I Am Type 2 Diabetic. Noticed Itchy Skin Around Penis Head. Are They Related?

Posted on Tue, 16 Oct 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 Answered on

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : The skin around the head of my penis itches (don't have any swelling or redness) but only when I go to bed. I have type 2 diabetes could that have something to do with it?

Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (43 minutes later)

Hi and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your question...

People with diabetes are indeed more prone to develop infections. Especially, yeast infections (Candida) of the penis can occur commonly in diabetics. This condition can cause itching and sometimes swelling, redness and whitish precipitates.

I would suggest that you wash your penis (after retracting the skin) with a mild or diluted anti-septic solution two to three times a day and apply a thin layer of anti-fungal cream at night.

Importantly, please check your sugars and make sure that they are under control. (often, such infections can indicate that your blood sugars may not be under control)

If the infection is persistent or worsening, please visit a doctor for a proper examination and further treatment.

Wish you all the best.

- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar