Skin Irritation on the Penis: Causes, Treatments and Risk Factors

Full scale or just a patch, skin irritation on the penis can be a cause for concern and often results in a loss of focus and an extra helping 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 an irritated penis can be easily remedied and are nothing to worry about. Here are five common reasons for skin irritation on the penis and how to fix the lil’ fella right up.

1) Genital Area Infections – Nobody in the world likes to cuddle more than fungus. Give it a nice, warm, moist place to curl up, like the folds of the genital skin, and it will nestle right in. To keep jock itch and his other fungi friends out of the area, keep the genital area clean and dry. Post-invasion see a doctor for an anti-fungal cream to clear up the infection. To prevent future fungal shack-ups, shower regularly, clean thoroughly and keep the area dry and airy.

2) Too Much of a Good Thing – Too much sex or self-gratification may seem harmless, but it can result in red, cracking, irritated, penile skin. Unless a man likes that pins-and-needles feeling on his irritated penis, stop all activity immediately until the skin is back to normal. To get it back to soft and supple, use cool compresses to soothe the irritation and a penis health crème to repair and renew the skin. When all is good, be sure to practice moderation in all things and to use a good, water-based lubricant for especially energetic sensual shenanigans.

3) Latex Condoms – Something like 15% of all Americans is allergic to latex so a skin irritation on the penis due to latex is not at all uncommon. Now, the fix isn’t to stop using condoms (no dice, buddy), but it is to look for alternative condoms like polyurethane or polyisoprene which protect against STIs and pregnancy without the latex. To help the irritation, follow the same rules as in #2.

4) Balanitis – Balanitis is a skin inflammation which impacts the penis head and foreskin and is experienced more often by uncircumcised men. It’s caused by a build-up of smegma. Smegma is a stinky concoction of dead skin cells, body oils, and bacteria that marinate into an especially odorific off-white paste which harkens to bacteria to infect the delicate penile skin. The best way to treat and prevent balanitis is regular and thorough cleaning of the penis daily with a gentle cleanser. If the issue is out of control (such as the foreskin will not retract), a physician will prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection.

5) Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) – Cut and dry, an irritated penis can be a symptom of an STI. Several STIs manifest as a skin irritation on the penis and can be accompanied by a rash, blisters and peeling skin. STIs associated with an irritated penis 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.

Avert an Irritated Penis with These Tips

Most skin irritations on the penis can be prevented with good genital hygiene habits and practicing safe sex. Grooming should include cleansing the penis regularly and thoroughly with a mild cleanser and soft cloth. Keep the groin area dry and air it out frequently – many men prefer to sleep in the buff to give the area plenty of oxygen.

Habitually moisturizing the penis is also a critical step in penis health. Use a specially created penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) for a clean, renewed, and supple penis. These cremes are nutrient-rich and contain vitamins like A, C, D, and E which have properties especially advantageous for penile health and healing, which is ideal for keeping an irritated penis at bay. The crème’s base should be a natural moisturizer, like Shea butter, which leaves the penile skin completely hydrated and smooth.