Six Causes of Penis Rashes and How to Deal

Penis rashes are No Bueno. There’s redness, heat, irritation… and nothing, not even air, feels good on the skin. In addition to the discomfort, penis rashes can also sideline amorous pursuits and other activities, like sports. Thankfully, most penis rashes can be cleared up pretty easily and then avoided in the future. The following are six of the most common causes of penis rashes and how to remedy the issue with a little humor, common sense, and medical help in some cases.

1) Friction - Whether a man goes into overtime too often with a partner or playing solo, excessive contact and friction can irritate the penis and causes dry, broken skin which is commonly known as a rash. First on the docket, take a knee on penis-related activity until the rash is completely healed. Try using a cool compress to calm the rash and use a penis health crème to bring the skin back in balance. Once healed, be sure to stock a high-quality lubricant for future feats of sexual athleticism.

2) Foreign Bodies on and in the Body - Rashes can result from all sorts of allergens and irritants. It could be a man’s trendy new briefs, a new laundry detergent, or body wash that’s bringing the pain. To clear things up, clean the penis gently with a soft, clean, damp cloth. Do not use harsh soaps or scrub the inflamed skin. Moisturize, but only with natural products or creams specially formulated to be used on the penis as perfumes and other ingredients can make the irritation worse.

3) #PenisHeadProblems - Balanitis is a skin inflammation affecting the penis head and foreskin which tends to target uncircumcised men. It usually occurs when there's an accumulation of smegma under the foreskin. Smegma is a smelly combination of dead skin cells, body oils, and bacteria that concoct a funky off-white paste and attract bad-news bacteria that burrow into the delicate penis skin. The best way to treat and prevent balanitis? Like in the Army, clean and dry your gun daily and thoroughly. If the issue is pretty advanced, see a doctor for antibiotics to clear up the infection.

4) Fungal Infections - Nothing likes to snuggle quite like fungi. Fungus loves to nook into a man’s warm, moist places such the folds of skin. To keep fungi off your genitals, keep the area clean and dry. If the fungus has already invaded and taken root, see a doctor or pharmacist for an anti-fungal cream to clear up the infection.

5) Latex -- One in every six Americans claims to be allergic to latex. If a latex condom is used for sex, and itchiness, redness and rash are found on the penis afterward, the condom may be to blame. But that doesn't give anyone a license to ride bareback - there’s plenty of latex-free condoms on the market to protect against STI’s and pregnancy.

6) If Not Using #5…Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) - This is the cause no one wants to read about, but it’s more than valid. Penis rashes can be a symptom of an STI. Many STIs cause a penile rash, irritation, blisters, and peeling skin. STIs associated with penis rashes include genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts, and syphilis. Men who believe they may have contracted an STI should see their doctor or clinic immediately for testing and avoid any sexual contact until the results of the test are known. Once diagnosed, a doctor will prescribe the course of treatment.

Prevent Penis Rashes

Most penis rashes can be foregone with good hygiene habits and by practicing safe sex. Every man should cleanse the penis regularly and thoroughly (be sure to gently pull-down foreskin and wash this area too) with a gentle cleanser, warm water, and a soft cloth. Keep the groin area dry and air it out frequently. In fact, many men prefer to sleep in the nude to give the penis plenty of time to cool off and be free.

It also doesn’t hurt to moisturize the penis daily to promote penis health and keep penis rashes away. Using a specially created penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) will get any man close to having a clean, fresh, and supple penis. These cremes are nutrient-rich and contain vitamins like A, C, D, and E which have properties especially beneficial for penile health and healing.

Help For A Sore Penis - Irritated, Thinning Penis Skin May Be To Blame

When tiny skin cells erupt into angry, red rashes, medicated creams containing cortisone can provide almost immediate relief. These medications can interrupt the allergic process, soothing the irritants that stand behind a rash and allowing the skin to heal and the itch to abate. Rashes on the penis are often treated with cortisone creams, and on occasion, men report shiny, thin and easily irritated penis skin when those treatments are complete. Multiple conversations with doctors can ensue, and while men investigate the underlying cause of the problem, penis home care can help compromised skin to heal.

How Cortisone Works

Since the 1940s, medical professionals have used cortisone creams to deal with skin problems such as:

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

• Diaper rash

• Rashes from poison ivy

• Irritation from insect bites

Cortisone creams may be powerful, but they're also not controlled substances, so people can simply walk into their corner pharmacy and buy a product they'd like to slather onto their bodies. Sometimes, men use cortisone formulations that are too strong for penis skin, or they use the medications for a lengthy period of time. Asking a doctor about proper usage could prevent these issues, but even those people who consult doctors could face difficulties, as people who are sensitive to cortisone could experience side effects even when they use low doses of the creams for a short time period.

Visible Differences

Shiny, sore penis skin could be caused by a reaction to cortisone, although it's not considered a typical reaction to the cream if it's used properly. Reactive skin can look unusually clear and transparent, and it might seem as though there are fewer layers in place. The changes might move past the visual, as thinner skin can be tender and sore to the touch, so men with thinning penis skin could feel as though they are much less able to enjoy sexual encounters.

It's important to note that thinning skin can be caused by a variety of other conditions. Even healing skin that's new and perfectly healthy can look shiny and seem tender. If cortisone works well and the rash abates, the healing skin might be mistaken for an underlying problem. On the flip side, some dermatological conditions don't respond to low or mild levels of cortisone, and they can also make the skin seem shiny, thin and easily aggravated. Lichen planus, for example, can cause the skin of the penis to become scaly, shiny and/or sore, and high levels of cortisone creams might be needed to make the condition abate.

Returning to Normal

Changes in the condition of the penis can be distressing, and men who notice differences might be tempted to check on their skin's condition multiple times per day, tugging and pulling as they look for changes. It's understandable, but it can also be a damaging practice. Healing skin is fragile, and repeat pokes can make the process move much more slowly. Men with concerns can visit their doctors just to make sure that they know why the changes might be taking place. When the firm diagnosis is in place, repeat inspections will no longer be necessary.

Thinner, delicate skin should be handled with care, and the push-pull of sex might not be helpful for this new skin. Abstaining until no sore spots are in place provides the highest level of protection, while using lubricants and/or condoms might allow men to experience some pleasure while they let their issues heal up. A penis health creme (most experts recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can be a valuable part of the healing process. Creams like this can nourish new skin, penetrating deep into the skin and delivering vitamins and minerals where they're needed most in order to promote the formation of healthy, responsive and resilient new skin cells.