Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: October 21, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Male with Burning after Peeing and Itching at Head

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis
    • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): The symptom of burning after peeing is a classic presentation of a UTI. Although UTIs are more common in women, men can also be affected, especially with advancing age or underlying conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The itching at the head could be unrelated or possibly due to a systemic reaction or stress response.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses
    • Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland can cause burning during urination and could potentially cause systemic symptoms like itching due to an immune response or discomfort.
    • Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, often due to infection, can cause dysuria (painful urination) and might be accompanied by itching sensations, possibly due to discharge or irritation.
    • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Certain STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia can cause symptoms of burning during urination in men. Itching could be related to the infection itself or to secondary skin reactions.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses
    • Kidney Stones: While kidney stones might not directly cause itching at the head, they can cause severe pain and burning during urination if they obstruct the urinary tract. Missing this diagnosis could lead to severe complications, including kidney damage.
    • Testicular Cancer: Though less likely, testicular cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain or discomfort that might be perceived as burning, and systemic symptoms like itching due to paraneoplastic syndromes.
  • Rare Diagnoses
    • Reiter's Syndrome (Reactive Arthritis): A form of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection elsewhere in the body, often in the bowel or the urethra. It can cause a combination of arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis, and might include symptoms like itching due to skin lesions.
    • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): A chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the kidneys, skin, and joints. It could potentially cause a wide range of symptoms, including those described, though it would be an uncommon presentation.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.