Six Causes of Penis Rashes and How to Deal

Penis rashes are No Bueno. There’s redness, heat, irritation… and nothing, not even air, feels good on the skin. In addition to the discomfort, penis rashes can also sideline amorous pursuits and other activities, like sports. Thankfully, most penis rashes can be cleared up pretty easily and then avoided in the future. The following are six of the most common causes of penis rashes and how to remedy the issue with a little humor, common sense, and medical help in some cases.

1) Friction - Whether a man goes into overtime too often with a partner or playing solo, excessive contact and friction can irritate the penis and causes dry, broken skin which is commonly known as a rash. First on the docket, take a knee on penis-related activity until the rash is completely healed. Try using a cool compress to calm the rash and use a penis health crème to bring the skin back in balance. Once healed, be sure to stock a high-quality lubricant for future feats of sexual athleticism.

2) Foreign Bodies on and in the Body - Rashes can result from all sorts of allergens and irritants. It could be a man’s trendy new briefs, a new laundry detergent, or body wash that’s bringing the pain. To clear things up, clean the penis gently with a soft, clean, damp cloth. Do not use harsh soaps or scrub the inflamed skin. Moisturize, but only with natural products or creams specially formulated to be used on the penis as perfumes and other ingredients can make the irritation worse.

3) #PenisHeadProblems - Balanitis is a skin inflammation affecting the penis head and foreskin which tends to target uncircumcised men. It usually occurs when there's an accumulation of smegma under the foreskin. Smegma is a smelly combination of dead skin cells, body oils, and bacteria that concoct a funky off-white paste and attract bad-news bacteria that burrow into the delicate penis skin. The best way to treat and prevent balanitis? Like in the Army, clean and dry your gun daily and thoroughly. If the issue is pretty advanced, see a doctor for antibiotics to clear up the infection.

4) Fungal Infections - Nothing likes to snuggle quite like fungi. Fungus loves to nook into a man’s warm, moist places such the folds of skin. To keep fungi off your genitals, keep the area clean and dry. If the fungus has already invaded and taken root, see a doctor or pharmacist for an anti-fungal cream to clear up the infection.

5) Latex -- One in every six Americans claims to be allergic to latex. If a latex condom is used for sex, and itchiness, redness and rash are found on the penis afterward, the condom may be to blame. But that doesn't give anyone a license to ride bareback - there’s plenty of latex-free condoms on the market to protect against STI’s and pregnancy.

6) If Not Using #5…Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) - This is the cause no one wants to read about, but it’s more than valid. Penis rashes can be a symptom of an STI. Many STIs cause a penile rash, irritation, blisters, and peeling skin. STIs associated with penis rashes include genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts, and syphilis. Men who believe they may have contracted an STI should see their doctor or clinic immediately for testing and avoid any sexual contact until the results of the test are known. Once diagnosed, a doctor will prescribe the course of treatment.

Prevent Penis Rashes

Most penis rashes can be foregone with good hygiene habits and by practicing safe sex. Every man should cleanse the penis regularly and thoroughly (be sure to gently pull-down foreskin and wash this area too) with a gentle cleanser, warm water, and a soft cloth. Keep the groin area dry and air it out frequently. In fact, many men prefer to sleep in the nude to give the penis plenty of time to cool off and be free.

It also doesn’t hurt to moisturize the penis daily to promote penis health and keep penis rashes away. Using a specially created penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) will get any man close to having a clean, fresh, and supple penis. These cremes are nutrient-rich and contain vitamins like A, C, D, and E which have properties especially beneficial for penile health and healing.