It starts out as a tickle and quickly rages into a scratch fest. However, penis itching doesn’t help, and actually, makes an itchy penis worse. In order to give a big adios to the itch, a man first has to get to the bottom of what’s causing it. Let’s talk about five reasons that could cause itchy penis and how to treat them.

Itchy Penis Cause #1: Contact Dermatitis

What it is: Contact dermatitis is a fancy way of saying the skin does not like something. This super itchy, red, bumpy rash on a man’s penis can be caused by contact with an allergen. Sometimes it can also ooze a clear or yellowish fluid caused by dermal disruption.

How it’s caught: Been camping lately? Using a new body wash or laundry detergent? Even something as simple as getting some new towels or a new bed can cause contact dermatitis. Latex condom allergies are also known to cause this. If a man starts to see a reaction within a few hours or days of adding something new to his life, his itchy penis may be due to contact dermatitis.

How to treat it: Identify the trigger and stop using it or manage it in another way. While it will often go away in a short time, keeping the area as clean as possible is the best way to soothe the irritation. OTC hydrocortisone creams and oral antihistamines are also helpful.

Itchy Penis Cause #2: Chafing

What it is: Friction disturbs the skin barrier which then causes itty bitty cracks and tears in the skin which get inflamed. Skin gets red and irritated but can also get scaly. Score one for House Targaryen.

How it’s caught: When skin rubs repeatedly, usually in the crotchal region, it created friction. This can cause an especially firey and uncomfortable road rash on or near the penis. PS – Runners experience this a lot.

How to treat it: Treatment is two-fold: prevent additional rubbing and protect the irritated skin. Using a thick, very natural cream is recommended. It should be free of dyes, perfume, and anything else that can irritate already inflamed skin. Also, “airing out” is also recommended whenever possible. Yes, that means pulling a Donald Duck.

Itchy Penis Cause #3: Fungal Infections

What it is: It can be red, shiny, and moist. If it’s a yeast infection, a man will additionally notice some white discharge. Jock itch will also be moist. However, some other fungal infections present in a dry and flaky and usually start on the thighs.

How it’s caught: It can be caused by an overgrowth of yeast, too much moisture in a dark crevice (aka the junk), or in the case of jock itch, transmitted by contact with a person with it or their towels, etc.

How to treat it: Get a topical antifungal cream and slather it on until the groin is a mushroom-free zone. Be sure to keep the area as dry and possible and use cotton or moisture wicking underwear.

Itchy Penis Cause #4: Intertrigo

What it is: If the rash is deep, red, and raw, it could be Intertrigo. This is a (dark) magical concoction of bacteria and fungus. Symptoms can also include stinging as well as penis itching.

How it’s caught: In places that collect the most sweat, folds of the skin like the groin and spare-tire under folds, an overgrowth of bacteria and fungus.

How to treat it: Layer creams. Use an antibacterial like Neosporin and an antifungal like Lotrimin to defeat the bacteria and fungus. Using a zinc cream, like Destin or Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, protects the skin from additional rubbing.

Itchy Penis Cause #5: Pubic lice

What it is: It’s creepy and crawly and not what anyone wants to bring home from a beach vacation. Intense penis itching, irritation, and tiny white-grey or yellow specks in the pubic hair mean pubic lice and they indeed look like microscopic crabs wandering around a man’s downstairs.

How it’s caught: They can be caught during amorous advances, sharing swimsuits, or any other garment that goes penis to penis like towels or blankets.

How to treat it: See a doc for a medicated shampoo or lotion to wash those lice right out of that pubic hair.

Looking to protect delicate penis skin and avoid rashes? A great way to keep genital skin clear and calm is to use a penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) on a daily basis. Crèmes like these can strengthen the skin while protecting it from bacteria and irritation. This is also an especially important part of self-care a man can give himself not only feels good but is good for him.