What should you know about velvety rash under the foreskin?

Moisture, friction, soap or a new product may irritate the delicate skin. Fungal overgrowth can occur in warm, damp folds, while conditions such as [Contact Dermatitis](/conditions/contact-dermatitis/), [Intertrigo](/conditions/intertrigo/) or [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/) can cause redness and itching. [Psoriasis](/conditions/psoriasis/) may affect genital skin with less scale than elsewhere.

A rash can also accompany a sexually transmitted infection or another genital condition. [Ringworm](/conditions/ringworm/) and [Scabies](/conditions/scabies/) are additional possibilities, and a new medicine can cause [Drug Rash](/conditions/drug-eruption/). The appearance alone cannot distinguish these causes, and it does not establish how a symptom was acquired.

Gently retract the foreskin only as far as comfortable, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Avoid scented soaps, antiseptics, sexual contact and scratching until the cause is clearer. Do not apply steroid, antifungal or antibiotic cream without suitable advice, because the wrong treatment can mask the appearance or worsen an infection.

Arrange a medical review if the rash persists, recurs, spreads or is associated with discharge, sores, pain during urination or a recent sexual exposure. A clinician may ask about products, medicines, sexual health and other symptoms, then examine the skin.

Seek urgent help if the foreskin becomes stuck behind the glans, cannot be returned to its usual position, or swelling interferes with urination. Rapidly worsening pain, marked swelling, fever, pus, blisters or darkening skin also need prompt assessment. These signs can signal a complication requiring treatment.

Ask what causes are being considered, whether testing is needed, which products to stop, how to wash safely and whether a partner needs assessment. Tell the clinician when the rash began and whether itching, pain, discharge or a new medicine came first.