Why is my scrotum itchy?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

An itchy scrotum is a common issue caused by skin irritation, fungal or bacterial infections, allergic reactions, or inflammation. Identifying the underlying cause is key to getting the right treatment. Mild cases often improve with home care, such as keeping the area clean and dry, but persistent, worsening, or painful itching should be evaluated by a doctor.

Because scrotal itching can stem from many different conditions—ranging from harmless irritation to infections that need medical treatment—guessing the cause can delay relief. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your discomfort and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Many things can make the scrotum itch. One common reason is a mild skin irritation from sweat, clothing, or tight rubbing, which can hurt the skin. Fungal infections like jock itch, which is caused by fungus that thrives in warm and moist conditions, can also cause itching. Allergies or contact dermatitis may happen if the skin touches something that irritates it. Other reasons can include skin conditions like eczema or even bug bites.

It is important to keep the area clean and dry. If the itching continues or gets worse, you can use our free symptom checker to help identify possible causes and determine whether you should talk to a healthcare provider to find out the exact cause and the best treatment for your situation.

(References)

Umaoka A, Takeuchi H, Mizutani K, Seo N, Matsushima Y, Habe K, Hagimori K, Yamaguchi Y, Ikeda T, Yamanaka K. Skin Inflammation and Testicular Function: Dermatitis Causes Male Infertility via Skin-Derived Cytokines. Biomedicines. 2020 Aug 20;8(9):293. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines8090293. PMID: 32825298; PMCID: PMC7555019.
Pomares C, Marty P, Delaunay P. Isolated itching of the genitals. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2014 Apr;90(4):589-590. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0337. PMID: 24696404; PMCID: PMC3973496.
Swamiappan M. Anogenital Pruritus - An Overview. J Clin Diagn Res. 2016 Apr;10(4):WE01-3. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2016/18440.7703. Epub 2016 Apr 1. PMID: 27190932; PMCID: PMC4866230.

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