Dry Itchy Penile Skin: Could It Be An Allergy To Vaginal Fluid?

It is not uncommon to hear from men, or their female partners, who believe they have a skin allergy to a woman’s vaginal fluid; and it can be easy to understand why men who have frequent problems with dry, itchy penile skin after sex might think so. Men who have adverse reactions after intimate contact may become frustrated or even angry and blame their partner for her condition, and this, of course, can lead to serious relationship problems. Fortunately, while there may be a real penile health problem to deal with, the answer is rarely a skin allergy to vaginal fluid. Here are some of the more likely possibilities, as well as what men can do to soothe penile itching and prevent future problems.

Reasons why sex can cause dry and itchy skin on the penis:

1. A couple with candidiasis. Although most people are more familiar with female yeast infection, which is caused by Candida yeast infection, men can also be affected. Symptoms of a Candida infection include dry, sometimes cracked skin, moderate to severe itching, thick, whitish discharge, and inflammation. Partners can easily pass the infection back and forth, even when one partner does not have any obvious symptoms. A yeast infection can be cured with over-the-counter medications, but it’s important that both partners receive treatment at the same time to avoid reinfection.

2. A couple with bacterial vaginosis. There are a large number of bacteria present in the female canal, some are beneficial and some are not. Under normal conditions, the “good” bacteria override the bad, but when the body’s natural chemical balance is disturbed, the “bad” bacteria can take over and cause an infection known as bacterial vaginosis. Not all women know they have this condition, but contact with an affected woman can cause masculine symptoms such as dryness and itching. Treatment by a doctor can eliminate the infection.

3. Allergy to latex. If men find that they develop dryness and itchiness after most encounters with a partner, it’s important to consider all the factors that could be at play. In many cases, it may be something the man himself is doing that is causing the problem. One of the causes of dryness and itchiness can be a latex allergy; Changing the barrier coating to a non-latex material may be the answer in this case.

4. Irritation caused by a personal lubricant. Personal lubricants often contain fragrances, flavors, or warming or cooling agents intended to enhance the sensual experience. However, these additives can include chemical irritations that can cause dryness, redness, itching, pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Sticking with neutral water-based lubricants can solve the itch problem for good.

5. Lack of lubrication. Another mistake that men can make during sex is to skip the lube altogether. In this case, too much friction can cause tiny tears in the skin’s surface that can leave you feeling sore, itchy, and uncomfortable. To avoid this problem, it’s best to make sure you have a lubricant on hand in case the natural fluids your body produces aren’t enough.

Soothe dry and itchy skin of the penis.

While it’s important to narrow down the source of the problem and then treat any underlying conditions and avoid triggers for future skin reactions, the first concern most men probably have is soothing the itch and relieving discomfort.

While a doctor should always be consulted, here are some self-care tips that can help, just remember to never apply medications, creams, lotions, or other topical preparations to broken or inflamed skin.

1. Gently wash area with warm, not hot, water and a mild cleanser; this will ensure that all traces of any irritants are removed. Rinse well afterwards and dry with a soft cloth.

2. For severe itching, try a colloidal oatmeal bath. Soaking in a warm oatmeal bath is often recommended due to its skin-soothing properties.

3. Follow up with a nutrient-rich penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) containing a natural emollient such as shea butter, which is ideal for most skin types and is widely known for its moisturizing and healing abilities.