It is not uncommon to hear from men, or their female partners, who believe they have a skin allergy to a woman’s vaginal fluid; And it can be easy to understand why men who have frequent problems with dry, itchy skin on the penis after sex may think so. Men who have adverse reactions after intimate contact can become frustrated or even angry and blame their partner for their condition, and this, of course, can lead to serious relationship problems. Fortunately, while there may be a real penile health problem to deal with, the answer is rarely a skin allergy to vaginal fluid. These are some of the most likely possibilities, as well as what men can do to relieve penis itchiness and prevent future problems.
Reasons why sex can cause dry and itchy skin on the penis:
1. A partner with a yeast infection. Although most people are more familiar with female yeast infection, which is caused by the yeast Candida, men can also be affected. Symptoms of a Candida infection include dry, sometimes cracked skin, moderate to severe itching, thick, whitish discharge, and inflammation. Partners can easily spread the infection from one place to another, even when one of the partners does not have any obvious symptoms. A yeast infection can be cured with over-the-counter medications, but it is important that both partners receive treatment at the same time to prevent reinfection.
2. A partner with bacterial vaginosis. There are a large number of bacteria present in the female canal; some are beneficial and some are not. Under normal conditions, the “good” bacteria override the bad, but when the body’s natural chemical balance is disrupted, the “bad” bacteria can take over and cause an infection known as bacterial vaginosis. Not all women know they have this condition, but contact with an affected woman can cause male symptoms such as dryness and itching. Treatment by a doctor can eliminate the infection.
3. Allergy to latex. If men find that they develop dryness and itchiness after most encounters with their partner, it is important to consider all the factors that might be at play. In many cases, it may be something the man himself is doing that is causing the problem. One cause of dryness and itching can be latex allergy; changing the barrier protection to a material other than latex may be the answer in this case.
4. Irritation caused by a personal lubricant. Personal lubricants often contain fragrances, flavors, or warming or cooling agents that are intended to enhance the sensual experience. However, these additives can include chemical irritations that can cause dryness, redness, itching, pain, and a host of other uncomfortable symptoms. Using neutral, water-based lubricants can solve the itch problem forever.
5. Lack of lubrication. Another mistake men can make during sex is skipping the lubricant altogether. In this case, too much friction can cause tiny tears in the skin’s surface that can leave it sore, itchy, and uncomfortable. To avoid this problem, it is best to make sure you have a lubricant on hand in case the natural fluids produced by the body are not enough.
Soothing dry and itchy penis skin
While it’s important to pinpoint the source of the problem and then treat any underlying conditions and avoid triggers for skin reactions in the future, the first concern most men are likely to have is relieving the itchiness and alleviating discomfort.
While a doctor should always be consulted, here are some self-care tips that can help; Just remember to never apply medications, creams, lotions, or other topical preparations to broken or inflamed skin.
1. Wash the area carefully with warm, not hot, water and a mild cleanser; This will ensure that all traces of irritants are removed. Rinse well afterwards and dry with a soft cloth.
2. For severe itching, try a colloidal oatmeal bath. Soaking in a warm oatmeal bath is often recommended due to its soothing properties for the skin.
3. Follow up with a nutrient-rich penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) containing a natural emollient such as shea butter, which is ideal for most skin types and is widely known for its moisturizing and healing abilities.