Stop Jock Itch Before It Happens

Is it? Or isn’t it? A man gets that feeling in his crotch, that need to rub up against something or stick his hand down his pants for a quick scratch, and he starts to wonder - jock itch? Or (please) something less annoying? An itchy penis is annoying, but when it’s jock itch, a guy knows he may be in for some intense scratching. A penis health nightmare, no. But a penis health annoyance, yes. That’s why it’s better to stop jock itch before it gets started.
About jock itch
Known by scientific and medical type dudes as tinea cruris, jock itch is a fungal infection found most often on the crotch, the inner thighs and the buttocks. Because it is something which grows and thrives in areas that are dark, moist and hot - adjectives that describe the crotch - it earned the name jock itch. But despite the name, a man doesn’t have to be athletic at all to come down with this infection.
Ways to stop it
So a man wants to strop jock itch before it can strike him down. What are some of the strategies he should use? Fortunately, a lot of them are matters of simple common sense.
- Stay dry. Sure, that’s easier said than done. With the penis being kept locked away underneath two layers of clothing (underwear plus trousers), and with all that pubic hair providing a buffer of insulation, the penis tends to get overheated naturally during the course of the day and therefore sweats. And if a guy is actually physically active - running, playing ball, sometimes even just going for a walk when the temperature is high - there’s going to be even more sweat. That’s why it pays to change clothes - including underwear when sweat is going to be an issue. Sometimes using a powder can also help.
- Shower as necessary. Taking frequent showers helps keep the jock itch fungus at bay. How frequent depends upon the individual - but those who go to the gym regularly definitely need to shower after a workout. And be sure to dry off all the equipment thoroughly after showering.
- Don’t borrow a towel. Most gyms provide their own, laundered towels, which is fine. But don’t borrow a used towel from a buddy, no matter how well you know him. This is one of the ways a fungus most easily gets passed from one guy to another.
- Or a pair of socks. The same fungus that causes jock itch causes athlete’s foot - so don’t borrow your chum’s socks either. Or his sweaty sneakers.
- Be careful in the sauna. The hot, moist sauna is a great place for fungi to breed. To stop jock itch from happening, don’t sit naked in the sauna; put down a towel first. And wearing flip-=flops or other sauna-appropriate footwear can help from picking up athlete’s foot (which can then spread to jock itch).
- Keep socks on the feet. Not to put too delicate a point on it, but sometimes when a man masturbates, he wipes himself with something nearby - like a sock. Again, athlete’s foot fungus can become jock itch - so use a tissue instead.
- Let things air out. It can be hard keeping the crotch dry, so when at home alone, spend some time "airing things out."
Of course, sometimes even the best efforts can’t stop jock itch. If a guy does get it, he should use a first class penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) to soothe it, as well as appropriate treatments to get rid of it. Oils with strong skin care compo0nents, such as vitamin E and shea butter, can help soothe the itching associated with jock itch. It also is better if the oil also contains vitamin B5, aka pantothenic acid, a vital nutrient that is required for cell metabolism and the maintenance of healthy tissue.

Can a Red Penis Be from Radiodermatitis?

Sometimes a red penis is just what a guy wants - it means that blood has rushed into his organ, causing it to swell and get ready for action of the most pleasurable sort. Other times, however, that red penis may look to be so because it is inflamed or because it has a red rashy appearance to it - and that causes a guy to look to his store of penis health knowledge to try to determine what may be the cause. If he looks long enough, he may come across radiodermatitis as a potential cause.

Explaining radiodermatitis

Most people have never come across the phrase radiodermatitis. It is a condition which is known by a number of other names, including radiation dermatitis, x-ray dermatitis, radiation burn and radiation skin damage. All of these refer to skin damage related to external beam ionizing radiation. Although it is possible for a person to be exposed to such radiation from various sources, the most likely source would tend to be via an x-ray machine. (However, it’s important to remember that x-rays are not just manmade; they do exist in Nature, and it is possible, though unlikely, that a man might find himself in a region with extremely high natural radiation - or with radiation brought about from nuclear activity of a manmade nature.)

X-ray machines, of course, have been around for years and have been invaluable tools in enabling doctors to get a good look at what’s underneath a patient’s skin. X-rays do an excellent job at revealing bones and at problems that may be affecting them.

Do they x-ray the penis?

The penis has no bones (despite the expression "having a boner" to describe an erection) and so the penis is not a part of the body often x-rayed. Moreover, often when x-raying areas around the penis, technicians may place a lead shield over the penis to protect it from exposure to x-rays.

However, there may be some instances where a doctor does wish to get an actual x-ray of the penis itself. For example, sometimes when a man is being treated for erectile dysfunction, it may be necessary to insert a dye into the penis. Once the dye has settled in, an x-ray may then be taken, with the dye illuminating areas that the doctor needs to study to determine if there is a physical reason related to the erectile dysfunction.

As stated above, technicians generally are very conscientious about protecting patients from excess exposure to x-rays. However, it is possible, especially if a man is of especially delicate skin, that regular x-rays could bring about radiodermatitis, and that if this exposure were in the crotch, that a red penis could result. In addition, certain conditions, such as diabetes, immune disorders, and connective tissue disorders, may radiodermatitis more likely.

Again, this is a very rare occurrence, but should it occur, a man should get in touch with his doctor right away to discuss treatment. Often topical corticosteroids are used in treatment, and patients are advised to avoid exposure of the affected area to the sun or to any potential irritants until the condition goes away.

For a red penis unrelated to radiodermatitis, a man should find some relief in the regular application of a top drawer penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). A red penis wants the soothing amelioration provided by an oil with a combination of moisturizing agents, such as vitamin E and shea butter. In addition, the chosen oil should also contain vitamin C, a key component of collagen, which gives skin its tone and elasticity. Vitamin C is also necessary for proper blood flow, which is essential for maintaining erectile function.

Unfortunately, Diabetes May Cause Penis Rash

Most people are at least somewhat familiar with diabetes, but many know nothing more of it than it is a condition in which the body has difficulty processing sugar. In men, it can sometimes create some penis health issues, most often by the development of a penis rash which may come with consequent itching (often to an annoying degree.)

About diabetes

As the Mayo Clinic puts it, diabetes "refers to a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar (glucose)." Since glucose provides energy for the body’s cells, including the brain’s, it’s crucial that diabetes be managed so that the glucose gets used in the appropriate manner. There are several different types of diabetes, but all of them have to do with blood sugar and with insulin, which is part of the process by which the body regulates glucose.

Diabetes is a very common problem. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says that more than 9% of the people in the United States have some form of diabetes - but almost a quarter of them are unaware that they have this disease.

Common symptoms associated with diabetes are increased thirst and hunger; a need to urinate frequently and sometimes urgently; irritability and fatigue; blurry vision; wounds and sores that are slow to heal; frequent infections; and the presence in the urine of ketones (which indicates a lack of insulin in the body.)

Anyone who suspects that they might have diabetes should consult with a doctor. If diabetes is present, the earlier the diagnosis, the sooner treatments can begin.

Why a penis rash?

Men with diabetes may develop a penis rash either as a result of their diabetes or as a result of medications used to help treat diabetes.

At least two medications, dapaglifozin and empaglifozin, might be responsible for a penis rash. These medications can help some people with type II diabetes lower than blood sugar. Often the penis rash they cause is a yeast infection commonly called thrush.

But thrush can also be common among diabetics who don’t take these particular medications. But in this case, the condition is usually once again thrush.

As mentioned, thrush is a yeast condition. Like bacteria, yeast tend to thrive in conditions that are moist, warm and dark- which is just about as apt a description of a man’s crotch as one could ask for. What happens is this: the medications mentioned above help remove sugar into the urine. Even without medication, many diabetic men have excess blood sugar traveling throughout their bodies, much of which will eventually end up in the urine.

When a man urinates, some of that excess sugar will get displaced onto the penis, where it will dry there. Then the sugar, in the warm, moist, dark of the crotch, will take hold and grow, developing eventually into a yeast infection and presenting as a penis rash. (Sometimes bacteria will build up in the area instead of yeast.)

Thrush typically presents as a blotchy red rash with some white patches or as a dull red "glaze" on the penis; it is most often found around the upper shaft and the glans of the penis.

Treatment

Antifungal medications, either in topical or oral form, are most often used to treat thrush. In mild cases, washing and paying proper attention to hygiene may be all the treatment that is needed.

Penis rash, whether from diabetes or other causes, usually reacts to daily application of an excellent penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). When the oil contains a combination of superior moisturizing agents, such as shea butter and vitamin E, the penis rash usually itches much less and may also go away more quickly. It also is good to select an oil with alpha lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant that helps prevent damaging oxidative stress to the skin.

Three Causes of Irritated Foreskin and How to Fix It

The foreskin is that little extra something that keeps a man’s penis warm at night. However, these extra few folds can cause a lot of issues. Red, irritated foreskin can feel like a hot poker. Men who are not circumcised, the majority of men, do have a few other concerns to keep in mind when it comes to their trouser snake. Foreskin problems like posthitis, phimosis, and paraphimosis are serious issues that can cause a man a lot of pain and suffering, and in some cases, can cost him his penis. Let’s talk about that extra flap of skin that some men have and how to identify any foreskin problems before they get out of hand, and even better, prevent them from happening in the first place.

Irritated Foreskin Cause #1: Posthitis

Posthitis is an inflammation of the foreskin exclusively. It presents not only as red and inflamed, which additional symptoms that can include dryness, tenderness, discharge from under the foreskin, itchiness, a funky odor, thickened skin, and phimosis. It can be caused by a host of things such as yeast infection, fungal infections like jock itch, and sexually transmitted infections, which can include syphilis, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HPV, chancroid, herpes, and trichomoniasis.

Treatment options include antibiotics, steroid creams, and antifungal ointments, which have been shown to reduce symptoms and attack the infection. See a doctor for a diagnosis.

Irritated Foreskin Cause #2: Phimosis

Phimosis is an ailment wherein foreskin cannot be withdrawn or pulled back from the head of the penis. Phimosis can be caused by a few different things which may include:

- Irritation or redness of the foreskin and head as a result of poor hygiene

- Bacterial, fungal, or viral infection of the head or foreskin

- Scarring caused by aggressively retracting a child’s foreskin prematurely

Phimosis treatment depends on the severity of the condition. If an infection caused it, a doctor will prescribe either oral or topical medication contingent on the type of infection it is. For men with a tight foreskin, a daily exercise of light retraction and steroid cream can make foreskin easier to pull back with time. For men who experience chronic phimosis and for whom no other treatments work, circumcision may be recommended.

Irritated Foreskin Cause #3: Paraphimosis

Paraphimosis is triggered by swelling of the foreskin or the head of the penis. This inhibits the ability of the foreskin going back in place after being retracted. Reasons for paraphimosis may include infection, genetically tight foreskin, injury, retracting the foreskin too forcefully, or leaving the foreskin withdrawn for too long.

This is a very dangerous condition, so seeking medical help quickly is vital. Paraphimosis can restrict circulation to the penis, which can lead to penile tissue death, or the surgical removal of some or all of a man’s penis.

Preventing Irritated Foreskin

Some foreskin problems are avoidable. With these tips, a man can keep irritated foreskin problems away. Wear loose cotton underwear and change them daily (more if needed). Practice safe sex to avoid STIs and other infections like UTIs and yeast infections.

Practice good penis health by cleaning the penis, foreskin and all, regularly and thoroughly with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Retract the foreskin gently and wash between every fold of skin carefully. Rinse well and then air dry.

For extra protection against irritated foreskin, apply a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to keep the penis healthy and strong. This crème harnesses the power of vitamins A and C to fight off infection-causing bacteria, while vitamin B promotes cell regeneration. Together, they create a crème that restores and protects the penis, keeping it vital and invigorated for years to come.

What to Do with a Tingling Penis (and How to Prevent One in the Future)

Doesn’t a tingling penis sound fun? Like fireworks or Thor’s lightning shaking through the shaft? Well, those aren’t the tingles being discussed here. This penis tingling is the painful, irritating sort. It’s a pins-and-needles feeling that’s not pleasant and can be a bit scary. But here’s the good news; many reasons for a tingling penis are not serious and are easy to quell and reverse. Let’s break down penis tingles and learn how to get rid of them and then keep them away in the days that come.

1) Contact Dermatitis. It’s a fancy phrase for an allergic reaction of the skin. A tingling penis happens when the penis and surrounding area comes into contact with an allergen. Common allergens that affect the reproductive region include things like body wash, lotions, lube, laundry detergents, or condoms. It can also be caused by environmental allergens a man may come in contact with while going commando such as grass, poison ivy, or other flora. Penis piercing can also cause contact dermatitis. If a man thinks he has an allergic reaction, cleanse the area with mild soap or just rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use an OTC cortisone cream to bring down the reaction and possible pop a Benadryl to help things along. It should clear up in a few days. If not, follow up with a doctor.

2) Infection. Penis tingling can be caused by the inflammation the skin experiences when inflamed. Infections primarily attack nerve endings (of which the penis, especially the head, has many). Infections can include a wide array of things from the less-serious like a yeast infection or jock itch, to the more severe like sexually transmitted infections. An infection will not only bring a tingling penis, but it can also cause swelling, discharge, and pain. See a doc ASAP for a diagnosis.

3) Penile Trauma. Penis injury is an everyday cause for a tingling penis. Injuries are easy to get, they can be the result of an errant elbow in the groin, an overexcited dog’s paw, or surgery. Lots of times, an injury just needs time to heal. Sometimes a cool compress and ibuprofen can reduce the tingles and pain. If it’s a more serious type of penile trauma, seek out medical care, and follow doctor instructions.

4) Kidney Stones. They call them stones, but they may as well be boulders. They begin by causing slight pressure on the penis, then the penis tingling starts. Soon, those tingles turn into piercing pain until the stone is passed. Some kidney stones are too large to pass, so they must be surgically removed or by applying shock wave lithotripsy to break the stone into smaller pieces to be passed. It’s common to see pinkish urine once the stone is passed.

5) Paresthesia. This condition is tingling in the penis that is most associated with disease state caused nerve damage. Diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and some cancers will cause penis tingling.

How to Prevent a Tingling Penis

There are a few no-nonsense ways to keep a penis healthy and tingle-free. Start by practicing safe intimacy. Use protection and have open conversations with partners before engaging in sexual activity. Also, be sure to urinate after having sex to reduce the chance of urinary tract or yeast infection. Next, do spot-tests when changing body products like laundry detergent, body wash, or lube. This can save a lot of pain and suffering later. Stay healthy by making regular visits to the doctor and eating a healthy diet and drinking a lot of fresh water.

Finally, make a habit of thoroughly cleansing and moisturizing the penis daily, and additionally after sex or exercise. Use a mild cleanser like baby wash or one that contains only natural ingredients. After washing and rinsing the area, massage a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to the penis. These creams are designed specifically for the penis and contain tons of essential vitamins, amino acids, and natural moisturizers to calm and refresh penile skin. Men experiencing nerve damage should be sure to use a creme that also contains L-Carnitine, as clinical research has indicated it defends against peripheral nerve damage typical to diabetes and neurological diseases.

Penile Redness: Causes and Treatment

Penile redness is something a man would rather not deal with, and why not? It can cause a lot of anxiety and stress. Often penis redness is accompanied by inflammation, pain, uncomfortably hot sensations, a rash, and throbbing. It’s easy for a man to jump to some pretty scary conclusions, but many causes of penile redness aren’t a reason for worry. However, it’s important to keep a close watch on redness, and if a man isn’t sure what’s going on, he should see a doctor as some causes of penile redness can be serious and end life-threatening. Here are a few of the most common causes of penile redness and what a man should do if he finds his sausage is taking on a more than rosy hue.

1) Bruising. One of the most common causes of penile redness is as simple as bruising. When a man experiences trauma to his region, it can cause a deep red, purple, or blue bruise to emerge. Now, bruising can fall into both the serious and non-serious categories. Minor bruises will heal on their own. You’ll notice they will start to take on an icky yellowish-green hue a few days after they appear, which is the body’s way of signaling the healing proves. Major bruises, like those that happen as the result of a penile fracture, should be taken care of immediately by heading the emergency room.

2) Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. It’s a big name for something that simply means that the skin gets a little darker after inflaming. The inflammation can be brought on by an injury or even rough sex or aggressive masturbation. Usually, it will fade with time. Still, if a man is in a hurry to get rid of it, he can see a dermatologist for retinol or microdermabrasion, but bear in mind, both of these treatments are a bit aggressive in this extra delicate area.

3) Hematoma. Similar to a bruise, a hematoma is bruising that happens deep within an organ’s tissue, in this case, the penis. It can be confusing because hematomas can make the skin surface either lumpy or firm; it just depends on how the blood pools under the skin. Hematomas are a very type of penile redness and need to be dealt with immediately. They can create a loss of blood flow, so medical help should be sought immediately.

4) Purpura. Penis redness that gets especially deep or goes purple may be purpura. Purpura is an underlying disorder that may involve an extensive range of things, including bleeding or clotting issues, medication side effects, blood vessel inflammation, or nutritional insufficiencies. See a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

5) Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. This syndrome is a dangerous, potentially fatal allergic reaction. SJS is nearly always as a result of medication allergy. It is marked by a red or purple rash on the penis. If it then evolves into peeling skin and sores, head to emergency care as it can be life-threatening. Some medications are more apt to cause Stevens-Johnson. They include sulfa-based antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, ibuprofen, naproxen, and antibiotics. Head to the ER immediately if you think you have Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Banish Penile Redness

If you’re trying to get the red out, good hygiene is one of the surest ways to turn penis redness around. Cleanse with a mild soap, being sure to thoroughly clean all parts of the penis, and rinse well. Air or pat dry with a soft towel. Once dried, apply a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to the penis and private area. This specially formulated crème will soothe irritation and deeply moisturize the skin. It will also reduce discoloration and promote collagen production and cell regeneration, resulting in a strong, vital penis.

Older Guys Need Penis Protection, Too

Traditionally, the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been more of a young man’s problem. Sometimes younger guys may not be as knowledgeable about STIs or about proper penis protection. At other times, when young bodies are full of raging hormones, a young guy may throw caution to the wind and engage in unprotected sex, even knowing the risks involved. But sexually related penis health issues are actually becoming an increasing problem among older men as well.
Some statistics
Although HIV (thankfully) continues to be on the decline, the rate for STIs in general has been rising among the general population in the United States and in many other countries. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saw an increase of 200,000 in cases of 3 major STIs among the general population, a rise of almost 10 percent. But a second study found that the rise in common STIs among people 60 years of age or older hit an alarming 23 percent. (Data from the United Kingdom showed a similar increase, by the way.)
It’s not just the elderly that are affected; STIs are on the rise among middle-aged men, as well.
Exactly why this is occurring is unknown, but there are several guesses. One is that the availability of oral medications that can help a man overcome erectile dysfunction has led to increased sexual activity among middle-aged and older men. But many men who get "back in the saddle" after such a long time often have the attitude of "I haven’t used a condom in years. Why start now?" Or they may not be as up to date about the need for penis protection as some of their younger counterparts. And some men who continue to struggle with some erectile issues may eschew a condom, as it may add to the problem with maintaining an erection.
Penis protection is key
Whatever the reasons, middle-aged and older men need to be aware that penis protection is necessary no matter what the age. Guys who are getting back into the game should really consult with their doctors to find out about all the latest advances, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to help prevent HIV. Using condoms continue to be the best way to help prevent the spread of STIs, especially since PrEP is effective against HIV but not against other diseases.
But simply using condoms and being on PrEP isn’t where penis protection ends among sexually active older men. Learning to be open with their partners about their sexual health - and encouraging their partners to be equally open with them - is crucial. Talking about sexual health tends to be more difficult for older people; being sexually candid is much more acceptable among youth.
Equally important is for men to be sure they are tested regularly if they are in a non-monogamous relationship - even if it is only their partner who has other sexual partners. Most experts recommend testing every 3 months as a way to ensure early and proper identification of any STIs. The sooner an STI is diagnosed, the sooner effective treatment can begin.
Older men know that STI avoidance is only part of penis protection and that overall penis health must also be tended to. One way to help in this area is via the daily use of a superior penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). It pays to select an oil that includes vitamin C among its ingredients. Vitamin C is a key component of collagen, a tissue in the body that gives skin its tone and elasticity. Vitamin C is also necessary for proper blood flow, which is essential for maintaining erectile function. The oil should also include L-arginine, an amino acid that works to provide nutrients and oxygen for healthy cell function.