Penile itching: 6 common causes and how to get relief
When a penis itches, it’s not fun. It can also occur at the most inopportune times, while talking to a colleague at work, in line at the grocery store, or during a critical moment during a big date. Dry, itchy penile skin can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, and distracting, and can make a man run for the door just to relieve himself in private. Unfortunately, an itchy penis will usually not be quenched by a simple rub or scratch. Most of the time, a man needs extra care to get rid of the itch, as well as ongoing care to prevent it from coming back. The following are some of the possible reasons why your penis itches and how to get relief.
1) Lax Hygiene – A dirty penis is an itchy penis. Think of all the dirt, debris, bacteria, sweat, and emissions that can accumulate in the genital region. If a man doesn’t wash thoroughly and regularly, he can not only get funky, but he can also get red and itchy.
2) Contact dermatitis – Direct contact with an allergen or irritant can cause itching. Things like detergents, soaps, latex, and medications can cause a reaction. Most of the time, itching is also accompanied by a rash. If the itching is mild, it may help to wash the area and treat it with a cortisone cream. If it is more serious, seek medical attention.
3) Candidiasis or “thrush” – Men are just as likely as women to develop a Candida yeast infection. Candida normally occurs on the skin and mucous membranes; however, when it grows too large, it can cause symptoms such as itching, rash, swelling, and lumpy white discharge. Although it is not a sexually transmitted disease, it can be transmitted during intimate contact. What causes thrush most of the time is overuse of antibiotics, diabetes, poor circulation, and immunosuppression. See a doctor for treatment.
4) Psoriasis or eczema – Men who have psoriasis or eczema on other parts of the body can also develop any skin problem on the penis. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Some creams with vitamins A and E have also been shown to help reduce itching.
5) Genital Warts – This is a sexually transmitted disease (STI) caused by a viral infection. Warts often appear on the glans penis, foreskin, shaft, and the entire pubic area. Warts can also have an itchy discharge from the penis. See a doctor immediately for testing and treatment.
6) Public Lice – Commonly known as “crabs,” pubic lice are tiny parasites that attach themselves to pubic hair. They are transmitted by intimate contact with an infected person. While itching is the main symptom, other symptoms include blood spots and blackheads, which are the “crab” feces left behind. For immediate relief, see a doctor or, if one is not available, use an over-the-counter lice lotion or shampoo in the meantime.
Get relief from an itchy penis
No matter the cause of the problem, it is always a bad idea to scratch the delicate skin of the penis. Scratching can leave tiny tears in the outer dermal layer, which can exacerbate the problem and invite bacteria and other organisms into the skin.
Instead of itching, men who suffer from penile itching should wash the area gently to remove any substances that may be causing irritation. Be sure to clean with a mild cleanser such as baby soap and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Resist using your regular body wash or soap on the irritated area, as it may be too sensitive and cause more damage.
After cleansing the skin, apply a cream specially formulated for penis health. (Health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven to be safe and gentle on skin.) to penis These nutrient-dense creams have a natural base, like shea butter, that hydrates and soothes itchy skin on contact. The addition of vitamins such as A, B5, C, D and E also impart rejuvenating and restorative properties to the delicate skin of the penis, leaving it soft and irritation free and less prone to future dryness and itchiness.