The last thing you want to deal with is a pimple on your face. Breakouts on your balls? Definitely not. But clogged pores happen and they can happen anywhere—and that includes places like your balls and penis. According to the Cleveland Clinic, pimples are a common skin condition caused by clogged or inflamed oil glands or increased pimple-causing bacteria on your skin.
But what causes them to appear on your balls? Many of the reasons you can get pimples elsewhere on the body are just as applicable to the balls. “Pimples usually result from inflammation around hair follicles. In the case of the scrotum, this could be related to blockage by bacteria, dead skin cells, oil, and sweat,” says Raj Chovatiya, M.D., a dermatologist at Northwestern Medicine.
Like most pimples, they are usually pretty harmless—just a little irritating and uncomfortable. Still, you always want to make sure the bump is actually on the skin and not in the skin. “Make 100 percent sure the spot is on the scrotum itself, and not in the testicle,” says Jamin V. Brahmbhatt, M.D. “If it truly is in the skin, most pimples [or] bumps on the scrotal skin are benign.” (If you realize the lump is actually in your testicle, you should make an appointment with your doctor.)
So, what can you do about them and how can you keep them from coming back? Doctors explain:
If you’re sure the pimple is on your scrotum, what should you do about it?
Same thing as you do everywhere else—don’t mess with it! It can be hard to resist the urge to pop a pimple, but Dr. Brahmbhatt says it’s important not to. Don’t poke or stab at them—that could make them “a bigger problem later,” he says. If it’s a regular pimple on your balls, it should disappear on its own in about a week.
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It may be tempting to use the same pimple products on your balls that you use on your face, but Dr. Chovatiya strongly cautions against it. “You should see your dermatologist before applying any medication to the area, as many of the typical pimple products you use on the face could cause irritation in an area of sensitive skin near the genitals.”
Is there a point where you should see a doctor about a pimple on your balls?
You should pay a visit to your physician anytime you start to get worried, if the pimples keep coming back, or if you have pimples or spots that are in clusters, Dr. Brahmbhatt says. This could be a sign of a virus or a sexually transmitted infection. You should be extra vigilant if you have diabetes, since your immune system can be less strong and infections can progress rapidly.
He also says that you should take extra precautions if you notice that the pimples are getting bigger and redder; they’re likely to be painful and could even be associated with fevers.
What’s the best way to prevent pimples on your balls?
Practice good, gentle skincare. “Keep your balls as clean as your face,” Dr. Brahmbhatt says. “Wear clean underwear, shower regularly, and keep the area dry.” If you tend to be a heavy sweater and have issues with odor, there’s nothing wrong with more than one shower a day. Also, try these tips for preventing and dealing with sweaty “swamp ass.” Dr. Chovatiya says you may also want to stick to loose-fitting clothing to let the boys breathe better.
Should you use those man-focused grooming products?
Trouble can brew in moist areas, which your balls often are in. However, you don’t need a fancy grooming product for that area. If you want to try them, anyway, “go for a powder over a cream,” recommends Dr. Brahmbhatt. “Some men have tried cornstarch. If this works for you, great.”
What about man wipes, made specifically for this area? “If you use them, make sure you let the genitals dry before you put your underwear or pants back on. You could be using the wipes to help one problem, but then create another,” Dr. Brahmbhatt says, sealing in moisture and asking for trouble.
Is manscaping good or bad?
When it comes to pimples on your balls, manscaping can actually help prevent them. Grooming can reduce sweating and a trimmed lawn offers fewer opportunities for infected hair follicles.
On the flip side, cutting back on shaving can potentially help solve a pimple problem, Dr. Chovatiya says, especially if you notice more breakouts occur around your shaving schedule.
How much does your underwear choice matter?
“It’s important to create an environment that lets your balls breathe,” Dr. Bhrambhatt says. Super-tight underwear is like super-tight anything else—it reduces airflow and can leave you sweaty and warm. Check out the best boxers for men here. “If you like your balls super-snug, wear breathable, moisture-wicking underwear,” he says. “And wash them before you wear them the first time.”
In other words, treat your sack just like you would any other part of your skin, and you won’t have to worry.
Mario Abad is a style and grooming writer based in Manhattan. He enjoys covering menswear across all levels, from luxury to mass market. You can also find his work in Forbes and Fashionista, among other places
Health Writer
Melissa Matthews is the Health Writer at Men’s Health, covering the latest in food, nutrition, and health.
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