A rash on the genitals can be caused by certain infections, parasites, allergies, and autoimmune conditions. A doctor can help determine the specific cause and the best way to treat or manage symptoms.

A genital rash, also called a pubic rash, is a skin symptom that can be caused by several health problems and can occur on any part of the genital area.

Rashes are normally reddish in color, may be painful or itchy, and may include bumps or sores.

If you experience any skin rash that you can’t explain, you should see a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

There are many possible causes for a genital rash, ranging from infections that are easily treatable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), allergies, and autoimmune disorders.

Some of the most common causes of genital rashes are infections:

  • Jock itch: This is a fungal infection or ringworm of the groin area. The rash is red or discolored, itchy, scaly, and it may blister.
  • Diaper rash: This rash may be caused by infection or contact with urine and feces, which affects babies because of the warm, moist environment in diapers. It’s red, discolored, scaly, and may include bumps or blisters.
  • Vaginal yeast infection: This rash is caused by an infection that affects the vagina and often occurs as a result of taking antibiotics. It causes itching, redness, discoloration, swelling, and white vaginal discharge.
  • Molluscum contagiosum: This viral infection affects the skin and appears as firm, isolated, round bumps. They may be itchy and inflamed.
  • Balanitis: This rash is an inflammation of the foreskin or the head of the penis that’s usually caused by bacterial or fungal growth and is more likely to occur in those who have uncircumcised penises. It leads to itchiness, redness, discoloration, and a discharge.

Infectious parasites are another possible cause of a genital rash, such as:

  • Pubic lice: These tiny insects lay eggs and grow in the genital area and are most often spread from person to person through sexual contact. An infestation of pubic lice causes itchiness and sometimes sores.
  • Body lice: These insects are different from pubic lice and are larger. They live in clothing and on the skin, and feed on blood. They cause an itchy rash on the skin.
  • Scabies: This itchy skin rash is caused by very small mites. They burrow into the skin and cause intense itching, especially at night.

Allergies and autoimmune disorders are other possible reasons for a genital rash, such as:

  • Contact dermatitis: A common type of rash caused when skin comes into contact with an allergen or with an irritant such as a harsh chemical substance. Latex is an allergen that may produce a rash in the genital area because it’s commonly used in condoms.
  • Lichen planus: This rash is less common but also produces itchy skin rashes. Doctors are unsure of the exact cause, but it’s thought to be due to an allergen or an autoimmune disorder. In the genital area, lichen planus can produce sores.

STIs are another possible cause of genital rashes and can include:

  • Genital herpes: This virus can produce painful, blister-like sores in the genital area.
  • Genital warts: This rash is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They’re small, flesh-colored, and may be itchy.
  • Syphilis: This is a bacterial infection that’s spread through sexual contact. It produces a rash that can be anywhere on the body. The rash isn’t necessarily itchy.

Before treating a genital rash, a doctor first needs to determine its cause. The diagnosis process can involve some or all of the following:

A physical examination

The doctor will look at the features of the rash, including any lesions or warts. Let them know about any unusual redness, discoloration, or discharge.

They’ll also examine other areas of the skin that may be affected. For example, they may study the webs of your fingers to look for scabies.

Swab testing

Doctors may swab vaginal discharge and any discharge present around the penis, along with lesions.

Skin scraping or biopsies

The doctor may order a skin scrape or biopsy, where they scrape or remove part of a wart, part of a lesion, or skin cells.

The tissue from the scrape or biopsy is examined under a microscope. The findings can potentially be used to diagnose conditions such as psoriasis, scabies, and fungal infections.

Blood work

Some causes of genital rashes, such as herpes and syphilis, may be detected through blood work.

There are home diagnostic tests you can use to test for STIs, though they may not be as reliable as tests run by a doctor. If you do use a home diagnostic test and get a positive result, have a doctor double-check the results and get treated as soon as possible.

The treatment needed for a genital rash depends on the underlying cause.

Regardless of the cause, however, a rash’s itchiness can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) creams such as hydrocortisone.

A doctor may also prescribe you a cream to reduce the symptoms while treating the underlying condition. Some skin infections will heal without treatment as long as the affected area is kept clean and dry.

Here are some other conditions and the treatments that a doctor may recommend:

Vaginal yeast infections

These can be treated with an OTC or prescription medication, such as oral antifungals.

Syphilis

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics.

Genital warts

Prescription medications treat these warts. A doctor can also eliminate visible warts by freezing them with liquid nitrogen or removing them surgically.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes can’t yet be cured, but the condition can be managed with medications.

Pubic and body lice

Lice can be eliminated with a medicated wash, which is applied directly to the site of the infection, left on for a required amount of time, and washed away.

To prevent reinfection, you should wash clothing and bedding in hot water.

Scabies

Scabies can be treated with medicated creams or lotions prescribed by a doctor.

Allergic reactions

Eliminating the allergen will allow the rash to clear up and prevent future outbreaks.

Autoimmune disorders

While there’s no cure for autoimmune disorders, certain medications — such as those that suppress the immune system — can help control symptoms or skin conditions caused by them.

Preventing a genital rash, particularly a recurring genital rash, will depend heavily on the cause of the rash itself.

To prevent rashes caused by STIs, you can:

  • Always use barrier methods that protect against STIs, such as condoms and dental dams.
  • Take medications to manage preexisting conditions such as herpes.

To prevent rashes from allergic reactions, you can:

  • Take antihistamines when at increased risk.
  • Avoid the allergens that trigger the reaction.

Maintaining a balanced diet and lifestyle will keep you in the best shape you can be in, which may boost your immune system and help it fight off any infections that could cause genital rashes.

If you have a specific concern, consult a doctor.

For most people with rashes, the outlook is very good.

In most cases, the underlying cause can be treated, and the rash will clear up. With the right care, parasites and infections that aren’t STIs can be cured and prevented with good hygiene.

Conditions that have no cure, such as genital herpes or autoimmune disorders, can be successfully managed with the right medications.

Syphilis, if caught early, can be cured easily with penicillin. If it’s found later, additional courses of antibiotics may be needed.