Parent’s Guide: Penis & Scrotum Symptoms (Child & Teen)

🔎Identifying the Problem

The “Red Flag” (Emergency): Sudden, severe pain in the testicle or a scrotum that is swollen, blue, or red. This suggests Testicular Torsion (twisting of the testicle) and requires surgery within 6–12 hours.
Skin Irritation: A rash, itch, or redness is usually caused by an external irritant (soap, plants, chemicals on hands).
Anatomical Issues:
- Hydrocele: A painless fluid-filled sac around the testicle (common in newborns, harmless).
- Paraphimosis: Uncircumcised foreskin gets stuck behind the head of the penis (Emergency).
- Varicocele (Teens): Swollen veins (“bag of worms”) above the testicle. Usually harmless.

Cold Compress: A cold wet cloth can soothe itching.
Clean Gently: Wash the area once with mild soap to remove irritants (like plant oils or chemicals), then stop using soap on the area to prevent drying.
Soothe: Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream 1-2 times a day for itching.

Smegma: Small whitish lumps under the foreskin are normal dead skin cells. They are harmless and should not be scrubbed out.
Do Not Force: Never forcefully retract a child’s foreskin. This can cause tearing or trapping (Paraphimosis).

Hand Washing: Teach boys to wash hands before touching their genitals to prevent transferring irritants (like poison ivy or chili powder).
Teen Safety: Discuss STI prevention. Condoms are the only method that prevents infections.
Sports Safety: Wear a protective cup to prevent hematomas (blood clots) from blunt injury.