Penis friction burns can be uncomfortable and can cause the penis to become red and inflamed. There are a variety of actions that can be taken to treat and prevent the condition.
Board Certified Urologist, expert in male sexual dysfunction
Sex and masturbation are both healthy activities, but they can sometimes lead to a friction burn on the penis.
Also known as a rug burn, this condition causes the penis to become inflamed, red in color, and painful or itchy.
While a penis friction burn can be highly uncomfortable, there are ways you can treat the symptoms at home and easily prevent them from happening again.
Quick FAQs
If you experience penis friction burn symptoms but have not engaged in sex or masturbation, then it could be something else.
It is caused by the repetitive motion of masturbation or intercourse without proper lubrication.
Take a break from sex and masturbation for a few days. Also, try using aloe vera to soothe the burn.
You should see a doctor if the problem persists longer than a week or if you are bleeding or see any bruising.
What Is A Penis Friction Burn?
A friction burn on the penis is often very uncomfortable and even painful, but it’s generally not a medical emergency or dangerous.
Similar to a rug burn, a penile friction burn is usually caused by repeatedly rubbing against the penis without adequate lubrication.
This friction, whether it’s from a hand, vagina, or anus, can create enough heat to cause a burn and abrasions on the shaft and head of the penis, as well as on the vagina and anus.
Often from dry and rough masturbation or intercourse, a penis friction burn can leave the area red, sore, and aching for around a week or longer.
In some cases, the penis may even have micro tears or a small amount of bleeding if the friction is severe enough.
These are some of the common signs of penile friction burns:
Red skin
Itchiness
Tenderness
Swelling
A scrape-like appearance
A burning exterior pain
Skin flaking (as the burn heals)
If there are signs of discharge, interior burning or pain, or any urination issues, it's likely from something else.
If symptoms of a penis friction burn appear without any related activity, such as prolonged intercourse or rough masturbation, it may be a sign of an unrelated problem.
Allergic Reactions
Some genital allergies or infections may initially appear like a friction burn on the penis, and the initial symptoms can look strikingly similar.
However, these afflictions usually include additional symptoms like:
Pus discharge
Boils
Painful urination
You should talk to your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Balanitis
A friction burn on the penis will often appear throughout the shaft and along the head since it’s often related to masturbation or intercourse.
However, if the symptoms are only on the head, it may be a sign of balanitis.
Balanitis is similar to a rug burn since it can be caused by rough contact or rubbing, except it's only a friction burn on the penis head and not the shaft.
Some common balanitis symptoms include:
Redness
Swelling
Tenderness
Itchiness
A tight foreskin
Discharge
While balanitis can come from friction, it can also come from sweat, an overly tight foreskin, or yeast infections.
Many STIs may begin with similar symptoms to a friction burn, but some key differences can rule out a friction burn.
STIs usually have more symptoms beyond just itchiness, including open sores, discharge, or pain when urinating, among other symptoms.
Some STIs to be aware of include:
Genital herpes
Syphilis
Gonorrhea
Chlamydia
Trichomoniasis
What Causes It?
Friction burns on the penis are caused by the heat created by repetitive or rough movements on unlubricated skin.
If, during sex or masturbation, you feel any pain or discomfort, it’s important to stop and rest before continuing.
Using a skin-friendly lubricant can help to reduce the risk of a penis friction burn.
The most popular lubricants are often made from water or silicone, and both offer enough gliding action to increase comfort and minimize friction.
Some Promescent lubricants also contain Aloe Vera, among other soothing ingredients, to help to prevent abrasions and burns.
How to Treat a Penis Friction Burn
Learning how to treat rug burn penis is easy, and it’s something you can do at home right away.
The most important treatment for a friction burn on the penis is simply time.
If you’re wondering, “how long do friction burns last,” luckily, it’s only about seven days on average, making it a relatively short experience.
Plus, most friction burns heal on their own and don’t cause any long-term damage or discomfort.
You can do some simple things to help promote healing and reduce discomfort:
Wear soft and loose underwear
Apply Aloe Vera
Abstain from sex or masturbation
Both masturbation and intercourse can disrupt the healing process and even cause the burn to get worse.
As the friction burn begins to heal, you may notice some minor peeling or flaking.
This is completely normal, and it’s a sign that your skin is healing.
A light moisturizer should help to minimize any discomfort during this final stage.
Do I Need to See a Doctor?
Treating a penis friction burn at home is fairly simple and usually won’t require a doctor’s visit.
A friction burn hurts and is uncomfortable, but it’s generally not debilitating. However, there are some signs that you should seek professional help, such as:
Bleeding
Bruising
Immense pain
If you experience anything that feels out of the ordinary or higher in pain than you'd expect from a rug burn, then it's better to be safe and get a professional's opinion.
Likewise, any sign that it’s more than a friction burn warrants a trip to the doctor’s office.
Some signs include:
Pus or discharge
Interior pain
Pain when urinating
Any symptoms on the testicles
Blisters or bumps
An unusual scent
Takeaways
A penis friction burn is uncomfortable but, luckily, not dangerous.
Most penis friction burns heal naturally within a week by simply resting the area and letting it heal.
Loose or soft clothing, along with aloe vera gel, can also aid in recovery.
To avoid penis rug burns in the future, always use skin-friendly lubrication to prevent friction and damage during sex or masturbation.
Dr. Jed Kaminetsky M.D. is an American Board Certified Urologist and earned his Medical Degree at New York University. In his tenure he became a member of the American Urological Association and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Kaminetsky pioneered the minimally invasive Rezum BPH treatment and is an expert in male and female dysfunction.
Sources:
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The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
