Rash on Penis: Could it be Herpes?

When a man notices a rash on his penis, he’s likely to get very concerned - and for good reason. Those most rashes on or around the penis are benign and will go away after a few days, some of them are more serious. That can be the case with a herpes rash, which can progress to something very painful and unpleasant. Any man who is sexually active might wonder at some point if a rash on his penis is herpes. Here’s what everyone needs to know about this condition.

The Basics on Herpes

First, a basic primer: Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. More than 50 percent of Americans have HSV-1, which is the form of herpes that causes sores in the mouth. These ulcers are usually called cold sores or fever blisters. There are many over the counter medications designed to help reduce the problem. This strain of herpes is quite common.

Genital herpes is not so common. A little less than 20 percent of people in the United States have HSV-2, which is the form of herpes that causes genital herpes outbreaks. For many people, herpes is quite mild, and a lot of those infected might have no idea they have it. For others, it can be more severe, leading to blisters and lesions on the penis.

Penis Care with Herpes

One of the first signs of herpes is a rash on the penis. There are often other signs with the first outbreak, which can include flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and pains, nausea, fever, and itching, burning or tingling of the skin, especially in the genital area.

Shortly after that, blisters appear. These blisters might start out as a mild rash but quickly progress to fluid-filled blisters around the penis and the anus. They might be rather painful to the touch. When the blisters open up and release their fluid, they leave behind lesions, or open wounds, that can be even more painful. Sometimes these blisters even appear in the urethra, which can make urination hurt.

Once the blisters have drained and the lesions begin to heal, they will scab over just as any other wound might. The scabs will diminish and slough away over time, leaving healed skin behind. However, another outbreak could start the cycle all over again.

When dealing with a herpes outbreak, it’s safe to say the penis skin is going through a tough time. Experts provide a few tips for dealing with it:

- Don’t mess with the blisters! Wash hands thoroughly after touching the penis.

- Keep the area clean and dry.

- Avoid tight clothing.

- Avoid excess alcohol consumption.

- Avoid UV light - no tanning beds, and no nude sunbathing.

A Final Word to the Wise

It’s important to remember that herpes can be spread easily, even when using a condom appropriately each and every time. In addition, it can be spread before a person even shows any symptoms. Therefore it is vitally important to tell all partners about herpes status, always use a condom for some protection, and stay away from sexual activity during an active outbreak of herpes.

Maintaining Good Penis Care

When dealing with a herpes outbreak, the lesions and scabs can be unsightly and uncomfortable. When the penis has healed, it’s time to use a good penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to get it back into tip-top shape. Look for a crème that contains vitamin B5, known for cell regeneration, and vitamin E, known for repairing skin cells. Also look for Shea butter, a moisturizing agent with powerful healing properties. Any rash on the penis - herpes or not - can benefit from these powerful ingredients applied on a daily basis.

Smash that Penis Rash: How to Stop Scratching and Start Healing

Feeling a little hot in the knickers, men? Wait, not the good hot, the itchy-scratchy-burning-fiery-irritated hot. It’s a penis rash. Panic. Terror. A running tape of questions spin out of control in a man’s mind. What is this? How did this happen? Is it herpes? What is going on? How can I get rid of this?

Stop, breathe, and read. There are tons of reasons for a penis rash and most of them aren’t the worst-case scenario that immediately pops into a man’s head. Many are completely innocent, and all are in a man’s control to prevent in the future. Here’s a look at what’s causing that inconvenient penis rash, how to fix it, and how to avoid them in the future.

What’s Causing the Penis Rash Attack?

When it all gets red and scaly down below, many things could be at play. It could be as simple as too much activity in the region. Excessive lovemaking, especially if things have gone dry, can inflame the penis and lead to broken, dry skin. The same can be said for overly aggressive self-pleasure as well. Speaking of love rashes, nearly 20 percent of all people are allergic to latex. Condoms could be to blame (but don’t worry, there are plenty of alternatives on the market!). It could also be a fungal infection, like jock itch. Fungus loves to snuggle into a man’s warm, humid places, like the genital region, and wreak havoc, causing an itchy, painful rash on the penis. Sometimes plain old lack of hygiene is to blame. Smegma, the word that strikes fear in the hearts of many, will funk up the region and inflame skin (even make it peel) if a man isn’t keeping his Johnson clean. If it gets especially bad around the head of the penis, it may be balanitis.

Finally, it could be a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Let’s be honest – it’s the first thing that comes to mind when men spy a penis rash. STIs which can manifest an itchy rash on the penis include genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts, and syphilis. While each have their own accompanying symptoms, they all have penis rashes in common.

How to Treat Penis Rashes

First things first, stop any and all non-essential contact with the penis. That means no sex, solo-pleasure, or any other activities which could further irritate the area.

Next, the best way to start is to gently clean the penis with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser (think baby wash). Rinse thoroughly and air dry. Pat drying is also allowed, but air drying may feel best on a red and hot-to-touch rash on the penis.

Universally, cool compresses feel good no matter what the cause of the penis rash. Create a cool compress by submerging a soft, clean washcloth in cool water, wring it out, and place directly on the penis. When it stops being cool, repeat. While some men may think, “Hmmm…why don’t I just put an ice pack straight on my man meat?” it’s seriously not a good idea. For one, it’s too cold. Second, it can stick to the already traumatized skin resulting in more pain. Finally, it can damage the skin, which can lead to scar tissue down the road. Stay cool, literally.

Finally, for any reasons that require medical care or diagnosis, make an appointment immediately. It will only get worse if it’s not properly taken care of.

The Skinny on Preventing Penis Rashes

Penis rashes can be 95 percent avoided with good penis health care. Keep it clean and dry. Practice safe sex and get tested regularly if sexually active. Use a quality lube for all kinds of pleasure before friction gets intense. Also, practice some moderation when it comes to pleasure and clean up the goods after, every single time. Also, give the family jewels some room and air on a daily basis to avoid fungus or bacteria.

Finally, an outstanding way to promote penis health and keep penis rashes away is to moisturize the penis daily. Using a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) can transform penile skin from red and flaking to soft and smooth. These types of cremes are nutrient-rich and contain vitamins essential to penile health such as A, C, D, and E which have properties especially beneficial for treating rashes and keeping them away in the future.

Penis Rash: 5 Common Causes and How to Treat Them

There is nothing quite asworrisomeas a penis rash. It can be painful, embarrassing, and a genuine cause for concern, as every worst-case scenario rushes to mind. Penis rashes can range from a small inflammation to bleeding blisters and itchy, flaky skin. Occasionally a rash is just a reaction to a new detergent or body wash, but other times it can be serious and require medical intervention. The following are some of the most common medical issues men should be aware of when a rash on the penis becomes a persistent problem.

1) Psoriasis - Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes the skin to develop red, scaly patches. Skin affected by psoriasis is often itchy. Thankfully, it isn’t dangerous or contagious, but it is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. See a doctor or dermatologist for a cortisone cream and/or light therapy.

2) Eczema - Eczema is a very common skin issue where the skin is dry, inflamed, or irritated.Treat the area with an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream in the morning and evening for one week, and then once per day for an additional week. Be sure to moisturize the area daily and also after any contact with water.

3) Balanitis - This is an irritated inflammation on the skin which can occur on the glans penis and/or foreskin. The skin is likely very itchy and may sting. It most often affects men in middle age who have not been circumcised. Treatment includes a twice daily application of topical steroids for up to two weeks. Wash gently with mild soap and lukewarm water, avoiding irritants or aggressive cleaning. Moisturize the skin multiple times each day to bring skin back into balance.

4) Herpes Simplex - This rash is commonly composed of three to five blisters. The skin directly below the blisters is always red. Herpes is transmitted via sexual contact, including oral sex. See a doctor immediately for treatment.

5) Candidiasis - This is rash appears at the head of the penis and is caused by a fungal infection. It appears as white patches on the skin which look similar to milk curds. If they are scrapped, the base of these patches will bleed. Fungal medications should clear up the infection. It’s recommended that patients are screened for diseases such as diabetes as a precautionary measure as they are linked.

Calming the rash and healing the skin

No matter the source of the issue, take care with penis skin as it is very delicate. Wearing rough fabrics or scratching the surface can cause additional pain, bleeding, and stinging. This can also cause tears in the dermal layer of the skin which invites bacteria and other foreign organisms into the infected area.

Men experiencing a penis rash should always be sure to wash the genital area with a gentle, antibacterial body wash and a gentle touch to remove any irritants and keep the skin as clean as possible. Be sure to read product labels to ensure the body wash does not contain harsh or drying chemicals such as sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), or propylene glycol. These ingredients can further irritate already inflamed skin.

After cleansing the skin, a specially formulated penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) can be applied to the area. Nutrient-rich creams created explicitly for the penis should include natural ingredients such as vitamins A, C, D, and E, which are lauded for their effectiveness in calming and nourishing the skin. Men should additionally seek out a natural moisturizer containing ingredients like Shea butter, which is known for its healing and rejuvenating qualities to ward off future instances irritation and inflammation.

Men’s Health Alert - Penile Rash, Bumps and Spots

Penile rash symptoms are understandably a cause for concern for most men. Even men who are not sexually active may develop spots, bumps and penis rash that may itch, flake, and spread to other parts of the genital area. Daily penis care with gentle cleansers and penis-specific vitamins and minerals may help to prevent minor skin rashes on the penis and soothe irritated skin. In addition, men should be aware of penis symptoms that may require medical attention.

Penis rash symptoms that all men should watch for
The following symptoms can be caused by a variety of different types of penile skin conditions. In most cases, these are minor, and the redness, swelling and rash can be resolved through good hygiene and nutrient support for the skin.

Symptom: Small bumps around the crown of the penis

Possible Causes:
•    Penile Papules - This condition, which mainly affects uncircumcised men, presents as a series of small, dome-like bumps that may be flesh-colored or red. They are generally not painful and do not require any treatment beyond normal personal hygiene. Keeping the skin well-moisturized and supplying the area with antioxidants and skin care nutrients such as vitamin A can help to keep away bacteria and other microorganisms that may cause penis rash under the foreskin.

Symptom: Itchy, red penis rash that spreads and/or flakes

Possible Causes:
•    Psoriasis - This skin reaction occurs on other parts of the body and may affect the penis skin, as well. Symptoms include red patches of skin and may be accompanied by inflammation. Flaking and itching may also occur, and peeling the skin that flakes away may cause slight bleeding. Vitamin A treatments are often recommended by dermatologists for treating all types of psoriasis.
•    Contact dermatitis - Skin allergies and sensitivities to substances ranging from latex (found in condoms), detergents and deodorants, and poison ivy or poison oak can cause a rash on the penis. Avoiding materials known to cause skin reactions is the number one solution for avoiding contact dermatitis. To soothe itchy, reddened and inflamed skin, penis crèmes containing vitamins such as A, C, D and E are generally effective.
•    Fungal infections - Fungal infections, including Candida yeast and the condition commonly known as "jock itch" are found nearly everywhere, especially in gym locker rooms and other areas that are warm, moist, and frequented by large numbers of people. These can cause redness, a spreading rash, and severe itching. Keeping the groin area clean and dry and treating the skin with healing vitamins C and D may help to prevent the development of fungal infections.

Symptom: Small, red bumps at the base of the penis

Possible Causes:
•    Bacterial infections - As with fungal infections, the genital area is a prime breeding ground for bacteria that can cause skin infections that may be accompanied by rash and swelling. Vitamin A, which works as a natural antibacterial, can help to eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause penis rash and foul odors.
•    Shaving - Men who shave the hair around the penis may develop reddened bumps. These are actually caused by bacteria that invade the follicles following shaving. Treating the skin with a nutrient formula containing vitamin A can help to eliminate bacteria, while vitamins C, B5 and D can speed healing.

Symptom: Red, itchy rash and swelling on the head of the penis

Possible Causes:
•    Balanitis - This common penis rash condition is generally caused by poor hygiene and is more common in uncircumcised men. Cleaning the area thoroughly and keeping the skin well-oxygenated through the use of vitamin C may be effective in preventing the swelling and itching that accompany balanitis, while natural moisturizers such as shea butter can help to calm irritated skin.

All men should remember that penile rash symptoms that are accompanied by a discharge, bleeding, or flu-like symptoms (such as fever, headache, cough, and fatigue), as well as rashes on the penis that do not show signs of healing within a few days, should be seen immediately by a doctor, as they may indicate a more serious condition.

Treating and preventing penile rash
Keeping the genital area clean and wearing loose-fitting, comfortable fabrics can help to prevent numerous penis skin problems, including rash, itching, and discomfort. In addition, treating the area daily with a penis health formula (most health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) containing essential skin nutrients and moisturizers can boost the disease-fighting ability of the penile skin and soothe the itching and burning caused by various types of penis rash.