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.
For additional information on most common penis health issues, tips on improving penis sensitivity, and what to do to maintain a healthy penis, visit: http://www.penishealth101.com. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous online web sites.