We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Treatments

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Treat a Penis Ulcer?

By Marco Sumayao
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 62,262
Share

There are several possible causes for a penis ulcer, each with its own specific treatment options. In general, ulcers on skin tissue are treated with a combination of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and painkillers. The ulcerated areas should be kept moist to encourage proper healing. To guarantee effective long-term relief, the underlying cause of ulceration must specifically be addressed; if the ulcer is a result of syphilis, for example, the patient should be given intramuscular doses of penicillin-G. The same treatment principle follows for other causes of penile ulcers, including cancer, chancroid, and herpes.

It is imperative that the patient keeps a penis ulcer free from infection, as this could lead to serious health complications. Medical professionals often recommend the use of topical antibiotics to stave off potentially harmful microorganisms, unless the patient shows adverse reactions to the medication. In some cases, antibiotic use can contribute to ulceration, making testing prior to treatment an important consideration. In the event that antibiotics cannot be used, topical antiseptics are a possible, albeit more uncomfortable, alternative.

An ulcer might develop some swelling, which both adds to the patient’s discomfort and complicates treatment. Medical professionals recommend using oral or topical antihistamines to control the inflammation. If the treatment is unable to effectively reduce the swelling, patients can opt to try more powerful corticosteroids to remedy the problem. Both antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medications can be used in conjunction with painkillers to reduce the discomfort experienced by patients with ulcerated penises.

In addition to these general treatments, patients should get tested and treated for any medical conditions that might have contributed to the formation of the penile ulcers. A penis ulcer can form as a result of a number of sexually-transmitted diseases, making it necessary that the patient address the root infection. Herpes can be managed with antiviral medications such as acyclovir and penciclovir, significantly reducing the likelihood of further ulcer development. Chancroid infections, on the other hand, can be eliminated with antibiotic medications like azithromycin and erythromycin.

Penile cancer can also result in ulceration. Tumors formed in the genital area can ulcerate, and the surrounding skin often toughens. Several treatment options for such cases are available, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical removal of the tumors. Success rates tend to vary from patient to patient, making it difficult for doctors to guarantee long-term relief. Treatment will make the cancer more manageable, however, and usually reduces the rate at which ulcers develop.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By SeanH — On Jun 29, 2015

Penile ulcers are serious business. Go see a doctor if you have a one. But for other issues, such as dry skin or cracked skin, discoloration, irritation, or even an itch, using a penis health creme is your best bet. These cremes are designed specifically for the penis skin, and will infuse your penis with essential vitamins and nutrients. I've been using one for about six months and I love it. Hope this info helps some of you out there.

By indigomoth — On Aug 24, 2012

@KoiwiGal - It seems to be a problem with men and women these days that the internet becomes a substitute doctor. You can look up pictures of ulcers and disease pictures online and try to judge for yourself what they are and how to treat them, without paying a thing or embarrassing yourself.

Unfortunately, the internet is no substitute for real medical help. Personally, I'd rather be embarrassed by the doctor than by the next girl I want to sleep with, but maybe that's just me.

By KoiwiGal — On Aug 23, 2012
@ceilingcat - Unfortunately, we need to change our culture in general before we can start hoping that men will start going to the doctor more. Boys and men are simply not encouraged to be open about their problems, as it is a sign of so-called weakness.

And a problem with their genitals, what some would consider the center of their manhood? Forget about it. They won't ask for help until they are desperate and sometimes not even then.

To be honest, I think the best way to get men going to the doctor for medical symptoms like penis ulcers is to encourage them to think about it as no different from a mechanical problem. Most men will call in an electrician if they need help with the wiring. In this case, they need help with the "plumbing."

By JaneAir — On Oct 20, 2011

@ceilingcat - I agree that seeking preventative care and medical care when there's something wrong is important. I just wanted to point out that all penis ulcers have a lot of different causes. So if you avoid going to the doctor because of them, you might miss a serious medical problem.

As the article said, a lot of sexually-transmitted disease cause penis ulcers. Some of those diseases, like syphilis, can actually kill you! That seems like a good enough reason to get treatment to me!

I also did a bit of searching online and I found that both lupus and something called Behcet's disease can cause this too. So you never really know until you pay your doctor a visit!

By ceilingcat — On Oct 19, 2011

I learned a little bit about penile cancer when I took health class. It was disturbing, to say the least. We also learned that a lot of penile cancers go untreated, because men are too uncomfortable going to the doctor for problems "down there."

To that I say, "Man up, men!" Seriously. Ladies have to go see the gynecologist for a check up once a year, every year. We don't like it. But we know it's essential to our health. I don't see why men don't do this too, but they don't. So at least go when you notice a problem!

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/how-do-i-treat-a-penis-ulcer.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.