Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Shingles on the Penis

Shingles on the Penis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

Shingles rates have been increasing in the US for an extended period, but the reasons remain unclear. Almost a third of the US population will develop shingles at some point in life — specifically those that have had chickenpox. Moreover, the risk is high in adults aged 50 and older.

Can You Get Shingles on Your Penis?

Herpes zoster commonly affects the thoracic and facial dermatomes. However, shingles can develop on any part of your body, including around the penis and scrotum. There have been few reported cases of penile herpes zoster. So yes, you can get herpes zoster on or around your genital areas, including the scrotum and penis, but it’s very rare.

Causes of Penile Shingles

Generally, shingles are caused by the herpes zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. This is why you’re more likely to develop shingles if you’ve had chickenpox. When the chickenpox symptoms clear up, normally after two weeks, the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the cranial nerves or spine. And when the virus reactivates later in life, it brings about herpes zoster or shingles.

Symptoms of Penile Shingles

Sometimes it can be challenging to diagnose penile shingles based on the physical symptoms, as they can be similar to those of genital herpes. Moreover, you may experience the symptoms of herpes zoster a few days before the blisters develop. Symptoms include sharp pain or burning, numbness, itchiness, and tingling in the affected area.

Treatment of Shingles on the Penis and Scrotum

Antiviral medicines like acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir can treat shingles and shorten the severity of the illness. However, you must take these medicines as soon as you develop a rash on your penis or scrotum to increase their effectiveness. Antivirals will not only help minimize the length of time you have herpes zoster but also prevent complications like postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Transmission and Prevention of Shingles

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is not contagious, meaning you can not get the illness from someone else who has it. However, if you’ve never had chickenpox, someone with the herpes zoster virus can spread it to you, but this will cause chickenpox and not shingles. The infected person may develop shingles later in life.

The Chickenpox or Shingles Vaccine

Children are required to take the chickenpox vaccine, which also reduces the likelihood of getting shingles later in life. Shingrix is a vaccine used to prevent herpes zoster in adults. According to the CDC, only healthy adults 50 and older should get the Shingrix vaccine. However, adults who are 19 and older and have a weakened immune system due to therapy or disease can also get the shingles vaccine.

When to See a Doctor

You should seek immediate treatment from your healthcare provider to prevent complications. Immunocompromised individuals and older adults are at significant risk of developing shingles complications like postherpetic neuralgia. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor when you notice a rash on your penis or scrotum. You should see a doctor when you experience certain symptoms or complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can men get shingles in the groin?

Yes. Shingles can form on any body part, although it’s rare on some, like the groin.

• Can a person get shingles on the penis?

Yes, you can get herpes zoster on your penis if the herpes zoster virus reactivates in the S2 and S3 nerves.