Can Sex Cause Friction Burns? Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention Tips

Can You Get a Friction Burn from Intercourse?

Sex is supposed to be pleasurable, but sometimes it can leave you with an unwanted souvenir: skin irritation or even a friction burn on or around your genitals. This can be painful, itchy, and embarrassing. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and treat friction burns from sex.

What Causes Friction Burns During Sex?

Friction burns happen when the delicate skin of your genitals rubs against another surface forcefully or for an extended time. Some common causes of friction burns from intercourse include:

• Lack of lubrication - Dryness leads to excessive friction during penetration or stimulation.
• Rougher sexual activity - Aggressive or prolonged sexual play like thrusting can rub the skin raw.
• Introducing new positions - Trying unfamiliar sex positions that increase genital contact and rubbing.
• Using condoms - Latex or non-lubricated condoms drag on the skin more.
• Allergies - Having a reaction to materials like latex, spermicides, lubricants, etc.

Women are especially prone to friction injuries on the labia, clitoris, and around the vaginal opening. Men can experience burns on the shaft, head, or foreskin of the penis. However, any genital or adjoining skin that sustains vigorous rubbing is susceptible.

Signs and Symptoms

How can you tell if you have a sexual friction burn? There are a few key signs to watch out for:

• Burning or stinging - This is the hallmark symptom of a friction burn, ranging from mild to severe.
• Redness - The irritated skin looks inflamed and red, though darker skin tones may appear more purple or gray.
• Soreness - Friction burns feel tender when touched. It may hurt to pee as well.
• Small tears or blisters - Repeated friction can wear through the top layer of skin, causing open sores or fluid-filled blisters.
• Peeling/flaking skin - The damaged skin may peel off in flakes or shreds as it begins healing.
• Itching/swelling - Inflammation from a healing burn can make the skin itch, sting, or become swollen.

For mild cases, the symptoms may subside within a day or two. More severe friction burns can be extremely painful and take 1-2 weeks to resolve. Seek medical assistance if signs of infection develop.

Preventing Friction Burns During Sex

Making some adjustments to your sexual routine can help lower the risks of unpleasant friction injuries:

Use Generous Lubricant

Lubricant is a must for minimizing friction. Apply it liberally over all body parts that will come in contact during penetration, manual stimulation, or rubbing. Reapply frequently. Water-based lubricants are safest for vaginal sex. Silicone-based lubes last longer in water, making them ideal for shower sex.

Engage in More Foreplay

Allow time for the vagina to naturally self-lubricate through arousal. At least 10-15 minutes of foreplay enables greater natural lubrication. Go slow and avoid rough thrusting at first.

Try Different Positions

Some positions like doggy style permit deeper thrusting that can lead to more irritation. Experiment to find positions that limit penetration depth and intensity until the vagina is fully lubricated.

Take Breaks

Occasionally change activities or stop penetration altogether to give the skin a break. Switch to manual stimulation, oral sex, or making out to varying stimulation.

Communicate With Your Partner

Let your partner know if any activities are causing you discomfort so you can make adjustments. Agree on a signal like saying “ouch” to indicate that something hurts.

Avoid Irritants

Certain products can irritate sensitive genital skin. Avoid scented soaps, lotions, laundry detergents, douches, etc. Ditch non-lubricated condoms. Ensure any lubricants or spermicides won't cause reactions.

Trim Long Pubic Hair

Long strands of pubic hair can poke and scratch delicate genital skin leading to irritation. Keep things tidy with an electric trimmer or hair removal products.

Stay Well Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water keeps the body lubricated from the inside out. Dehydration impairs natural vaginal lubrication.

Treating Friction Burns After Sex

If you develop a friction burn from intercourse, here are some remedies to promote healing:

• Take over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium for pain and swelling.
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the area for 10-15 minutes to reduce inflammation.
• Avoid irritating the skin further by wearing loose cotton underwear and clothing.
• Let the area air dry after washing instead of rubbing with a towel.
• Use an anti-inflammatory ointment like petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel to soothe the damaged skin.
• Take OTC hydrocortisone cream to ease itching and discomfort.
• Try an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine if excessive itching disrupts sleep.
• Sit in a warm Epsom salt bath to alleviate soreness.

Severe friction burns may require medical assistance. See a doctor if you experience fever, discharge, foul odor, or other signs of infection. For extensive blistering, tears, or bleeding, seek emergency care.

When to Stop Having Sex

Once a friction burn develops, refrain from sex and other irritation until the skin heals:

• No penetration or touching of the affected area.
• Keep the area clean and dry with gentle dabbing after urinating or bathing.
• Wear loose breathable clothing.
• Avoid potential irritants like douches, scented soaps, and tampons.

It may take 3-10 days for mild friction burns to heal. More extensive injuries can take several weeks. Let pain be your guide - if an activity hurts, avoid it until the skin restores itself.

Seeing a Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your doctor or gynecologist if:

• Pain, itching, or inflammation worsens or persists beyond 10-14 days
• Genital blisters or open sores develop
• Signs of infection appear like fever, discharge, or foul odor
• Sex is consistently painful even with lubricant

The doctor can examine the irritation and swab any discharge to check for infection. For recurring friction issues, your doctor may test for underlying problems like skin disorders, vulvodynia, vaginitis, sexually transmitted infections, or menopausal changes.

Medical Treatments

If over-the-counter remedies aren't helping, a doctor may prescribe:

• Oral antibiotics - Antibiotics treat infections and reduce risk of complications.
• Antiviral medication - For friction burns resulting from sexually transmitted viruses.
• Corticosteroid creams - These reduce inflammation and itching.
• Estrogen cream - Low estrogen from menopause can cause vaginal dryness and irritation.
• Pain medication - Prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or lidocaine creams can relieve pain.

For severe or recurrent cases, surgery may be required to remove damaged skin and promote healing.

Alternative Therapies

Some complementary therapies may aid healing:

• Sitz baths - Immersing the hips and buttocks in warm water improves circulation and reduces soreness.
• Cool compresses - Applying cool cloth or compresses can alleviate swelling and discomfort.
• Natural oils - Pure vitamin E oil, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil are soothing and antimicrobial.
• Tea tree oil - Contains antiseptic compounds to fight infection and irritation.
• Calendula - Calendula creams and ointments have anti-inflammatory properties that promote skin healing.

Always dilute essential oils before applying directly to the skin to prevent adverse reactions. Discuss natural remedies with your physician.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Rush to the emergency room if you experience:

• Difficulty urinating
• Uncontrolled bleeding from torn skin
• Severe pain
• Fever over 101°F
• Extensive blistering and peeling skin

These require immediate medical intervention to prevent complications like sepsis or permanent scarring.

Preventing Friction Burns Long-Term

To avoid repeated friction injuries during intimacy:

• Use lubricant every time for intercourse and solo play.
• Communicate discomfort early before burns develop.
• Book an appointment if dryness or irritation persists.
• Explore gentler forms of stimulation until healed.
• Take a sexual health class together to learn techniques to prevent injury.

With some education and minor adjustments, you and your partner can enjoy pain-free and pleasurable sex without the risk of friction burns.

The Bottom Line

Friction burns are common during sex, especially with dryness and intense thrusting. While uncomfortable, mild cases can be managed at home with conservative measures. However, seek medical assistance if symptoms are severe or worrisome infection develops.

Prevention is key. Having open communication, using ample lubricant, and avoiding abrasive irritation of fragile genital skin will help minimize unwanted friction injuries.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.