Diazolin, Suprastin, Loratadine, Zyrtec, etc.), as well as locally in the form of hormonal and non-hormonal ointments. By the way, hormonal drugs (Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, Lorinden, Sinalar, Celestoderm, Beloderm, Advantan, etc.) and complex drugs of corticosteroids with antibiotics (Triderm, etc.) have a good antihistamine and antipruritic effect.
If treatment with hormonal drugs does not produce an effect or is considered impossible, the doctor may prescribe one of the calcineurin inhibitors (Elidel, Protopic, Tacropic, etc.), which inhibit the release of inflammation mediators and reduce itching. Itching due to nerves is easily removed with sedatives and tranquilizers.
Non-hormonal antipruritic agents also include Fenistil, Dimotsiphon and some other ointments, which should be used with caution, as they can irritate the mucous membranes and delicate tissues in the intimate area.
Effective medications for itching in the intimate area
If we talk about most pathologies that cause itching in the intimate area in men, then this symptom is considered the most painful and requires quick relief. After all, the same inflammation simply cannot be relieved if the patient constantly scratches the sore spot. In addition, the stronger and more frequent the scratching, the greater the likelihood of wounds and their infection. And here such an important question arises: how to relieve itching in the perineum?
Let's look at several drugs that can help solve this problem. Let's start with corticosteroids, which are the most effective in this regard.
" Celestoderm " is an anti-inflammatory and antipruritic drug based on the corticosteroid betamethasone in the form of a cream for local use, which is used to treat dermatological diseases. The drug reduces inflammatory reactions in tissues and itching in various types of dermatoses and age-related changes. Effective for use in areas with high body humidity.
The ointment is applied in a thin layer to the inflamed itchy areas no more than 3 times a day. You can lightly rub it into the skin and leave it to soak in without covering it with a cloth.
The drug is not intended for the treatment of people who have allergic reactions to this drug, viral and fungal infections of various localizations, rosacea, dermatitis rosacea, bacterial dermatoses and venereal pathologies, for the treatment of ophthalmological diseases.
The drug should not be used for a long time and the treated area should not be covered with airtight materials.
At the site of application of the ointment, unpleasant sensations may be observed in the form of burning, tingling, increased itching, rashes, which indicates an allergic reaction to the drug itself.
"Triderm" is already a drug from the category of complex drugs, since along with a corticosteroid (betamethasone), it contains an antibiotic (aminoglycoside gentamicin) and an antifungal component (antimycotic clotrimazole). This drug is prescribed only if there is reason to suspect a bacterial (usually staphylococcal) or fungal infection that causes itching in the intimate area in men.
The drug is used to treat dermatoses caused by microorganisms, as well as in cases of later infection.
The ointment is effective on damp, weeping surfaces, but it is not recommended to apply it to damaged skin (wounds, scratches, burst blisters). In such cases, it is more appropriate to use wound-healing agents and antiseptics.
The preparation is applied to the skin twice a day, trying to also cover a small area of intact skin around the affected area.
The ointment is not used in case of hypersensitivity to its components, aminoglycoside antibiotics and imidazole derivatives. Other contraindications to the use of the drug are: tuberculosis of the skin, syphilis, skin reactions after vaccination, ulcers and cracks in the skin, acne, plaque psoriasis, viral skin infections, including herpes, chickenpox. The drug is also not used for varicose veins.
The use of the product may occasionally be accompanied by the appearance of skin irritation, burning or other reactions indicating increased sensitivity to the components of the drug. Other unpleasant symptoms may only occur against the background of prolonged use of the ointment or in the case of its application under sealed coverings that block air access.
" Elidel " is a representative of drugs that inhibit the synthesis and release of calcineurin, a substance responsible for inflammation and itching that occur as a result of an allergic reaction. This ointment for external use is recommended if treatment with corticosteroids is impossible for some reason or does not bring the expected result.
This ointment should also be applied in a thin layer to the reddened itchy areas, gently rubbing into the skin affected by the disease, carefully treating the groin folds. Treatment is carried out until the symptoms disappear.
The drug is not used in case of hypersensitivity to the main active substance of the drug (pimecrolimus) or its auxiliary components.
The use of the drug may provoke the appearance of allergic and anaphylactic reactions of varying severity, alcohol intolerance, and the development of skin infections. There were also reports of isolated cases of skin cancer and lymphadenopathy, but no connection was found between the use of Elidel and these pathologies.
When applying the ointment to the skin, patients may feel burning, itching, pain in the affected area. Such symptoms, along with tissue swelling, impaired sensitivity, and rash indicate that further use of the drug is undesirable.
"Dimocifon" is a non-steroidal drug with antipruritic, antiallergic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action. The ointment does not have a negative effect on local immunity, which is typical for hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The medicine is prescribed for various types of dermatitis, eczema, herpes, allergic reactions in the form of itching and rashes to various irritants.
Apply the ointment 2 or 3 times a day, applying it to the inflamed areas of the skin in a thin layer. It is not recommended to cover the treated area for another half hour, after which it is recommended to warm the groin area for at least a couple of hours. The course of treatment with the drug is usually 1.5-2 weeks.
The use of the drug is not recommended for men in cases of severe inflammation, when it is more appropriate to use hormonal agents for itching in intimate areas in men, as well as in cases of hypersensitivity to the components of the ointment. Side effects of the drug are usually limited to mild allergic reactions.
" Zyrtec " is a new generation antihistamine in the form of tablets for oral administration. After all, allergy is a systemic reaction, which cannot always be dealt with using only local means.
The medicine is prescribed for various allergic dermatoses, the main symptoms of which are itching and rashes on the body.
The drug "Zyrtec" is taken orally 1 tablet per day. There is no need to chew the tablets, but it is necessary to drink them.
If the patient has severe renal pathologies, the doctor must adjust the dose of the drug. In this case, prescribing the drug to yourself is dangerous for the kidneys. If we are talking not just about kidney pathologies, but about the terminal (most severe) stage of renal failure, the use of the drug is prohibited.
Other contraindications for taking the drug by male patients may include: glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome, congenital galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, negative reaction to hydroxyzine. The oral drug is prescribed with caution to patients with severe liver and kidney pathologies, as well as to the elderly.
The drug affects the nervous system, so taking the drug may be accompanied by drowsiness, apathy or, conversely, aggression, nervous excitement, sleep disorders. Hallucinations, convulsive syndrome, impaired body sensitivity, tremors of the limbs, confusion, and fainting are also possible.
Temporary deterioration of visual functions, tachycardia, runny nose, and urination disorders are also possible. Since Zyrtec tablets are taken orally, symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, bowel problems, dry mouth, and liver dysfunction are quite acceptable.
Despite the fact that Zyrtec is an antiallergic drug, it is still not worth excluding the development of allergic reactions to its individual components. Another disadvantage of the drug is the likelihood of weight gain as a result of taking it.
But there is also good news. All the above-mentioned side effects, typical of antihistamines, occur very rarely in new generation drugs, to which Zyrtec belongs, and itching in intimate places in men and other manifestations of allergy disappear quite quickly.
Folk remedies
It should be said that not in all cases of itching in the intimate area in men should one suspect a serious pathology and use potent drugs. Sometimes knowledge of traditional medicine is enough to eliminate an unpleasant symptom.
For example, if the itching was caused by poor hygiene of the perineum, which resulted in tissue irritation by physiological secretions, washing with water alone may not be enough to quickly relieve the painful symptom. Soothing herbal infusions and aromatic oils will come to the rescue.
Herbal treatment is very relevant in this case, because many medicinal plants have anti-inflammatory and some antimicrobial effects, helping them quickly remove unpleasant symptoms. For example, a decoction or infusion of chamomile (1 tbsp. of dry flowers per 0.4 l of water), which can be used to wash intimate areas or as a lotion on areas with severe irritation, has a calming, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect on the skin.
Another popular herb that can relieve itching and inflammation is nettle. A decoction of nettle flowers is used as a medicine (1 tbsp. of dry raw material per 1 cup of boiling water, keep on low heat for no more than 3 minutes). The decoction is used to wash intimate areas. It can also be added to the bath for bathing.
A decoction of viburnum flowers also helps to relieve itching and discomfort in the intimate area. But we take 1 tbsp. of boiling water and 1 tbsp. of dry flowers and leave for at least 20 minutes. We use it for washing the sore spot and for lotions.
If there is not only itching, but also severe irritation, a decoction of various herbs with an antimicrobial effect will come to the rescue. As raw materials, you can use a collection of chamomile, calendula, sage, juniper, St. John's wort, oak bark. For a glass of boiling water, you will need to take 1-1.5 tablespoons of herbal collection. You will have to insist for a long time, at least 1 hour.
In addition to herbs, you can also use indoor plants to combat itching and irritation: aloe vera, aloe arborescens (century plant or early plant), Kalanchoe. The juice of the leaves of these plants should be applied to the affected areas, which will help get rid of the excruciating itching, and the wounds on the skin will heal faster. You can lubricate the itchy area with essential oils of menthol and tea tree, which has an additional strong antimicrobial effect.
As for other remedies that can be used to combat itching and inflammation, these include:
- a solution of soda and salt (for 1 liter of water we take 1 tablespoon of bulk substances), used for frequent washing of the intimate area,
- honey (if there is no allergic reaction to bee products), apply to itchy, inflamed skin for some time,
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice, whey or a weak solution of natural apple cider vinegar (effective remedies for suspected fungal infections, create an acidic environment unsuitable for the growth of fungi and bacteria) are used for frequent washings and lotions.
By the way, natural soap is considered an excellent antibacterial, caring agent. It is better, of course, to take household or tar soap, which have a noticeable antimicrobial and antiparasitic effect. In extreme cases, for hygienic procedures, you can use regular baby soap with string, aloe or chamomile or without fillers.
All of the above remedies can be used with the permission of a doctor as an additional treatment. Infusions and decoctions of herbs will also help those whose itching has become unbearable, but there is no opportunity to quickly seek help at a pharmacy or hospital.
What else can be used to combat itching, if we are not talking about a serious pathology? Any body creams with a soothing, hypoallergenic effect (inexpensive ones based on chamomile, calendula, string, etc. are possible), ointments like "Rescuer" or "Boro Plus", "Panthenol" spray and other similar products.
Homeopathy for itching
It would seem, how can homeopathy help with such a strange symptom as itching in the intimate area in men? It turns out that it can and does help, and even before the final diagnosis is established. That is, a homeopathic doctor can prescribe symptomatic treatment taking into account the patient's complaints even before conducting special laboratory tests.
In homeopathy, regarding such a symptom as itching, it is more important to know not the reason for its appearance, but the characteristics of the symptom itself: when it appears, what makes it worse or worse. Based on this information, the homeopath can already prescribe some drugs, the patient will receive the rest of the prescriptions after the diagnostic procedures have been completed after the final diagnosis has been established.
So, what medications can be prescribed for patients complaining of itching in the perineum:
- If the patient is bothered by itching in the genital area, the skin turns red, the itching is combined with pain and tingling, blisters may appear, but the patient does not receive relief from mechanical action on the itchy skin, he will most likely be prescribed the drug Rhus toxicodendron.
- The same medicine, along with such preparations as Graphites, Mercurius solubilis, can be prescribed for stabbing nervous itching in intimate places, when any rashes are absent. If the itching from scratching only intensifies, Pulsatilla and Rhus toxicodendron are prescribed, and when it decreases, Sulfuris, Calcium carbonicum, Thuja will be useful. Phosphorus is prescribed regardless of the skin's reaction to scratching.
- If we are talking about severe (burning) itching against the background of experiences and worries of a sexual nature, homeopathic remedies Causticum, Arsenicum album, Phosphorus will come to the rescue.
- If itching in the intimate area in men intensifies under the influence of cold air (for example, when a person takes off clothes), effective medications will be:
- Rumex crispus (there is no rash or it is of an allergic nature, vesicular),
- Kalium bichromicum (in the presence of skin diseases),
- Natrium sulfuricum (if there are internal diseases),
- Oleander (if there is an eczematous or herpetic rash on the genitals).
- If the cold brings improvement, the following may be prescribed:
- Alumina (unbearable itching and burning, cracks in the inflamed skin),
- Sulfuris (the itching is not very strong, scratching is pleasant),
- Psorinum (for herpetic eruptions, unpleasant odor at the site of itching, intensification of the painful symptom in warmth).
If the doctor has any doubts, the standard option for different types of itching is to prescribe three drugs at the same time: Sulfuris, Calcium carbonicum and Lycopodium.
There is no need to be afraid to take homeopathic remedies before a final diagnosis. All of the above-mentioned drugs have a complex healing effect on the body, which cannot cause any complications. Homeopathic remedies have virtually no contraindications or side effects, which once again speaks of the safety of such treatment.