Penis Allergies – Recognizing and Preventing Latex Reactions

In this day and age, sexual health is not something to be taken for granted.  Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) are, unfortunately, a reality all sexually active adults need to be aware of and take precautions against.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the incidence rate of new STI’s in the United States to be around 20 million cases annually. About 50% of those cases are occurring in individuals ages 15-24, with the other half occurring in those 25 years and older. While these figures are staggering, using condoms can drastically reduce one’s risk of transmitting such an infection. So what happens when doing the smart thing and using protection causes penis pain and discomfort? Unfortunately, penis allergies are a reality, so some men may need to find alternative methods of protection as part of their penis health care arsenal.

Condom Allergies: Are they for real?

While it may sound like a lame excuse to not use protection, some men – and women too – are legitimately allergic to latex.  Lubricants, spermicides and diaphragms can also trigger allergic reactions in some unlucky individuals. A negative reaction to these products may be instantaneous in highly sensitive individuals, or they may appear a few hours later, leaving the unfortunate victim wondering what may have happened to their manhood.

What Are the Symptoms?

An allergic reaction on the genitals is about as unpleasant as it sounds. Some of the possible symptoms include:

• Breaking out in a rash in the genital area
• Hives/red blotches
• Itchy skin
• Burning sensation on any skin touched by the condom
• Skin is overly sensitive and may be painful to the touch
• Unexplained respiratory symptoms such as: coughing, wheezing, sneezing
• Sudden runny nose or nasal discharge
• Feelings of light-headedness
• Disorientation
• Anaphylactic shock – this only occurs in cases of extreme latex sensitivity

In addition, repeated exposure may trigger the occurrence of blisters, as the body’s immune system tries to fight off the latex, and even men who have not previously had issues may develop a penis allergy over time.

A condom allergy may also lead to a urinary tract infection in some men. Symptoms of a UTI include:

• Burning during urination
• Itching
• Foul smelling urine
• Blood in urine

What to do if a latex allergy is suspected

Men who suspect they have a latex allergy should consult an allergist for testing to ensure the skin is reacting to the latex and not a different source. Since having unprotected sex drastically increases the risk of contracting an STI or resulting in an unplanned pregnancy, going au natural is not the best option.  Men should seek out non-latex condoms in order to protect themselves – and their partners – from unwanted sexual side effects. 

Two types of non-latex condoms exist as options for those allergic to latex.  Synthetic condoms, made with polyurethane, are deemed to be as safe as latex condoms by the CDC.  Lambskin condoms, also known as natural membrane condoms, are made from lamb cecum and do not contain latex. Natural membrane condoms are useful in preventing pregnancy, but it is important to note that the CDC and FDA has deemed them to be less effective in preventing the transmission of STI’s including HIV/AIDS.

Caring for a Latex Allergy

If the allergic reaction is severe, is causing difficulty breathing, or is extremely painful, medical attention should be sought immediately.  Anaphylactic shock can result in death if not treated immediately.  Milder allergic reactions, though uncomfortable and unpleasant, should clear up on their own without any medical intervention. Washing the affected area with gentle soap and water is effective in removing the allergen and preventing prolonged exposure, which will worsen the reaction.  Applying a penis health creme containing vitamins and minerals (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can also help soothe red, irritated skin while revitalizing the penis. Select one that contains vitamin E to help hydrate and repair itchy skin and quickly provide some much needed relief to the area.

Itchy Penis Coping Strategies – Do’s and Don’ts of Penis Care

In spite of the obvious pleasures that come from having a penis, most men are occasionally bothered by unpleasant problems like chafing, itching, redness, soreness, and general discomfort. An itchy penis is no joke, especially when a twitch in the boxers leaves men with an unbearable urge to scratch or readjust the package at the most inopportune times – during a high-stakes interview or in the middle of a steamy date, for example.

Men who are affected by itching on a regular basis may feel frustrated and embarrassed, but in most cases, the cause is simple and easily addressed. Following the right steps to maintain penis skin health can help to relieve the discomfort and irritation.

What causes an itchy penis?

Penis itching can be caused by multiple issues, from dry skin to a coating of sweat and body oils to allergies or infections. Some common causes of itching include hygiene-related issues, overly dry skin related to aggressive masturbation, reactions to a lube or a partner’s body fluids, sensitivity to the chemicals in lotions or soaps, or penis allergies to fabrics, environmental materials or latex.

Soothing the itch – do’s and don’ts

When the urge to scratch comes around, there are wrong ways and right ways to deal with it. Following these rules can help to soothe the irritation and prevent further problems from developing.

DON’T – scratch. While the need to rub and tear at the offending area may be overwhelming, scratching provides only moments of relief, and it can make the problem much worse. Scratching damages the skin, leaving room for infections to take hold, and if contact with an irritant is the problem, scratching tends to spread the material around and increase the itch rather than relieve it.

DO – identify the source – If sensitivity or a penis allergy to something in the environment is causing the problem, it is important to identify it and avoid contact whenever possible. Some potential culprits include synthetic fabrics, rough clothing, plants such as poison ivy or poison oak, and latex condoms. Latex allergies, in particular, are problematic for many men, even those who have used condoms without incident in the past.

DON’T – ignore open sores or blisters

If the itching and burning is accompanied by redness, open sores, blisters or other visible blemishes, it is a bad idea to assume that they will go away on their own. Skin lesions and bumps can be symptomatic of an underlying condition that may require medical treatment.

DO – see your doctor

Although most men tend to resist the idea of talking to a relative stranger about embarrassing skin problems, doctors have seen and heard it all and are able to view and discuss penis health in a matter-of-fact way. Skin itching and irritation may be caused by an infection or STD that requires medical treatment, so it is essential to get a professional opinion.

DO – use a penis health cream as part of the daily care routine

For men who have sensitive skin that is prone to drying, itching and irritation, special attention to penis care can help to alleviate the symptoms when they occur and boost the skin’s resistance to future problems.

To start with, keeping the area clean is essential. Washing away built-up dead skin cells, body oils and sweat can help to prevent chafing and irritation, and keeping the area well moisturized leaves skin soft, supple and well-hydrated. Skin that is moisturized is more resistant to irritation and infection. Use of an all-natural penis health cream (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) enriched with vitamins, amino acids and minerals, as well as natural emollients such as shea butter, is an effective way to promote soft, healthy skin.

Penis Allergies: When Sex Leads to Red, Itchy Welts

As couples share an amazing physical experience together, they might want to jump right back into the action as soon as an episode is over. But when sex leads to an itchy, red penis, a man can feel far from happy, and he might not be willing to go back for another round until he heals up. He might even be tempted to place blame on his partner, and this can lead to ugly scenes and relationship problems.

Finding the source of penis allergies might require the help of a doctor, but proper penis care could help men to heal quickly and feel better so that they can get right back in the action.

Common Triggers

Men with an after-sex rash are quick to assume that they're allergic to vaginal secretions. While an allergy like this is certainly possible, it's also quite rare. In fact, in most cases, the root cause of the discomfort isn't generated by the woman's body at all. Instead, the things a woman puts on her body could be to blame.

Ladies might use any of these products to make their bodies soft and inviting:

• Lotions
• Creams
• Perfumes
• Personal lubricants
• Powders
• Perfumed soaps

During sex, a man might come in contact with these irritants, and the delicate skin of the penis might react with a rash. Doctors can run specific tests to nail down exactly what might be causing this kind of distress, but in the interim, couples can draft an allergen-free pact and ensure that neither party is using a product that could cause a rash to emerge. Products marked with the words "hypoallergenic," "allergen free" or "perfume free" are good choices.

Birth Control Methods

Although latex condoms are the most common form of birth control and are necessary in avoiding STDs, many people are allergic to latex and may develop itchy, red, burning rashes when they're exposed. These allergies are most common in people who work in the health care industry, as they've been exposed to the substance when they are at work, using latex gloves all day long; but anyone could develop an allergy to this particular irritant.

Spermicides that line condoms, as well as products that are sprayed directly on reproductive tissues, can also contain chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. Even dyes used to color these products could be problematic for some people, causing breakouts that are hard to ignore.

Since allergies like this are somewhat common, manufacturers have responded by creating products that contain no latex and no other irritating ingredients. These products might be slightly more expensive, and some alternate condom materials might be somewhat fragile and apt to break under vigorous use, but they might be good options to try in a rash-eliminating program.

How to Heal

As mentioned, a doctor is the best person both to diagnose and to treat a penis rash. Through a series of tests, doctors can pinpoint what types of substances tend to trigger outbreaks, and they can work with clients to design treatment options that can heal the damage now and prevent problems from springing up in the future.

While waiting for the appointment time to arrive, men can soothe irritated skin with a cool soak. Water can wash away any remaining allergens and help inflamed tissues to shrink back to their normal size. Wearing breathable fabrics like cotton might also be helpful, as the inflamed skin might need to breathe in order to heal. Applying any ointment or lotion isn't advisable during an outbreak, as inflamed skin can be reactive and adding a new product could make finding the cause of the rash more difficult.

When the skin is calm, however, men might consider adding a penis health creme (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) to their treatment program. Products like this contain vitamins that can help skin to stay healthy and strong and heal more quickly after irritation or  injury; while natural emollients and moisturizers can keep the penis skin smooth, supple and responsive to touch.