Heat rash on the testicles: what to know

The scrotal skin can become warm and damp with exercise, tight underwear, humid weather or prolonged sitting. Heat irritation may feel itchy or prickly and show small red bumps. Descriptions of [Skin Rash](/symptoms/skin-rash/) and [Skin Redness](/symptoms/skin-redness/) can help you describe what you see, but they cannot diagnose a genital condition.

Fungal infection, contact dermatitis, folliculitis and sexually transmitted infections can overlap with heat rash. Painful sores, blisters, discharge, burning urination or a new sexual exposure should not be self-treated as simple sweat irritation. Sudden pain inside a testicle is a separate urgent concern.

Rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry carefully and change out of sweaty underwear. Choose loose, breathable underwear and avoid fragranced soap, deodorant, powders, oils and scratching. Keep the area cool without placing ice directly on skin. Avoid sexual contact if there are sores, blisters or discharge until assessed. Do not apply [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) or [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) to genital skin without professional guidance.

Arrange a medical assessment if the rash persists, spreads, recurs or becomes painful, scaly, cracked or swollen. Seek prompt care for pus, fever, rapidly increasing redness, severe itching with swelling, sores, blisters or genital discharge. Sudden severe testicular pain, a high-riding testicle, nausea or vomiting requires emergency assessment rather than home care.

Could this be sweat irritation, fungal infection or contact dermatitis? Do I need testing for an infection? Which cleanser and underwear are safest? Should I avoid sex or a particular product while the skin heals? What symptoms mean I should seek urgent help?