Are you struggling to understand whether a pimple on scrotum is normal or an indicator of something dangerous? Some types of bumps represent a very common condition, but in other instances they demand thoughtful medical attention. Pimples on testicles typically appear in teenagers, but the average male will experience them at some point in their life, usually going away in a matter of a few days. The pain is not a good indicator of potential danger. If you don’t know whether your bumps are benign or not you should consult your doctor.
Table of Contents
What causes these pimples?
- Folliculitis
The most common cause of these bumps is folliculitis: the inflammation of the hair follicles. This condition is caused by bacteria or some types of fungus. The main symptoms of folliculitis include rashes, itching skin, and bumps located around a hair follicle that may spread through the body if not properly treated with antibiotics. Folliculitis usually starts with the introduction of bacteria in hair follicles, getting worse due to friction from clothing.
They are not actual pimples, but very small penile papules that resemble white pearls. These sebaceous cysts are blocked grease glands that can occur in a large number at the same time and should not be squeezed or scratched. When infected, they can be treated by your doctor.
Anti-fungal creams applied directly on the infected area help reduce the inflammation and itching. There are good herbal alternative remedies that are also effective in curing cysts, we will look at them more closely in the following article.
- Angiokeratoma or Fordyce
Angiokeratoma is a benign cutaneous lesion of the capillaries, resulting in pimples in your scrotum that are small, red, and seemingly filled with blood. Sometimes they can itch for a few days, but other than that, they are completely harmless.
If the lesion becomes painful or begins to leak fluid, you should make an appointment with your physician
Fordyce are raised white pimples that appear on the shaft of the penis or scrotum. The cause is unknown, but it’s believed to be caused by the natural sebum of the skin. It’s more visible when the skin is stretched or during an erection.
- Sexual transmitted diseases
Sexual transmitted diseases can also be the cause of bumps on your scrotum or testicles. They can be the result of herpes, with white or red pimples in the genital area being the major symptom, but you can also see other lesions forming around. The initial symptoms of herpes are pain or itching around the genital area and inner thighs.
- Poor shaving methods and in-grown hairs
Hair removal, depending on how you do it, can cause white, hard pimples on your scrotum. After shaving, the hair tends to grow downward into the skin, forming ingrown hairs. To avoid these bumps you should abstain from waxing, tweezing or chemical hair removal. This type of bumps is no reason for alarm, and can be treated with home remedies which will be explained bellow in the article.
Sometimes, dead skin can clogs the hair follicles resulting in natural ingrown hairs not caused by hair removal methods. This can result in small bumps on the scrotum that are itchy and can be painful. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory creams will help you soothe the skin. If the itching persists, you need to consult a doctor to check if there’s an underlying health problem.
- Jock itch
Jock itch is a fungal infection caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which live normally on your skin without causing any problems. When you have an overgrowth of dermatophytes, the infection begins to develop. The symptoms include inflammation of the groin, a slightly raised patch, dry blisters, and redness. This is highly contagious but can be easily treated at home. It’s similar to candidal intertigo, but the latter tends to appear and, with the proper treatment, disappear more quickly. Fungal infections like this one usually spread out in a circle, leaving normal looking patches of skin in the middle.
- Varicocele
Varicocele is caused by swollen veins, normally appearing on the left side of the scrotum. You can feel its heaviness and an aching pain within the area. The symptoms include atrophy of the testicles and alteration of the testosterone levels. It’s caused by a combination of lifestyle factors such as activity type, diet, and bowel health. It can be treated with surgery and embolisation. It’s mostly harmless but in some cases can cause infertility.
- Testicular cancer
Pimple on scrotum that isn’t visible but can be felt through the skin is, in most cases, harmless cysts, but it can develop into testicular cancer. You should consult your doctor to see if any other lumps are found. Doing a testicular self-exam helps you learn whether this is something dangerous or one of the situations explained above, because many other conditions may manifest with pimple on scrotum or on the testicles. The symptoms include a lump in one testis (which can be painful or not), a sharp pain in the abdomen or scrotum, and low back pain. It can be confused with varicocele, hernias or prostate infections.
How to treat a pimple on scrotum and testicles
- Antibiotics for folliculitis
Antibiotics are only administrated if the infection persists for longer than usual, or if your regular hygiene routine didn’t solve the problem by itself. Topical antibiotics should be used immediately in cases of superficial folliculitis recurrince.
If the bumps are swollen, with a lot of pus and discharge, or if the patient has a history of widespread lesions or deep infections, systemic antibiotics are necessary. Warm compresses to relieve the itching should be used before going on antibiotics.
- Corticosteroid injections for painful, inflamed pimples
Sebaceous cysts are harmless but can be discomfortable and painful. To relieve the inflammation with immediate effects, your doctor can prescribe a corticosteroid injection. The results are extremely good and it only causes minimum discomfort. Some short-term side effects include shrinking and lighter color of the skin in the area, infection, bleeding caused by broken vessels, soreness and, in some cases, post inflammation flares (aggravation of the inflammation). Still, all these short-time effects are very rare.
- Surgery for large pimples
Any pimple that is big or medium size has to be removed with surgery. A small incision is made on the surface skin of the pimples to remove sebum, pus or even blood. If draining proves to be insufficient, the pimple has to be surgically removed to prevent it from reoccurring and spreading.
Home remedies for bumps on testicles and scrotum
Home remedies for folliculitis
- Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a natural product famous for being an overall excellent home remedy. Heat up a piece of solid coconut oil, let it get to a comfortable temperature and apply directly on the damaged area, rubbing it gently to prevent further irritation.
- Neem leaves
Neem leaf is a well tested home remedy. Boil a few leaves, let the water cool for a bit so it can get to a comfortable temperature, and apply the resulting infusion on the infected skin. If you want fast results, repeat this trick two to three times a day.
- Garlic
Garlic is a strong antibacterial ingredient, so you should incorporate more garlic in your diet to truly benefit from its healing properties. In order to get results, you should eat about three cloves of garlic a day or make your own garlic paste adding water and a thickening ingredient like honey, a good natural substance that promotes skin regeneration.
- Antibacterial soap
Maintaining good personal hygiene is the best way to keep the folliculitis away. Make sure you wash the affected parts of your body with a strong antibacterial soap. Be as gentle as possible so not to aggravate the irritation, and use warm water to keep the pores open.
- Oatmeal
Instead of purchasing an expensive cream containing oatmeal, go natural and take an oatmeal bath. Just soak oatmeal in your bathtub and you’re good to go.
- Turmeric
Add one teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of water or milk, allow it to dissolve or stir it with a spoon for a bit and drink it two to three times a day for quick results.
- Vinegar
Both white and apple cider vinegar can be applied as a solution mixed with water, half and half. Then you soak a clean cloth and use it as a compress on your skin, pressing gently not to aggravate the state of the skin.
- Witch hazel oil
Use a cotton ball to apply directly on the infected area. You can repeat it until you see the results. If you find it too thick and want a quick absorption, you can add a few drops of water to the mix.
- Aloe vera
Aloe vera is wonderful for folliculitis, helping you out with the itching and promoting the natural regeneration of your skin. You can extract the oil directly from the leave and apply it. Use two to three times a day.
- Oregano oil
Oregano oil works well for irritated skin, acne, and folliculitis. Crush a few leaves, add boiling water and a few drops of olive oil.
Home remedies for razor bumps and in-grown hair
- Hot compress
You can make your own hot compress by soaking a piece of cotton in hot water and pressing it gently against the skin. The hot water opens up your pores releasing the in-grown hairs.
- Hydrocortisone cream
Hydrocortisone cream has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. It’s sold in pharmacies and is indicated for irritated skin. Apply directly on the affected skin.
- Lemon juice
Its acidic nature keeps bacteria away from the hair follicles. Apply on the razor bumps to remove redness and swelling.
- Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil by itself is maybe too strong for your irritation but you can dissolve it with a bit of water before rubbing it on the skin.
- White tea
Tea contains tannic acid which reduces inflammation and swealing. Wet a tea bag in clean water and press it against the skin.
Home remedies for jock itch
- Alcohol
Dip a cotton ball in 90% isopropyl alcohol and dab it on the affected area. Do this a few times daily. You should be careful to avoid areas with cuts and blisters.
- Listerine
Listerine is a fabulous treatment for fungal infections like jock itch. Apply the mouthwash on your skin and leave it until it dries completely. Repeat two to three times a day.
- Bleach
Mix one fourth cup of bleach in a full tub of water. Soak in it for 20 minutes every day.
- Salt bath
Fill the tub with water and mix it with a lot of salt. Let it dissolve for a bit and soak in it for 20 to 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Pimple on scrotum and testicles can be a motive of worry, embarrassment, and discomfort, especially when you can’t see any improvement of the situation. They can vary in size, color, even oozing discharge and smelling. The danger can vary from a very common occurrence to a sexual transmitted disease or even to testicular cancer. That said, it’s important to reinforce the importance of consulting a physician if the matter persists for more than a few days or if the home remedies suggested don’t show any sign of improvement.
Sources and References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information Acne inversa of the scrotum and penis
- Columbia University White bumps on scrotum
- NHS Testicular lumps and swellings
- Health Direct Swollen or painful testicle
