Itchy Penis: What’s Happening Under Your Boxers

Have you ever been on a first date with an attractive partner only to find yourself thinking about one thing: how much your penis itches? If this is you, continue reading to find a few common causes of penis itchiness and a few remedies to heal that fiery burn. Penis health is so important, so thankfully, many of the causes of penile itching can be treated with a few lifestyle changes and normally do not include a trip to the emergency room unless the itchiness is presented with other symptoms, such as swelling, blood in the urine or semen or pain.

1) Male Yeast Infections can cause a funky smell beneath your boxers, not to mention a mighty itch. Although male yeast infections are not as common as those in females, they are caused by the same Candida yeast. Candida is normally present on moist skin, but having sex with a partner who has a yeast infection can transmit the infection back and forth. Make sure to always wear protection in order to fend off any infections.

2) Pubic Lice causes massive penis irritation, as the insects leave tiny red bites that are itchy or painful. You’ll know if you have pubic lice by the very intense itching and looking through a magnifying mirror to find the little critters. If you find yourself feeing fatigued, irritable or have any pain in the genital area, seek medical treatment to get rid of the pubic lice.

3) Contact Dermatitis is a condition that causes red, itchy and irritated skin after the skin comes into contact with a new lotion, soap, fragrance or detergent. Contact dermatitis can be contracted extremely easily, which is why it is so prevalent and causes an itchy penis. You can get this by wearing gloves, certain condoms, other peoples’ jewelry, and chemicals in cosmetic products. In order to combat this, use hypoallergenic products and only use sensitive soaps or detergents on that delicate genital skin.

4) Molluscum Contagiosum is a common virus that is passed through skin or sexual contact. Sharing things with other people, even simple things like mats at the gym, towels, eye-makeup or toiletry items can transmit this virus from one human to another. Even though this is painless, and you won’t be uncomfortable, this virus presents small bumps on the affected area, which can cause itching, dryness and flakiness. Take the proper precautions by wearing gloves and be forewarned that scratching that itching the pesky bumps can lead to the infection spreading to surrounding skin and increased scarring. Keep those fingers off!

5) Smegma is normal but can be very gross. It is caused by the build-up of moisture, oil, and skin cells on the shaft of the penis. For uncircumcised penises, it is a common problem underneath the foreskin. Smegma causes a thick sour-smelling discharge and can also cause redness and irritation, leading to dryness and itchiness. In order to prevent or rid yourself of smegma and dry, flaky skin, make sure to properly clean the penis and pay close attention to the folds of the skin if you are uncircumcised.

Consider your condom choice when determining the cause of your penile itchiness. Latex and spermicides can cause irritation and allergic reactions, so make it a point to use hypoallergenic condoms to combat any sort of irritation from other substances.

Properly cleaning your genitals is the most important thing to do to combat an itchy penis. If you have foreskin, clean it by pulling it back and thoroughly cleaning the tip of your penis as well. After correctly washing the genital area, pat dry the genital area with a towel until it is completely dry. Then, moisturize your skin with a product made specifically for skin, like a penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin). This particular health crème is a super weapon, containing vitamins and nutrients essential to the wellbeing of private area skin, like vitamin C, for collagen production, and Shea butter, which hydrates the skin leaving the area soft and smooth. Keep the penis skin clean, dry, and hydrated for optimal health.