Hard painful lump under the skin on the penile shaft

A blocked or infected hair follicle can form a tender boil, while cellulitis causes spreading inflammation in the surrounding skin. Hidradenitis suppurativa can cause recurring painful nodules in skin folds, although the penile shaft is not the only area it may affect. Shingles can cause burning pain followed by grouped blisters on one side. A clinician may also consider an injury, a cyst, or a sexually transmitted infection based on the appearance and your history. The lump’s depth, redness, warmth, drainage, blisters, and timing all help guide the assessment.

Do not squeeze, pierce, massage, or shave over the lump. Gently wash the area, pat it dry, and use loose underwear to reduce friction. Pause sexual contact until pain, swelling, and any open skin have been assessed. Note whether the lump is growing, draining, or accompanied by urinary symptoms or genital sores. A doctor may prescribe medicine or recommend a procedure such as abscess drainage when an abscess is present; treatment depends on the finding.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for a new painful penile lump, especially if it is enlarging, hot, red, draining, or associated with fever, swollen groin glands, painful urination, or a sore. Seek urgent care for severe swelling, rapidly spreading redness, inability to urinate, marked testicular pain, or feeling faint or very unwell. These features can signal an infection or another problem needing immediate treatment.

Ask what the lump appears to involve, whether testing for infection is needed, and whether sexual partners need evaluation. Ask which symptoms should trigger urgent review and how to care for the skin while it heals.