Ten Potential Causes of Redness on the Penis and How to Treat It

Redness is rarely a sign of something good. However, redness on the penis can be a little more than just upsetting. When seeing their favorite appendage in a red state, many men worry it's something serious. While there are some serious issues that can be suggested by a red penis, most causes are harmless and nothing to worry about. Here are ten of the top causes of a red penis and how to treat it.

1) Bruising – Bruising of the penis after an injury is probably one of the leading causes of redness on the penis. Minor bruises will heal on their own and shouldn’t cause concern. More extensive bruises that may be the warning signal of a penis fracture and should be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible.

2) Overuse – Sometimes simple overuse, excessive sex or self-pleasure, can cause a red penis. This can also cause chaffing and irritation. Stop all activity, use cold compresses, and wear loose breathable clothing to heal.

3) Hematoma – A hematoma is kind of like a Gold Medal bruise, except the bruising, happens deep within the tissue of an organ. Hematomas can create a loss of blood flow and can also be quite dangerous. Seek out medical attention immediately.

4) Irritation – Simple irritation can cause a red penis. The cause could be new underwear, laundry detergent, or body wash that’s causing an issue. To clear things up, clean the penis gently with a clean, damp cloth and moisturize with an all-natural penis crème.

5) Jock Itch – Not just for jocks, jock itch is caused by a fungus. It searches out warm, moist, dark places, so the penis is an ideal place for this fungus to call home. Jock itch generally presents as an angry red, spreading rash with bumps and can be very itchy. To treat jock itch, pick up an anti-fungal crème especially for jock itch at the pharmacy.

6) Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation – If a man has noticed his skin starting to darken, it could be Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is just an overproduction of melanin in the penis area. This may look like a red penis for with lighter skin. PIH is temporary and usually fades with time but can also be treated with topical retinol or microdermabrasion.

7) Balanitis – Balanitis is an inflammation affecting the penis head and foreskin that overwhelmingly affects uncircumcised men and causes redness on the penis. An overabundance of smegma is usually to blame. The best way to treat and prevent balanitis is regular and thorough cleaning of the penis daily with a gentle cleanser. If the infection is far gone, seek medical attention for an antibiotic.

8) Psoriasis or eczema – Men who already have psoriasis or eczema on other parts of their bodies may also develop symptoms on the penis. Follow the current treatment plan or if this a new development, contact a physician.

9) Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) – Unfortunately, redness on the penis can sometimes mean an STI. Some STIs cause penile redness, rash, blisters, and flaky skin. STIs associated with penile redness include genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts, and syphilis. Men who think they may have contracted an STI should see a physician or clinic immediately for testing and avoid any sexual contact until the results are given.

10) Purpura – Despite sounding like a fancy purple flower, these reddish or purple blemishes on the penis could suggest several things like a bleeding or clotting issue, prescription side effects, blood vessel inflammation or nutritional deficits. See a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Red Penis Be Gone!

No matter the reason for a red penis, maintaining good hygiene is always the best way to keep red penis away. Cleanse with a gentle soap, being sure to thoroughly clean all parts of the penis, and rinse well.

After washing the skin, apply a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) . These specially formulated cremes calm irritation that causes redness on the penis and promotes hydration. Cremes should contain a natural hydration source like Shea butter to provide a base for smooth, balanced skin and to prevent irritation or allergens from non-natural sources. Look for cremes with added ingredients such as vitamins A, C, D, and E, which are noted for their skin-soothing and healing properties, also benefit penis health.