There is nothing as worrying as a rash on the penis. It can be painful, embarrassing and a real cause for concern as the worst case scenario comes to mind. Rashes on the penis can range from a minor swelling to bleeding blisters and itchy scaly 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 more common medical problems men should be aware of when a penile rash 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. Fortunately, it is not dangerous or contagious, but it is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. See a doctor or dermatologist for cortisone cream and/or light therapy.

2) Eczema – Eczema is a very common skin problem where the skin is dry, inflamed or irritated. Treat the area with an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream morning and night for a week, then once a day for an additional week. Make sure to moisturize the area daily and also after any contact with water.

3) Balanitis – This is an irritated swelling of the skin that can occur on the glans and/or foreskin. The skin is likely to be very itchy and may sting. It most often affects middle-aged men who have not been circumcised. Treatment includes twice-daily application of topical steroids for up to two weeks. Gently wash with mild soap and warm water, avoiding irritants or aggressive cleaning. Moisturize the skin several times a day to bring the skin back into balance.

4) Herpes simplex – This rash is commonly made up of three to five blisters. The skin directly under the blisters is always red. Herpes is spread through sexual contact, including oral sex. See a doctor immediately for treatment.

5) Candidiasis – This rash appears on the head of the penis and is caused by a fungal infection. It appears as white patches on the skin that look like milk curds. If discarded, the base of these patches will bleed. Fungal medications should clear the infection. It is recommended that patients be screened for diseases such as diabetes as a precautionary measure, as they are related.

Soothe the rash and heal the skin.

No matter what the source of the problem is, be careful with the skin of the penis, as it is very delicate. Using rough fabrics or scratching the surface can cause additional pain, bleeding, and itching. This can also cause tears in the dermal layer of the skin which invites bacteria and other foreign organisms to enter the infected area.

Men experiencing a penile rash should always make sure to wash the genital area with a mild antibacterial body wash and gentle touch to remove any irritants and keep the skin as clean as possible. Be sure to read product labels to make sure your body wash doesn’t contain harsh or drying chemicals like sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), sodium laurel sulfate (SLES), or propylene glycol. These ingredients can further irritate already inflamed skin.

After cleansing the skin, a specially formulated penis health cream (Health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven to be safe and gentle on the skin) It can be applied in the area. Nutrient-rich creams created specifically for the penis should include natural ingredients like vitamins A, C, D and E, which are praised for their effectiveness in soothing and nourishing the skin. Men should also look for a natural moisturizer that contains ingredients like shea butter, known for its healing and rejuvenating qualities to prevent future instances of irritation and inflammation.