Spending time in the hot tub can be a great way to relax and let sore muscles get the warmth and water-jet massage action they crave. But what if a guy comes out of that hot tub with a penis that is sadly itchy? Unfortunately, this can sometimes be the case, and the condition can even go beyond the health of the penis, often creating an itchy rash all over the body.
Fun in the hot tub
Hot tubs have become a huge part of the American social scene in recent decades. Although hot tubs are often used solely for “family” recreational activities, they also have a reputation for being an especially rewarding place to have sex. The stimulation provided by the pulsating jets of water, combined with the heat, can make hot tub sex irresistible for some.
Unfortunately, unless properly and regularly cleaned, a hot tub can also become a breeding ground for bacteria. Hot water is very attractive to bacteria, and unless the right amount of chlorine is added at the right times, bacteria can grow and spread all over people’s skin in the bathtub. And ironically, the rash tends to be more prominent on and around the penis, as wearing a bathing suit traps bacteria against the skin more directly for a longer period of time. (However, bathing in a hot tub naked does not fully protect against the rash; it just means it may be less severe.)
Hot tub folliculitis
One of the most common causes of itchy penis (and a rash elsewhere on the body) is something called folliculitis (often simply called a rash). This is a particularly unappealing stinging rash; Although it can be contracted from bacteria, it is most common in wooden tubs.
Hot tub folliculitis usually appears a few hours after using the tub, but there may be a delayed reaction, resulting in it appearing a few days after exposure to the bacteria. This rash tends to develop around the hair follicles, as bacteria nest at the root of the follicle and begin to infect the area.
This rash looks a lot like chickenpox in its early days, although as it progresses it resembles a field of pimples. Like chickenpox, folliculitis is very itchy; In some cases, people report that it can be painful and often produces a burning or stinging sensation when it becomes severe.
The good news is that the condition usually resolves on its own in a week or two; the bad news is that it is uncomfortable and unappealing while it persists. The itchy penis is unlikely to get much pleasure while the rash is present. A rash that lasts for more than two weeks may require treatment with antibiotics.
Yeast too
In some cases, it will also be a breeding ground for yeast. While yeast infections are more common in women than men, they occur on the penis and can be very itchy.
To reduce the chance of a penis-related itch, men should ensure that the tub in question has been properly cleaned and disinfected. It also helps limit the amount of time in the bathtub; longer exposure increases the risk of infection. Finally, showering after using the tub can help displace bacteria.
An itchy penis, from a hot tub or other sources, needs to be hydrated. Daily use of a top-notch penis health cream (Health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven to be gentle and safe for the skin) A combination of moisturizers is required. Look for one with shea butter (a high-end emollient) and vitamin E (a natural moisturizer) for good results that keep skin soft and smooth. It is an advantage if the cream also contains alpha lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress, leaving the skin of the penis stronger and less prone to infection.