Friction Burn On Penis: Symptoms, Treatment, And Prevention

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat to know about friction burns on the penis

Medically reviewed by Darragh O'Carroll, MD — Written by Jenna Fletcher — Updated on June 24, 2024

Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Prevention
Contacting a doctor
FAQ
Summary

Friction burns or chafing can appear on the penis as a result of vigorous rubbing, which may occur during sexual activity or when a person wears very tight-fitting clothing.

A friction burn occurs when contact with another object causes the skin on a body part to rub off. Friction burns can be painful, especially when they occur on sensitive body parts, such as the penis.

Minor friction burns may go away on their own over time as long as the person avoids further irritation to the area.

This article explains more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for a friction burn on the penis.

Symptoms of a penis friction burn

A male speaking with a doctor about a penis friction burn.-2 — The Good Brigade/Getty Images

A friction burn on the penis will have similar symptoms to those of friction burns on other parts of the body.

The symptoms of a friction burn on the penis include:

flushed, swollen skin on the penis
an area of skin on the penis that may look like a cross between a scrape and heat burn
pain in the affected area

It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of a friction burn on the penis to distinguish between this injury and other health concerns, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The above symptoms can also occur as a result of other health issues. However, STIs and other health issues may cause additional symptoms, such as:

penile discharge that can be yellow, green, or watery
an itching sensation inside the penis
painful or swollen testicles
sores on the penis or testicles
pain or burning with urination

A person with any of the above symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible.

Causes of a penis friction burn

Most friction burns doctors see in a healthcare setting are due to road accidents. However, other possible causes of a friction burn on the penis include:

vigorous masturbation
intense sexual intercourse
wearing tight-fitting clothing that rubs against the penis during exercise
drying the penis too vigorously with a coarse towel

Friction burns from masturbation and sexual intercourse may be more likely to occur when people do not use lubrication.

According to an older review paper, it is difficult to determine the prevalence of injuries such as friction burns on the penis because ethical and psychological reasons often prevent people from reporting injuries to this body part.

Other potential causes

The symptoms of a friction burn can be visually similar to symptoms of other health conditions, such as STIs.

For example, the following can also cause penile pain and discoloration:

gonorrhea
chlamydia
herpes
syphilis
a yeast infection in the penis
balanitis

People can speak with a healthcare professional to diagnose the underlying cause of their symptoms if they think they may have an infection.

Treatment for a penis friction burn

The treatment for friction burns may depend on the severity of the burn. A person can usually manage minor friction burns by keeping the area clean and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief, if necessary.

They should give the area time to heal without doing the activity that caused the burn. Most minor friction burns should go away on their own with time.

While a person is waiting for the burn to heal, they can do the following to help themselves feel more comfortable and to prevent further irritation to the penis:

Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing in soft fabrics.
Do not allow the penis to come into contact with coarse materials.
Apply topical antimicrobial ointments or creams to the affected area to protect the skin while it heals.
Avoid sex, masturbation, and similar activities until the area heals.
Keep the affected area clean and cool.

If the affected skin starts to ooze or drain pus, a person should make an appointment with their doctor. Pus can indicate an infection and a topical antibiotic may be necessary to help the affected area heal.

Learn 6 tips to help a wound heal faster.

Preventing penis friction burns

During penetrative sex, using lubrication or a lubricated condom can help prevent friction burns. Additionally, a person may wish to ask their partner to be gentler during sexual activity.

A good way to prevent friction burns on the penis during masturbation is to be gentler. Using a water-based lubricant can also help prevent friction burns.

People can also take other steps to help reduce skin irritation that may cause friction burns, such as:

Proper hygiene: Keeping the penis clean by washing it daily with gentle soap and warm water can help prevent irritation. It also helps to wash underneath the foreskin, the base of the penis, and the testicles every day.
Gentle and complete drying: After taking a shower, dry the penis thoroughly but gently. Instead of rubbing to dry the penis, try patting it dry with a soft towel.
Proper clothing: Avoid clothes that are too tight and not breathable. This can help prevent irritation, especially when exercising.

People should also be aware of how other health issues can affect the penis. For example, people with diabetes have a higher risk of yeast infections, which can cause penile irritation. Untreated STIs can also irritate this part of the body.

When to contact a doctor

People may be able to relieve symptoms and encourage the healing of minor friction burns at home by keeping the area clean and taking OTC pain relief.

However, people may benefit from speaking with a doctor if their symptoms do not clear with home care after a week or if they have other symptoms that may indicate an infection, such as:

a burning sensation during urination
itchiness or pain
unusual discharge
sores on the genitals

Frequently asked questions

How long does a friction burn take to heal?

The healing time for a friction burn may depend on its severity. A mild burn that only affects the top layer of skin may heal in around a week.

More severe burns may take anywhere from 14 days to months or years, depending on the extent of tissue damage.

What does friction burn look like?

A friction burn typically causes flushed and swollen skin. People may describe the burn as a mix between a scrape and a heat burn.

How does someone know if they have a friction burn or STI?

Both friction burns and STIs can cause inflamed, painful skin around the genitals. People with STIs may also notice other symptoms, such as unusual discharge and an itching sensation.

People should speak with a doctor for a proper diagnosis if they suspect an STI is causing their symptoms.

Summary

Friction burns on the penis can be painful. People may be able to manage symptoms and heal the burn at home with OTC pain relief and rest from the activity that caused the burn.

A person can help prevent friction burns on the penis by avoiding vigorous sexual activity and not wearing tight-fitting clothing, especially when exercising. Good personal hygiene can also help keep a penis clean and healthy.

People should speak with a doctor if their symptoms do not go away or if they experience other symptoms that indicate infection, such as unusual discharge or an itching sensation.

Dermatology
Men's Health
Sexual Health / STDs

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Burns and scalds: Recovery. (2022).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds/recovery/
Munoz OIE, et al. (2022). 604 From admission to discharge: A total friction burn review from a single institution.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8945403/
Reddy SVK, et al. (2014). Penile injuries: A 10-year experience.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4164551/
Sarda NN, et al. (2024). Screening and phasewise management of burn injuries.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10966422/
Schaefer TJ, et al. (2023). Burn evaluation and management.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430741/
Talapko J, et al. (2022). Growing importance of urogenital candidiasis in individuals with diabetes: A narrative review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9606786/

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Medically reviewed by Darragh O'Carroll, MD — Written by Jenna Fletcher — Updated on June 24, 2024

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