Intertrigo Can Mean an Itchy Penis

A guy may think that an itchy penis is meant to be scratched, but most women on a date with him would disagree – which is one reason why keeping an itchy penis away is crucial, along with the fact that sometimes an itchy penis indicates a penis health problem. The kinds of itchiness and the reasons for that itchiness can be many and varied; one of the less common reasons is something called intertrigo. To learn more about it, simply read on.

About intertrigo

Intertrigo is a kind of inflammatory rash (making it a form of dermatitis) that is most often found in areas where skin rubs against other skin. Armpits are a popular place for intertrigo, as are the neck, thighs and buttocks. The penis and balls are also prime targets for intertrigo.

Basically, intertrigo occurs when bacteria or another agent, such as a fungus, meets folds of skin that rub against each other. For example, men who are overweight may find that the underside of their “spare tire” develops a rash of intertrigo from rubbing against the pubic pad. Areas where skin folds in on itself or meets other skin is ideal for intertrigo, because such areas tend to be warm and moist, which is what the agents that cause intertrigo need to develop and grow.

The rash that denotes intertrigo tends to be reddish, sometimes very bright, looks quite raw, and can cover a fairly significant area of skin. It tends to be sore and, as can be deduced for its role in creating an itchy penis, often wants to scratched. In some cases the irritation of the skin rubbing against skin may cause the rash to ooze a liquid.

On the penis, the intertrigo may come from the penis rubbing against the balls, the thigh or other nearby parts; however, it is more often due to penis skin rubbing against itself when the penis is a flaccid “accordion” style stage. The presence of stray drops of urine on the penis often accounts for the bacteria that causes the condition.

Embarrassingly, intertrigo is known in children by the name diaper rash – a name that adults may not care to have attached to their skin condition.

Treatment

Most of the time, intertrigo responds to simple self-care treatments. These include:

- Washing the affected area with a mild soap and water.

- Patting the area dry and keeping it as dray as possible. Ideally, the affected area needs to be exposed to the air, something that may be difficult to do when it occurs on the penis.

“Airing out” by sleeping naked may help, as can using absorbent powders to help keep the area dry.

- Using zinc oxide over a hydrocortisone cream twice a day usually helps speed recovery.

In some instances, intertrigo may be stubborn; if it persists for more than two weeks or becomes especially irritated, it’s best to see a doctor, who will likely prescribe steroids as a first step.

Although intertrigo can cause an itchy penis, it is best to avoid scratching if possible. The irritation from scratching simply delays the healing process.

When a man has an itchy penis, whether from intertrigo or not, it often means the penis skin is dry and could benefit from a regular regimen that includes a top flight penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Search the ingredients list and be sure the selected product includes both a high end emollient (such as shea butter) and a natural hydrating agent (such as vitamin E). The skin also can be protected if the crème contains a potent antioxidant, such as alpha lipoic acid. This can help prevent damage from oxidative stress from the presence of too many free radicals.

Got an Itchy Penis? It Might be Intertrigo

Every man is quite familiar with the occasional itchy penis problem. In most cases the cause is quite simple, and getting a quick shower, washing the sheets, or even changing underwear can be enough to end the problem right then and there. Men who practice good penis care always notice when something is not quite ‘right’ where it matters.

So if a man wakes up with a terribly itchy penis and looks down to see redness as well, it is definitely not the usual kind of day. A man who sees redness, itchiness, blotches on the skin and sensitivity or pain might be suffering from a condition called intertrigo.

What is intertrigo?
 
Intertrigo is an unusual problem, but one that can lead to itching, pain, redness and more in as little as a few hours. It is a spreading, red rash that occurs anywhere skin rubs together. It usually happens in areas of the body that are moist or very warm, such as between folds of skin, under the arms, between the toes or even in the groin. The skin will quickly become red and irritated, and soon that leads to much more severe symptoms, such as a spreading, blotchy rash.

Without proper care, intertrigo gets worse. The skin becomes more sensitive and painful as time goes on, and might begin to develop red sores that are quite warm and might even smell bad. Those sores can become worse very quickly, and wind up oozing, cracking or bleeding.

What can be done about it?
 
A man who develops intertrigo on the penis obviously has much more to worry about than the itch. The first step to stopping the problem is to give the body a thorough cleaning with lukewarm water. Spending a great deal of time in the shower, letting the water run over the red spots, can help ease the pain and itching.

Next, it is vitally important to dry off completely, and keep the area as dry as possible. A man can ‘air out’ the area by wearing no clothes and sitting in such a way that his penis doesn’t touch his thighs. If he doesn’t have the option of doing this, he can wear loose-fitting clothing and use powder to prevent further friction in the affected area.

It is important to remember that as intertrigo gets worse, it can lead to infections or invasions of bacteria and yeast in the affected area, which then leads to even more problems. A man who is dealing with intertrigo should watch for worsening symptoms and head to the doctor if necessary.

Fighting the problem with good hygiene
 
Good hygiene is the key to alleviating the itchy penis and other symptoms caused by this skin condition. A man should shower at least once a day to clean the area, pat the skin dry very thoroughly, and air it out as much as possible. During sleep, placing a thin piece of cotton fabric between the thighs and the penis can help keep the friction to a minimum, and using powder will work when a man is wearing clothing.

Once the penis begins to heal, a man can help ensure the best possible manhood health with a high-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . He should look for one that contains vitamin A, which is known for odor-fighting properties, as well as alpha-lipoic acid, which fights against the free radicals that can lead to premature signs of aging. Other vitamins and nutrients, including vitamins C, D and B5 in a Shea butter base, can provide many other powerful benefits. By applying a high-end crème every day, a man can ensure he is keeping his penis as healthy as possible.