On a large scale or just a patch, skin irritation on the penis can be a cause for concern, often resulting in a loss of focus and an added serving of discomfort. It’s also not something a man tends to want to show off while “entertaining.” Here’s the good news: Most causes of a sore penis are easily remedied and nothing to worry about. Here are five common reasons for penile skin irritation and how to fix it.
1) Genital Area Infections – No one in the world likes to cuddle more than mushrooms. Give her a nice, warm, moist place to curl up, like the folds of her genital skin, and she’ll settle right in. To keep jock itch and its other fungal friends out of the area, keep the genital area clean and dry. After the invasion, see a doctor for an antifungal cream to clear the infection. To prevent future fungal buildup, shower regularly, clean thoroughly, and keep the area dry and airy.
2) Too much of a good thing – Too much sex or oneself–The gratification may seem harmless, but it can lead to redness, cracking, and irritation of the penile skin. Unless a man likes that tingling sensation on his irritated penis, stop all activity immediately until the skin returns to normal. To make it soft and supple again, use cool compresses to soothe irritation and a penis health cream to repair and renew the skin. When all is well, be sure to practice moderation in all things and use a good water-based lube for especially spirited sensual antics.
3) Latex condoms – Something like 15% of all Americans are allergic to latex, so skin irritation on the penis due to latex is not uncommon. Now the solution is not to stop using condoms (there are no dice, mate), but to look for alternative condoms like polyurethane or polyisoprene that protect against STIs and pregnancy without the latex. To help irritation, follow the same rules as #2.
4) Balanitis – Balanitis is an inflammation of the skin that affects the head of the penis and the foreskin and is most often experienced by uncircumcised men. It is caused by a buildup of smegma. Smegma is a stinky mix of dead skin cells, body oils and bacteria that marinate in a particularly odorous whitish paste reminiscent of bacteria to infect the delicate skin of the penis. The best way to treat and prevent balanitis is regular deep cleaning of the penis every day with a mild cleanser. If the problem is out of control (for example, the foreskin won’t retract), a doctor will prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection.
5) Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – Cut and dry, an irritated penis can be a symptom of an STI. Several STIs manifest as irritation of the skin of the penis and may be accompanied by rashes, blisters, and peeling of the skin. STIs associated with an irritated penis include genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts, and syphilis. Men who think they may have contracted an STI should see their doctor or clinic immediately to get tested and avoid any sexual contact until the test results are known. Once diagnosed, a doctor will prescribe the course of treatment.
Avoid an irritated penis with these tips
Most penile skin irritations can be prevented with good genital hygiene and safe sex. Grooming should include regular and thorough cleaning of the penis with a mild cleanser and soft cloth. Keep the groin area dry and air it out frequently; many men prefer to sleep naked to give the area enough oxygen.
Regular penile hydration is also a critical step in penile health. Use a specially created penis health cream (Health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven to be safe and gentle on the skin) for a clean, renewed and supplemented penis. These creams are rich in nutrients and contain vitamins such as A, C, D and E which have particularly beneficial properties for penile health and healing, which is great for keeping an irritated penis at bay. The base of the cream should be a natural moisturizer, such as shea butter, which leaves the skin of the penis completely hydrated and smooth.