When that Penis Rash is a Penis Infection

Most men will develop a penis rash from time to time. It’s often the body’s natural reaction to a wide variety of things, from getting too hot to coming into contact with something the delicate skin doesn’t agree with to too much friction in the wrong places. A penis rash is so common that most men never think about going to the doctor to deal with it, and it usually goes away on its own when a man keeps up with his daily penis care.

But there are times when a penis rash is more than that. Sometimes a rash can indicate a penis infection, which must be tended to in a different way than a typical rash. But how can a man tell what is an everyday, run-of-the-mill penis rash and what is a more serious penis infection?

When a penis rash is serious

Understanding when a rash is serious is important. Here are times when the rash is actually a symptom of an infection:

1) Jock itch. Sometimes the first sign of this fungal infection is the redness and itching that often accompanies it. However, sometimes it can look like a rash at first, and that can make a man believe it’s nothing serious. Given that, he might use his towel to dry off the penis and surrounding area, then use it on other parts of his body, for instance - and that spreads jock itch to other areas. If a rash appears and begins to itch, and that itch never goes away, it might be jock itch.

2) Yeast infections. Contrary to popular belief, yeast infections aren’t just something women get. Men can also get yeast infections, which often present with terrible itching and burning. Another symptom is a rash that gradually becomes solid redness as the infection advances. Fortunately, yeast infections can be easily remedied with over the counter medications; more stubborn yeast infections can be treated with a quick prescription.

3) Some sexually transmitted diseases. Though most diseases contracted from a partner don’t lead to rashes, some of the more serious ones might if they are not treated in time. For instance, the second stage of syphilis infection can lead to a red or brown rash that appears in various areas of the body, not just on the genital area. This is the time when a person with syphilis is extremely infectious, and the infection has begun to affect their entire body. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important for those who are sexually active to get regular testing for a variety of sexually transmitted diseases.

4) Balanitis. This is a common infection that can happen to men who have their foreskin intact. It can show up as a rash around the head of the penis, and is often accompanied by swelling, pain and burning. It often occurs when a man has been a little lax with his penis care. Fortunately, this can often be reversed through stepping up the hygiene game and cleaning carefully under the foreskin every day, as well as using moisturizing crèmes to help hasten healing.

When a man suffers from a penis rash, he should start his treatment by improving hygiene and watching closely for changes. If the rash doesn’t go away soon, it’s a good idea to visit the doctor to rule out serious infections. In the meantime, a guy can reach for a moisturizing penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). A crème that contains powerful antioxidants like alpha lipoic acid and strong amino acids like L-carnitine can be a huge help. Healthy vitamins, such as A, C and D, can also go a long way toward keeping the skin as healthy as possible.

How to Tell a Partner about Penis Infections

Every man wants to avoid a penis infection, and that’s part of the reason most men adhere to very good penis care regimens. Avoiding sexually transmitted diseases is one of the main reasons a man uses a condom at each and every encounter (or if he doesn’t, he knows he should!). But sometimes, despite a man’s best efforts, he could wind up with a penis infection. Some of these can be easily treated, but others will be with him for life, and can dramatically change how he lives his life in the future.

One of the most unpleasant parts of a penis infection is having to tell former and current partners about the condition. These individuals deserve to know about what is going on so they can get themselves tested and take other steps to protect their own health. But for the person who has to tell them, breaking the news is definitely not an easy matter.

Here are some tips to help the man who must tell a former or current partner about sexually transmitted diseases that he might have shared with them.

1) Be absolutely sure. Don’t tell them just on a hunch that a disease might be present. Have the tests, then have the results in hand when making that call.

2) Call or tell them in person. Though it might be tempting to send an email, it’s always best to tell them in person, if possible, so they can ask questions immediately. If in-person won’t work, call them. And if that won’t work, try texting them with a request to talk - now.

3) Don’t lay blame. Odds are that if a man has a sexually transmitted disease, he’s not entirely sure where it came from. If there was only one partner, then obviously it could be clear - but even so, never lay blame on another person when calling to tell them the news. The idea is to get them concerned for their health and get them to get tested, not to make them feel defensive or ashamed.

4) Get the word out fast. Not only do they need to know, they need to know yesterday - so make sure to get the word to them as soon as possible. This can help them get the care they need much sooner, and can prevent them from passing it on to someone else if it turns out they do have the sexually transmitted disease.

5) Come prepared with answers. There will be many questions, of course, and most of them need to be answered by their doctor. But a man might be able to provide some insight to the partner when he mentions the disease. For instance, a guy who has been diagnosed with gonorrhea can reassure their partner that it can be cured, as long as they get to the doctor quickly and take the medication as directed.

6) Be ready for emotion. The very idea of a sexually transmitted disease can make someone feel anxious, depressed, angry, horrified, ashamed, defensive and many other emotions - sometimes all at once! And when that emotion hits, they are likely to vent on the most convenient target, which happens to be the guy who just called them with the bad news. So be prepared to listen to what they have to say yet stay calm and cool, even when dealing with that tidal wave of emotion.

Finally, a man should take every step possible to make sure he never has to make that kind of phone call or visit again. He can do this by practicing even better penis care than he has in the past, including always wrapping up the member when it’s time to get busy.

And of course, daily care matters as well. He can help ensure a strong, healthy penis with a good penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). This crème should contain a plethora of protective ingredients, such as L-arginine for better blood flow and oxygenation, alpha lipoic acid to fight free radicals and vitamin A to eradicate bacteria.

Penis Infection Quiz – How Much Do Men Know About Penile Health?

There are dozens of types of penis infections and all of them respond individually to different types of treatment. That's why it's vital for men to know about the various types of diseases that can affect their penile health, as well as the penis care steps they should take to avoid potentially serious illness.
To get started, this quiz offers a look at the most common infections that can attack the penis. Men can test their knowledge here by matching the diseases with the descriptions. Answers are provided at the end of the quiz. Good luck!

Key Terms
 
1) Syphilis
2) Yeast infection
3) Gonorrhea
4) Human papilloma virus
5) Trichomoniasis
6) Urinary tract infection
7) Chlamydia
8) Herpes

Definitions
 
A) This type of infection is more commonly associated with women, but men are also frequently affected. It can be passed from one partner to another during sex, although it is not specifically considered as a sexually transmitted disease. It is characterized by burning, itching, redness, and a whitish, chunky discharge. Men who are affected should be treated with antifungal medications, and their partners should be treated at the same time.

B) The parasite Trichomonas vaginalis causes this type of infection; men who are affected may also be more vulnerable to other social diseases. It often causes no symptoms at all, but it can be passed on to a partner, so regular testing is a must for all sexually active individuals.

C) This type of penis infection makes urination really uncomfortable; men may experience a burning sensation, as well as a frequent urge to urinate, often with little urine produced and a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty. Antibiotics are used to treat this infection; failure to treat it can lead to scarring of the urethral tissue and bladder, and may even lead to kidney infection.

D) This type of infection causes the appearance of blisters or open sores that tend to weep fluid and crust over. The sores may or may not be painful. While outbreaks of the sores may come and go, and some men never display any symptoms, the condition is always highly contagious. There is no cure for this viral infection, but medications can be used to keep the symptoms under control.

E) This STD can be hard to spot, as many men who are infected have no symptoms at all. Common symptoms when they do appear include itching, redness, discharge, fever, headache and urinary pain. Lab tests can positively identify this infection, which is easily treatable with antibiotics.

F) This is the most commonly reported STD in the United States. Symptoms of this problem include penile discharge and pain, and bleeding might also occur. This issue can be treated with medications.

G) This STD causes colorless, painless warts that look a little like mushrooms or cauliflowers. A man might have one, two or a hundred of these welts, and he could pass them along through sex. This type of infection has been linked to some types of cancer, so men who see these spots are encouraged to see a doctor. Men who are vaccinated against the disease before they become sexually active may be less likely to develop certain types of penile cancer.

H) The bacteria Treponema pallidum causes this particular type of STD. Men with this condition develop a hard, firm sore that typically doesn't hurt or itch; a spreading rash may also occur. Left untreated, this disease can lead to serious symptoms, including loss of cognitive function and eventually death. It's certainly serious, but when treated in the early stages with antibiotics, most patients make a full recovery.

Scoring
 
1) H
2) A
3) E
4) G
5) B
6) C
7) F
8) D

Reading up on penis infections isn't easy, but it might motivate men to take better care of their intimate tissues. A penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help. Quality products provide the nutrients men need in order to build soft, smooth and sensitive skin, and applying a product daily gives a man an opportunity to check his equipment for symptoms of infection. That could be just the sort of thing that helps a man to catch problems early, so he can stay healthier longer.

Penis Infection Warning Signs - When to Tell a Partner

Penis infections are something no man wants to deal with. A sore penis is bad enough, but contracting a contagious problem can be life altering. Taking precautions to ensure optimal penis health is essential. However, if problems do appear, it's equally important to understand whether the condition is serious enough to necessitate contacting any recent sexual partners.

Shrug off the stigma.
Since penis infections are considered embarrassing, it can be tempting for men to shrug off the issue as insignificant and self-contained. Too often, guys will ask themselves, "Why should I tell anyone else I know about my problem?"

The answer, of course, is that penis health problems can result from sexual contact and be transmitted from one person to another. Past partners must be informed so that they can check themselves for any signs of infection, seek proper medical treatment if necessary, and alert any of their recent partners as well.

Spread the word, fast.
When a man is diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease or infection, he has an obligation to inform his prior partners as quickly as possible. Often, timing can be crucial. The earlier a serious genital infection is detected and treated, the higher a person’s odds of recovery are.

Cover all bases.
While most people consider in-person exchanges the best way to share sensitive information, phone calls, emails and even text messages should not be ruled out if a partner is unable to meet up or is unresponsive to initial contact. Of course, emailing or texting alarming news to a partner should be considered a last resort: many people might find this rude or insensitive. But if a man’s options are limited, he should take advantage of every means of communication at his disposal.

Know what STDs look like.
In general, a man should contact his partners if he has contracted any of the following:

• A "major" sexually transmitted disease, such as gonorrhea or syphilis. Often the first sign of these conditions is pain in the penis - especially when urinating - as well as swollen lymph nodes in the genital area. With gonorrhea, there may also be a thick, white, green or yellow discharge from the urethra, while syphilis often results in a hard sore (about the size of a button or a dime) on the penis.

• Genital herpes . This virus usually begins as itchy red spots on and around the penis. But they will often evolve into tender red blisters.

• Yeast infection , also known as thrush or candida. Yeast infections often present themselves as red or white spots on the penis. The skin may become dry, cracked, and painful to touch. Some men can also develop blisters with a penile yeast infection.

• Scabies . A highly contagious and often extremely itchy condition, Scabies is caused by mites that burrow and lay eggs in a person’s skin. Scabies is usually accompanied by a straight-line of red itchy bumps or rashes. .

• Pubic lice . Commonly known as crabs, pubic lice can cause a tremendous amount of itching and discomfort. One indication of public lice is the appearance of tiny brown flecks in the pubic hair. These are actually lice eggs.

Sometimes a man may notice physical changes in his penis that are unrelated to contagious infections. For instance, many men worry when they find Fordyce spots: small, harmless white bumps that are really sebaceous glands. Or PPP (pearly penile papules), which resemble little white domes of skin that form in rings around the glans, on their penises. These conditions are neither serious nor contagious, and there’s no urgent need to let any partners know of them.

Penis infections can be avoided through proper hygiene and the use of condoms and other preventive measures. Keeping the penis healthy should be a top priority for every man. Applying a quality penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can improve overall penis health. Look for a cream that contains L-arginine, a powerful enzyme that can augment the oxygenation of penis cells. Men should also consider any products with vitamin A, which has anti-bacterial properties that can help reduce unwanted penis odor.

First Time Sex - A Beginner's Guide for Men

When it comes to first time sex, whether it is the FIRST first time or the beginning of an intimate relationship with a new partner, there is almost as much anxiety as there is excitement. Both men and women may worry about whether their partner will find them attractive, whether they will be able to please them, and whether any of a thousand things might go wrong. In the vast majority of cases, things tend to work themselves out, but keeping the following tips in mind for how to proceed, as well as how to keep the penis healthy and ready for action, can take away some of the first-time jitters.

5 tips for first time sex:
 
1. Make sure she is ready, too. Generally, two people have a fairly good idea when they are mutually ready for sex, but if one partner is not as comfortable as the other, jumping in before both are on board can have serious consequences, both for the individuals and for the relationship. Although it may be more romantic to simply allow nature to take its course, communication is key. It’s best to talk things over thoroughly, in an open and understanding manner, to make sure that everyone is on the same page.

2. Maintain reasonable expectations. Although some men wish it were otherwise, sex with a live partner is not much like the wild action often portrayed in adult films. In the cinematic world, all of the action is choreographed, with the advantage of extra takes and do-overs any time things don’t go exactly as planned. Real people, however - especially those who have not yet established familiarity with one another’s bodies - can be more or less clumsy and awkward. It’s best to keep a sense of humor and laugh at any moments like this, rather than allowing them to become a point of tension in the proceedings.

3. Use protection. He might be clean. She might be clean. Both partners want to extend a show of trust. But any time there is intimate contact, there is a chance to spread a communicable disease, so protection is a MUST for everyone, unless they are in a committed, monogamous relationship (and are open to the idea of a pregnancy, since protection is also meant to address this issue as well).

4. Expect the unexpected. In the heat of the moment, various things can go wrong. She may not be lubed enough, or he may - despite the level of excitement - find that he cannot get hard enough to enter (at least not right away). Also, first-time encounters may be a little too exciting, and men may find themselves going over the edge before they have been inside long enough to really get the action going - or before they even get inside at all. This is, of course, embarrassing, but it is best to take it in stride and to maintain a sense of humor. After all, a couple can always try again (and again, and again), and making an issue out of a first-time fail is only going to create discomfort and tension.

5. Prep the penis. To make sure the penis is attractive, primed and ready for action as soon as it is called for, proper care is needed. A daily wash is the place to start, because no woman really wants to get up close and personal with a cheesy, smelly package. Use a mild soap and rinse with warm, not hot water, making sure to remove any smegma. While some women do enjoy a thick hedge of hair, a good rule of thumb is to keep the short hairs closely trimmed - this will present the penis in the best possible light, as well as reducing the risk of unpleasant smells. Finally, use a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) every day as a follow-up to a bath or shower. A cream that is enriched with vitamins, moisturizers and amino acids can help keep the tool looking smooth and attractive, reducing the appearance of dry skin, splotches, irritation and other unsightly blemishes that can put a damper on a romantic evening.

Painful Urination in Men - Is Penis Infection to Blame?

For most men, a pain-free tinkle is something that is taken for granted. That is, of course, until a painful urination episode occurs. This condition can leave a man wondering, what are the causes of pain during urination? Is it common in men, or is it something to worry about? When is it cause for concern? All these questions and more are answered below, as well as a few helpful tips for keeping the penis healthy and pain free.

What are some causes of pain during urination?
Anytime a painful or burning sensation occurs during urination, there is something out of the ordinary going on. Painful urination may be related to any of the following conditions:
1. bladder infection;
2. kidney infection;
3. prostatitis;
4. urinary tract infection;
5. urethritis,
6. enlarged prostate;
7. stones;
8. sexually transmitted infection.

How common is it in men?
While it is true that painful urination tends to be less common in men than it is in women, it is not so rare that a man will show up in a textbook if he feels like he is peeing fire. Nearly all men will experience a bout of it at one time or another in their lifetime, though men with chronic prostate or urethra conditions may be more prone to the condition than others.

Is this something to worry about? Is a doctor’s visit necessary?
Painful urination may clear up on its own easily - though it could be an unpleasant few days. If painful urination is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, it is definitely time to high-tail it to the doc: fever, blood in urine, serious back pain, passing of a stone, discharge from penis, or painful urination that persists for more than a day or two. If a sexually transmitted infection is suspected, it is especially important to be checked out, as these are easily transmitted to partners and can have serious side effects if not treated properly.

How is it treated?
That depends on what the doctor determines the cause to be. For an infection, the doc might prescribe antibiotics to clear it up; he may also provide painkillers in instances where the pain is severe. Pain caused by more serious conditions such as prostate issues, obviously, will require a more intensive treatment regimen.

Is there any way to prevent pain during urination from occurring and keep the penis healthy?
Using condoms is a good way to prevent STI’s; changing laundry detergents may also be a solution for men experiencing recurrent infections with no clear cause. Certain foods are associated with bladder irritation, and therefore pain during urination; avoiding these foods may help eliminate the occurrence of painful urination. Reducing or cutting out alcohol, caffeine, tomato products, artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, and acidic food such as citrus fruits may calm the bladder and allow it to heal. Upping one’s intake of water significantly can also help flush toxins from the urinary tract; additionally, cranberry juice can help support a healthy bladder.

Using a daily penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can also aid in the overall health of the penis. Applying a penis lotion, particularly one containing vitamin A, can help prevent the spread of bacteria that is often responsible for infections. Vitamin A has known antibacterial properties, which helps reduce the number of bacteria in the area thereby reducing the chance of infection. To properly use, simply wash the entire genital area with mild soap and water and generously slather on the penis lotion immediately upon exiting the shower. It is as easy as that to protect the penis and keep it healthy.

Foreskin Care for Better Health – Recognizing and Dealing with Common Problems

The foreskin is more than just an extra flap of skin at the end of the penis. This bit of tissue, also known as the prepuce, plays an important role in penis health. From birth, it protects the glans penis (or head) from the outside world, helping to prevent injury and preserving sensitivity.

While circumcision, or surgical ablation of the foreskin, is common practice in a number of cultures, most males retain their foreskin. In order to prevent problems from developing and keep the skin clean and healthy, recognizing potential problems and carrying out adequate foreskin care is an important part of every man’s personal hygiene regimen.

General foreskin care

In babies, there is no need to wash under the foreskin; the area should simply be cleaned like any other part of the body. Changing wet or soiled diapers right away is important to prevent these materials from irritating sensitive skin.

As the foreskin begins to separate from the glans, younger boys can be taught to clean underneath to remove any built-up body fluids and dead skin cells that may accumulate. The foreskin should never be retracted forcefully, as this can result in tearing and the formation of scar tissue.

For most children, the foreskin retracts by age 2, although it is not uncommon for parts of it to stick; this is usually resolved by the time the child reaches puberty.

Older teens and adults should retract the foreskin fully and clean away any smegma each time they shower. The skin underneath should be allowed to dry thoroughly before replacing the sheath, as damp skin is more prone to bacterial and fungal infections.

Common problems that can affect the foreskin

Some of the most common issues that can affect the prepuce are as follows:

• Phimosis – the foreskin cannot be retracted fully. This can result in chronic infections, tearing and pain during intercourse, and impaired urination. Men can often resolve the problem by gently retracting the skin a little bit at a time – in the shower is a good idea – until the sheath can be pulled back normally. In some cases, surgical treatment may be the best option.

• Paraphimosis – the foreskin becomes stuck behind the crown of the penis. This is generally treated as an emergency condition, as the trapped skin may cut off circulation to the glans.

• Zipper injury – nearly every male will experience this painful problem at least once. Catching the foreskin or any other part of the penis in a zipper can be excruciatingly painful, but rarely causes serious problems. Men who catch a bit of skin in their jeans should never try to pull it out forcefully; oiling the zipper and skin and waiting for it to slip out on its own is the best option.

• Balanitis – Irritation and infection of the glans can occur when the area under the foreskin is not kept clean and dry.

• Inflammation – Rough masturbation, lack of lubrication during sex, or forcing the skin back can result in a red, swollen, painful foreskin. Certain chemicals, such as those found in some soaps or detergents, may also cause inflammation. Using a personal lube, moisturizing the penis, and using natural detergents and personal hygiene products can help to reduce recurrences of this problem.

Boosting overall penis health

In addition to normal care of the prepuce, men can take steps to keep the foreskin especially supple and maintain its elasticity, as well as preventing the cracking and drying that are common among uncircumcised men. Investing in a high-quality penis vitamin cream  (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can provide the skin of the penis with the vital nutrients and soothing emollients it needs to stay healthy, resilient and responsive.

Understanding Penis Pain - Why Yeast Infections Occur in Men

Regardless of how in or out of tune a man is with his own body, one thing he is sure to never miss is penis pain and abnormal discharge.  There are numerous reasons for such an occurrence, ranging from a mild infection, to a sexually transmitted disease, to a serious medical condition such as cancer.  One such condition – which luckily is very treatable – is the common yeast infection.  Though a yeast infection may not cause serious health side effects, it can easily be passed from partner to partner, making it very important to pop in to the doctor and get treated if a yeast infection is suspected.  While it is likely that most men will encounter a yeast infection at some point in their lives, engaging in a daily penis health routine will not only alert him to sudden changes, but may decrease the frequency of similar annoying, uncomfortable ailments.

What is a yeast infection… don’t they only occur in women?

While a yeast infection tends to be more common in women – and more readily spotted– it is an infection many men can get, as well.  In fact, some men actually carry a yeast infection without even knowing it, as they are asymptomatic.  Men who show no symptoms are (obviously) more likely to pass it to their partners, which is sometimes how a man finds out he had it to begin with.

A yeast infection is an infection caused by the fungus Candida; in men, it occurs on the penis. Despite the unpleasant images the thought of a fungus may bring up for most people, it is actually a normal part of the healthy environment and found on the skin of most people.  Generally, the immune system keeps the fungus from turning into an infection, but certain circumstances lead to an infection.

What causes a yeast infection?

• Compromised Immunity:  Having a compromised immune system makes one more susceptible to any type of infection, including a yeast infection.  Certain issues cause chronic immunodeficiency including: an underactive thyroid gland, HIV, Lyme disease, mononucleosis, and even chronic stress.

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are prescribed to kill invading bacteria -- which cause infection.  Unfortunately, an antibiotic medication is unable to discern between good bacteria and bad bacteria. Thus, it may target the wrong kind, allowing a yeast infection to occur.

• Diabetes: This is another chronic medical condition known to be associated with yeast infections.  The elevated sugar levels in a diabetic’s urine creates an environment in which yeast tends to thrive.

• Sexual Transmission: While not considered a sexually transmitted infection, yeast infections can be passed from male to female and female to male during sex.

What are the symptoms?

In certain men, no symptoms ever present and he may not discover he has a yeast infection until his partner becomes symptomatic.  Treatment is still recommended for these men, however; otherwise, they will continue to re-infect their partner.  For men who do show signs of yeast infection, symptoms include:

• Severe itching around the head of the penis
• Irritation and soreness of the head of the penis
• White, cheesy discharge
• Redness of the head of the penis
• Blistering on the head of the penis

How to care for the penis

The best way to prevent a penile yeast infection is to use protection during sex, particularly if one’s partner suspects a yeast infection is present.  A quick round of antifungal medication is commonly prescribed to treat the infection, so an infected penis is as good as new in no time.  Keeping the genital area dry is also an important tip to preventing yeast infections, as the yeast that is naturally on one’s penis tends to thrive – and grow – in warm, moist conditions.  Maintaining proper penis hygiene by thoroughly washing the penis regularly with mild soap and water may help prevent excessive bacteria which can eventually lead to infection.  Additionally, the use of a penis health formula full of vitamins and minerals (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can also keep the penis healthy. Choose one with Vitamin A, which has anti-bacterial properties and may help keep infections away.

Penis Health 101 - Common Dermatological Terms And What They Mean

Talking to a doctor about any type of problem with the penis is not an easy task in the first place, and this uncomfortable situation it is made all the more difficult when attempting to describe the issue and answer questions about penis related symptoms. Some basic knowledge about common penis skin conditions and the medical terms that are related to them can help in explaining symptoms more accurately and increase the chances of getting the right treatment.

Abrasion - A superficial injury that affects only the outer dermal tissue; a scrape.

Abscess – A localized accumulation of pus.

Balanitis – Inflammation of the glans (head) of the penis.

Collagen – The structural protein that makes up most of the dermal tissue.

Connective tissue – The skin and underlying tissue.

Crust – Dried fluid on the skin’s surface; a scab.

Cyst – A bulb-like nodule that may be filled with fluid.

Dermal – Related to the skin.

Dermatosis – Skin disease.

Dermis – The median layer of dermal tissue, found underneath the epidermis.

Elastin – The elastic-like connective tissue that returns stretched skin to its original position.

Epidermis - The outer layer of skin.

Excoriation – An abrasion caused by scratching.

Exfoliation – Peeling of the skin.

Fissure – A thin crack in the outer layers of skin, usually due to excessive dryness.

Follicle- The skin cells and connective tissue that surround the root of a hair.

Foreskin – The fold of skin that protects the head of the penis.

Folliculitis – Inflammation of the follicles.

Glans – The head or tip of the penis.

Hyperkeratosis – An accumulation of dead skin cells, also known as scaling.

Keratin – The protein that makes up most of the epidermis, hair and nails.

Lesion – Any area of altered skin.

Lichenification - Discoloration of the skin due to chronic rubbing; common in the groin area.

Maceration – Moist, peeling skin.

Nodule – A solid lesion that measures more than 1 cm in diameter.

Papule – A small lesion, usually less than 1 cm in diameter, that can be felt above the surface of the skin. They may occur in groups.

Pearly penile papules – Clusters of translucent papules that occur around the crown of the penis.

Posthitis – Inflammation of the foreskin.

Prepuce – The foreskin, or fold of skin covering the head of the penis.

Pustule – A collection of pus that may be white or yellow. Does not always indicate an infection.

Rash – A widespread eruption of lesions.

Scaling – An increase in the number of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.

Sebaceous glands – Produce an oily substance known as sebum, which may be excreted from the follicles, particularly on the face and in the genital area.

Skin tag - A small, soft piece of hanging skin, often on a stalk, that frequently occurs in folds of skin such as the groin area.

Urethra – The opening at the tip of the penis.

Wart – A small, hard growth on the skin, caused by a virus; these may be sexually transmitted, but not in all cases.

Caring for the penis skin

Whatever the problem, it is important to keep in mind that self-diagnosis is generally not a good idea. Unless the cause of the problem is obvious (catching the skin in a zipper, for instance), penile skin issues should be examined by a qualified medical provider. In the meantime, caring for the penis skin by washing carefully, choosing loose-fitting undergarments made from natural fabrics, and keeping the dermal tissue soft and resilient with a high quality penis health formula (most health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) may help to prevent minor skin problems from occurring in the first place and speed healing when they do appear.