Differential Diagnosis for Urethral Itching

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Urethritis: This is often the most common cause of urethral itching, typically resulting from a bacterial or viral infection. Symptoms can include itching, burning during urination, and discharge.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): While more commonly associated with symptoms like burning during urination and frequent urination, UTIs can also cause urethral itching.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Certain STIs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes, can cause urethral itching along with other symptoms like discharge and pain during urination.
• Allergic Reactions: Allergies to soaps, dyes in clothing, or other irritants can cause itching in the urethral area.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Cancer of the Urethra: Although rare, urethral cancer can present with symptoms including urethral itching. It's crucial to rule out this potentially life-threatening condition.
• Syphilis: A bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact, syphilis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including urethral itching, and can have severe consequences if left untreated.

Rare Diagnoses

• Lichen Sclerosus: A rare condition that creates patchy, white skin that's thinner than normal, lichen sclerosus can cause itching and discomfort in the genital and urethral areas.
• Urethral Stricture: Narrowing of the urethra, often due to injury, instrumentation, or infection, can lead to obstructive symptoms and potentially itching due to chronic irritation.
• Reiter's Syndrome (Reactive Arthritis): A type of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to a bacterial infection in another part of the body, often the intestines or the urinary tract, can cause urethral itching among other symptoms.