When someone has itchy skin, they often reach for cortisone cream. This topical cream can work wonders for temporary itching, and so many men who have an itchy penis will reach for it before they try other things. That can be a problem, as cortisone creams can be bad for penis skin.

When a man has a rash, redness, or itchy penis symptoms, he needs to remember that the penis skin is very sensitive and thin. This means that what he can handle on, say, his arm or his leg, will have a different effect when it’s on his penis. Using this cream often can result in shiny penis skin that looks waxy and thin. However, there are ways to use cortisone cream without truly damaging the skin, especially if it is used only occasionally.

Understanding Cortisone

Cortisone is a topical cream, meant to be used on the skin. It’s actually a very low dose of steroids, meant to calm the skin and heal small issues, such as a minor rash. But the biggest use of cortisone cream is to relieve itching, especially from allergic conditions. Many people have put a dose of cortisone cream on poison ivy and similar rashes, as well as mosquito bites and other itchy bites from bugs. They use it for eczema, some forms of psoriasis, and contact dermatitis of all types. The cortisone stops the allergic reaction, thus bringing near-instant relief from the itching. It lasts for anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending upon the severity of the itch.

Side Effects from Cortisone

In most cases, there are no side effects from the occasional use of cortisone cream. However, those who use excessive amounts of the cream might notice redness and irritation of the skin, or a lightening of the area in which they rubbed the cream. This lightening effect is especially true in those who have darker skin. The skin might also thin, thus making it easier to tear and abrade. As the skin begins to thin, a burning sensation might occur when adding more cream. Putting a dressing over the area can exacerbate the burning sensation.

How to Use Cortisone on the Penis Skin

It’s important to remember that penis skin is thin to begin with, and it’s very sensitive. So any use of cortisone cream should be very carefully considered. When a man does choose to use cortisone cream for an itchy penis, he should do these things:

• Check with the doc. There might be an underlying cause for the itching that can be cleared up easily with some other, more penis-friendly medication. Some reasons for a rash or itching might not respond to cortisone cream, so it’s also good to know this before a guy starts using something that could affect his penis skin.
• Check the dose. Always apply as little as possible to heal the itch. Start with half a dose as recommended on the tube, then go up from there.

• Never use on irritated skin. If there are any breaks, cuts, scrapes, or abrasions on the skin, don’t use cortisone cream on it. That allows the cream to get underneath the skin, which can then lead to a serious burning sensation, and might lead to other problems as well.
• Use it for a short period of time. If the itchy penis persists for more than a week, go see a doctor. The cortisone might be working when applied, but there is an underlying cause that must be treated – a guy can’t use cortisone forever!
• Use it when unclothed. A man will want to use the cream during a time when he can let the equipment hang free, as the area needs to breathe. Remember, covering the area can cause all sorts of unwanted side effects.

• Stop scratching. A man’s nails can cause breaks in the skin that lead to infection. If the cortisone is not working, don’t continue scratching at the problem. Get to the doctor as soon as possible and explain that cortisone hasn’t helped.
• Use a moisturizer. Whether using it in conjunction with the cortisone cream or after the use of it, a moisturizer can help ensure the penis skin stays pliable and soft, regardless of the use of the steroids.

Taking Care of Penis Skin

When a guy is using cortisone cream, he should also be using a top-quality penis health creme  (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin). This crème will help protect the penis skin through a combination of wonder ingredients designed to soothe and moisturize.