There is nothing quite asworrisomeas a penis rash. It can be painful, embarrassing, and a genuine cause for concern, as every worst-case scenario rushes to mind. Penis rashes can range from a small inflammation to bleeding blisters and itchy, flaky skin. Occasionally a rash is just a reaction to a new detergent or body wash, but other times it can be serious and require medical intervention. The following are some of the most common medical issues men should be aware of when a rash on the penis becomes a persistent problem.
1) Psoriasis – Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes the skin to develop red, scaly patches. Skin affected by psoriasis is often itchy. Thankfully, it isn’t dangerous or contagious, but it is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. See a doctor or dermatologist for a cortisone cream and/or light therapy.
2) Eczema – Eczema is a very common skin issue where the skin is dry, inflamed, or irritated.Treat the area with an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream in the morning and evening for one week, and then once per day for an additional week. Be sure to moisturize the area daily and also after any contact with water.
3) Balanitis – This is an irritated inflammation on the skin which can occur on the glans penis and/or foreskin. The skin is likely very itchy and may sting. It most often affects men in middle age who have not been circumcised. Treatment includes a twice daily application of topical steroids for up to two weeks. Wash gently with mild soap and lukewarm water, avoiding irritants or aggressive cleaning. Moisturize the skin multiple times each day to bring skin back into balance.
4) Herpes Simplex – This rash is commonly composed of three to five blisters. The skin directly below the blisters is always red. Herpes is transmitted via sexual contact, including oral sex. See a doctor immediately for treatment.
5) Candidiasis – This is rash appears at the head of the penis and is caused by a fungal infection. It appears as white patches on the skin which look similar to milk curds. If they are scrapped, the base of these patches will bleed. Fungal medications should clear up the infection. It’s recommended that patients are screened for diseases such as diabetes as a precautionary measure as they are linked.
Calming the rash and healing the skin
No matter the source of the issue, take care with penis skin as it is very delicate. Wearing rough fabrics or scratching the surface can cause additional pain, bleeding, and stinging. This can also cause tears in the dermal layer of the skin which invites bacteria and other foreign organisms into the infected area.
Men experiencing a penis rash should always be sure to wash the genital area with a gentle, antibacterial body wash and a gentle touch to remove any irritants and keep the skin as clean as possible. Be sure to read product labels to ensure the body wash does not contain harsh or drying chemicals such as sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), or propylene glycol. These ingredients can further irritate already inflamed skin.
After cleansing the skin, a specially formulated penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) can be applied to the area. Nutrient-rich creams created explicitly for the penis should include natural ingredients such as vitamins A, C, D, and E, which are lauded for their effectiveness in calming and nourishing the skin. Men should additionally seek out a natural moisturizer containing ingredients like Shea butter, which is known for its healing and rejuvenating qualities to ward off future instances irritation and inflammation.