It can feel like pins and needles or just like a dull ache. It can be big or small, pink or red, and serious or a simple nuisance. Penis irritation affects every man at some point in his life, most likely more than once. While it’s easy to jump to conclusions and think the worst, most times it’s something easy to fix and even easier to prevent. Let’s talk about what causes irritated penis skin and how to revere penis irritation.

Irritated Penis Skin Reason #1: Ingrown hairs

One of the most common reasons for penis irritation is ingrown hair. These little red bumps are super sensitive and despite their size, can be quite painful when touched or rubbed up against. Ingrown hairs occur anywhere that a man shaves, including the penile area, so be sure to use shave gel or oil, a new razor, and follow up with an ingrown hair inhibitor like Tend Skin.

Irritated Penis Skin Reason #2: Allergic Reaction

Another very common reason for penis irritation is an allergic reaction. Redness, rash, itching, and pain are some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction, which can be caused by anything that comes into contact with the penis like lube, condoms, lotions, laundry detergent, body wash, and his partner’s lotion or fragrance as well.

Irritated Penis Skin Reason #3: Friction Burn

Skin that gets chafed or experiences friction burn can be a very uncomfortable situation. When it’s in the reproductive region, even more so. Many things can cause friction in this area such as dry sex, masturbating without lubrication, wearing too-tight pants, or unnatural fibers. Friction or chafing can lead to more than just penis irritation as it can also result in broken skin that invites infection or reduces penile sensitivity.

Irritated Penis Skin Reason #4: Balanitis

A penis irritation that includes redness, rash, swelling, itching, foul-smelling discharge, and painful urination could be balanitis. Located on the head of a man’s penis, balanitis is a skin infection that can result from an allergic reaction, diabetes, or simply lax hygiene. It tends to affect men who have not been circumcised more than their cut counterparts.

Irritated Penis Skin Reason #5: Yeast infection

Yes, men can have yeast infections. Noticing a chunky, off-white discharge and a spotty, itchy rash around your penis? Your penis irritation could be chalked up to a yeast infection, or as it is also known, Candida.

Irritated Penis Skin Reason #6: Peyronie’s Disease

When a man has a 20 percent or greater curve to his penis, his penis irritation could be Peyronie’s disease. It can lead to a man feeling intense pain when getting an erection, having sex, or urinating. Some men with Peyronie’s disease can also have difficulty getting an erection.

Irritated Penis Skin Reason #7: Lichen Sclerosus

The rarest of the penis irritations listed, lichen sclerosus is an atypical skin disorder that affects a man’s groin and anus. It presents with white patches of skin on the penis and is accompanied by pain, redness, itching, blistering, bleeding, or scarring. Doctors are unsure of what causes this condition.

Preventing Penis Irritation

Preventing penis irritation can be summed up in a few quick tips:

• Wear loose, natural fabrics
• Always test new products that come into contact with the area before using them
• Wash immediately after sex or working out
• Wash thoroughly on a daily basis, being sure to use a mild cleanser, warm water, and rinsing well.

Use a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to keep skin fresh and clear. This crème not only soothes and calms irritated penis skin but helps prevent it from occurring in the first place. It also contains vitamin A, an antibacterial, to keep infections at bay.