It’s bound to happen when a guy least wants it to. He’s at a party and has just met a woman he really wants to impress, for example, or he’s trying to close a deal with a difficult client, and what pops up? An itchy penis situation, which can be incredibly embarrassing if he decides to scratch. As penis health issues go, an itchy penis is relatively mild – but that doesn’t make it any less annoying. Therefore, men want to do what they can to avoid the penile itch – and drinking plenty of water is one way to help.
Dehydration and the itchy penis
There are numerous causes of an itchy penis, including such unwelcome causes as pubic lice and scabies. But more often the itchiness is due to dry penis skin and resulting discomfort. And dryness often comes about due to dehydration, or not consuming enough water.
Dehydration can be a big issue in the solder months. It can be challenging in the summer as well; however, in the hot months, people tend to be more aware of the water that their body is losing through sweat and often are motivated therefore to increase their water intake. Sweat is less pronounced in the winter, but dehydration can still occur. The cold weather is dryer and it consequently dries out skin. This is as true of penis skin as it is of skin elsewhere on the body.
Why does dry skin itch? Doctors are not sure, but many believe the itchiness is meant to be a warning sign that the skin needs to be hydrated.
Drink water
Clearly, one of the best ways to deal with dehydration is to drink water. There are other fluids that one can drink, such as fruit or vegetable juices, but water is generally the best choice when wanting to really attack dehydrated skin. It’s also wise to avoid certain other fluids, such as alcohol or caffeinated sodas, as these can actually cause more dehydration in some cases.
Some foods can also be helpful in staying hydrated, such as citrus fruits, watermelon and many vegetables with a high water content.
How much water should a person drink? Traditionally, adults are told to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. However, there are many variables at play. One recommendation which has become popular in recent years is for a person to estimate their weight (such as 180 pounds), cut that in half (90) and drink that amount of water in ounces (90 ounces). However, people who sweat more (naturally or due to physical exertion) would need to increase their intake.
It can help to check for signs that a person is staying hydrated. For example, a guy should check his urine. If it is colorless or a faint yellow, it’s more likely he is well hydrated. Very dark yellow or brownish urine is often a sign that more fluids are needed. (It can also be a sign of other issues; if it remains discolored after increasing water intake, a man should consult with his doctor.)
Drinking water is not the only solution for treating an itchy penis, however. For example, sometimes the dry skin may come from using a harsh soap or from ingredients in laundry detergent.
Drinking plenty of water is an excellent way to hydrate the skin and help avoid an itchy penis. Another valuable tactic is to daily apply a top notch penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Not all cremes are created equal, however; what is needed is a crème with a combination of a high end emollient (shea butter is ideal) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E). These can help create a moisture lock to better maintain penile hydration. Also advisable in a creme is a potent antioxidant, such as alpha lipoic acid. Antioxidants fight excess free radicals and thereby help prevent damage to the skin from oxidative stress.