I am a 16-year-old male. I have rashes on my genital area, and I get white discharges! What is it? Should I go to a doctor? Or tell my parents? Please, I am scared! What should I do?

Kris

I am going to use your question to address some general issues regarding genital symptoms and sexually transmitted diseases. For most medical complaints in the genital region, there can be a sexually transmitted cause as well as a cause not related to sex. For example, in women, vaginal itching can be caused by trichomonas, which is sexually transmitted, or by Candida (yeast), which is typically not sexually transmitted.

In men, most penile discharges are caused by sexually transmitted diseases. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are common causes of urethritis (inflammation of the urethra, the tube that urine and semen pass through). Many men fear these and other infections and think that even trivial symptoms of discharge are signs of a sexually transmitted disease. In fact, irritation from chemicals can also lead to pain and mild discharge. Urine can sometimes crystallize, causing what looks like a discharge and burning on urination. There are also quite a few noninfectious disorders, especially connective-tissue diseases, that can cause urethritis along with other symptoms.

Now, what about the rash? Certainly, infections can cause a variety of rashes in the genital area. Herpes causes blisters and then painful ulcers. Candida (yeast) can cause white, flaking, weeping lesions. Scabies, a tiny mite, can result in tiny bumps and blisters. Syphilis and chancroid cause painless and painful ulcers, respectively. The genital area is also a common site for many skin symptoms. Contact dermatitis (a red, itchy reaction in the skin to an irritating substance) can certainly occur on the penis. Spermicides, soaps and lotions may be culprits in this condition. Another cause of skin allergy on the penis is latex, the main ingredient in condoms. Contact dermatitis is probably the most common noninfectious cause of rash on the penis, but there are quite a few less-common causes as well.

Obviously, without seeing your rash, there is no way that I can make the diagnosis. Here is what I would recommend: If you are sexually active, see a doctor. Whether you personally tell your parents is up to you, though since you are a minor, your doctor may need to get their permission for your treatment. You can discuss the issue with your doctor. If you are not sexually active, you could first try avoiding any lotions or soaps that could be irritating. If this does not relieve your symptoms, I would suggest you see a physician.