Cut on Penis: Causes and Treatment Options

If you have a cut on your penis, oftentimes, you can treat it on your own at home. With the aid of some general hygiene methods and a topical ointment, the cut will most likely heal naturally without needing to see a doctor. However, if you experience prolonged pain or discomfort or notice the area surrounding the cut has worsened, further treatment may be necessary.

A cut on my penis: should I be worried?

You can get a cut anywhere on your penis shaft, tip, or foreskin (if you are uncircumcised). Wearing ill-fitted clothes and underwear can result in rubbing and irritation, which may lead to broken skin. So it is important to avoid clothes that are too tight. Instead, choose clothes that are breathable and made of cotton.

Having rough sex and doing other physical activities may also result in a cut on the penis. Although it may be worrisome, a small cut on the penis is likely to heal naturally and quickly. If a cut worsens or develops into a larger lesion, it is best to consult your doctor for further treatment.

Symptoms of a cut on the penis

If you have a cut on your penis, you can experience these symptoms:

• Pain — depending on the severity of the cut, the pain can range from mild to severe
• Swelling
• Bleeding (may vary from minor to significant, depending on the depth of the cut)
• Redness
• Scabbing — when the cuts begin to heal, it may form a scab

Usually, a small cut on the penis is likely to heal naturally and quickly. Nevertheless, in case a cut becomes infected, additional symptoms can occur (increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth around the cut area, pus or discharge, and even fever).

What are the causes of cuts on the penis?

A cut on the penis can occur under a variety of circumstances, like razor cuts when shaving or trimming pubic hair. Such cases can usually be solved by using a new, sharp, clean razor, shaving cream, or gel and proper technique, which can reduce your risks of accidental cuts.

However, some may result in serious penis injury. If you are concerned about a cut on your penis, it is best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

Friction injuries

Most common penis injuries occur during sex or when masturbating. A bruised penis, as well as burns across the skin, can develop due to friction along the penis shaft. Too much friction has the potential of creating a penis abrasion because the skin is thin and more delicate. The frenulum (skin connecting foreskin and penis) can sometimes tear after having sex for the first time or rough sex.

Another common cause for cuts on your penis is friction while playing sports. Activities such as riding a bicycle or playing soccer and wearing tight clothing can irritate the skin on the penis leading to tears or cuts. Wearing well-fitted underwear and gear while playing sports, even when playing casually, can prevent cuts on the penis.

Yeast infection

Yeast infections occur when a fungus (known as candida) grows and thrives on moist skin. This includes the area around the head of the penis. Uncircumcised men and boys with foreskin should pay close attention to this area. As a result of a yeast infection, you may notice redness and itching, white discharge, and a rash on your skin.

The yeast infection can lead to inflammation and irritation of the skin. Itching and scratching can lead to broken skin, meaning the chances of developing cracks and splits on the skin are higher. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter medication, and a pharmacist can provide advice to ensure effective treatment. Practicing good hygiene can also help prevent a yeast infection.

STDs

Practicing safe sex can help maintain a generally clean bill of health and lifestyle. If you or your partner has contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD), this can cause pain and irritation to your penis and genitals. Sexually transmitted diseases like Herpes simplex virus (HSV-2), syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause broken skin, lesions, or sores that look like cuts on the male genital area.

Balanitis

The most common cause of balanitis is a yeast infection around the head of the penis. This can cause pain, swelling, soreness, inflammation, and itchiness. Cracked skin associated with balanitis can be very uncomfortable and may increase the risk of secondary infections. Balanitis is more likely to affect uncircumcised men and boys. In addition, 3–11% of the male population will experience balanitis in their lifetime.

Treating a cut on the penis

You can treat most cuts on the tip of the penis, shaft, or other areas at home. Usually, a small cut does not require seeing a doctor, and general first-aid care can be administered.

1. Wash and clean the area around the cut with soap and water. Avoid getting soap in the cut.
2. Stop the bleeding. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze pad until the bleeding stops. For small cuts, bleeding should stop within a few minutes.
3. Disinfect the cut. Use any antiseptic solution you have at home (such as hydrogen peroxide).
4. Bandage or dress in gauze over the cut to protect it from germs and further irritation.
5. Be sure to clean and redress the bandaged area once a day. Maintain good hygiene to prevent any infection.

Take over-the-counter medication to help alleviate the pain. In rare cases, surgery may be needed at the recommendation of your doctor.

How to heal cuts on other penis parts

If you experience cuts on other parts of your penis, treat the affected area with basic first-aid care. It’s also important to decrease any strenuous physical activity, such as playing sports or having sex, until your cut or other injuries have healed themselves. This can lead to a prolonged healing process and further damage your skin.

How to prevent penis cuts

Good genital hygiene, along with taking specific precautions, is very important to prevent irritation, broken skin, and cuts on the penis. Here are some general tips to follow that can reduce the risks of cuts or cracked skin on the penis:

1. Wash and clean your penis and genital area daily. Remove bacteria and other build-up from collecting in the area. Men and boys with foreskin should be extra attentive to keeping this area clean and dry.
2. Avoid dry skin. After bathing, keep your skin moisturized with soothing lotion. This will help prevent your skin from cracking or tearing, which can lead to cuts.
3. Wear comfortable and breathable underwear. Cotton underwear allows air to flow through its material, preventing moisture build-up.

Be careful during everyday activities as well. To prevent cuts on the penis, especially when shaving or grooming, you need to use the right tools and techniques (use a sharp razor, trim first, use shaving cream or gel, pull the skin taut, and similar). Wear protective gear while playing sports and use caution when using firearms and machinery. Consider using lubricants or wearing a different-sized condom during sex if it is too tight.

When you should see a doctor

If a penis injury or a cut does not heal or worsens after seven days, it is best to consult a doctor for further diagnosis and treatment. Pay close attention to the color, tenderness, pain, and discharge of your penis injury. This can include any itching or burning sensation when urinating, as well as bleeding. In most cases, your doctor will be able to prescribe you medication, either applied topically or taken orally.

Article history

Our experts strive to provide up to date information and update articles when new information becomes available

May 21, 2024

Fact checked by Alifia Fernandes Jokubauskienė, MPharm

May 21, 2024

Co-written by Airina Mazetyte-Godiene, MD, PhD candidate

February 03, 2023

Written by Zaida Marston