Although it spends most of its time hidden out of sight, a man’s penis is a fairly reliable barometer for his overall health; Signs of an unhealthy penis can indicate that all is not well and that proper treatment is needed. Some common symptoms that could indicate an underlying health problem are discussed here, along with tips for ongoing penile care.
1. Lumps, warts or pimples – No penis has perfectly smooth skin, and bumps or pimples aren’t always a sign of something sinister. A large number of men have a condition known as pearly penile papules, which appear as a “necklace” of pearl-shaped bumps around the crown of the penis. These are perfectly normal and shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
A raised red bump that looks like a pimple could certainly be nothing more than a pimple – if a lump like this appears and then starts to heal after a few days, then there is probably nothing to worry about. On the other hand, if the bump appears to be filled with clear fluid, or if it forms a scab, it’s time to head to your doctor for a test for a possible sexually transmitted disease.
A gray or white dome-shaped bump could be a genital wart, which is a symptom of HPV, a common virus spread through intimate contact. Men who have warts on the skin of the penis should avoid partner sex and should see a doctor for a positive diagnosis.
2. Flaky, dull and dry-looking penis skin – Dry, itchy, and dull-looking skin could be the result of dehydration. It could also be a reaction to a soap or other detergent, or it could be caused by dry masturbation or sex. A dry, itchy penis that is accompanied by swelling or discharge may indicate a yeast infection known as thrush. This is easily treated with over-the-counter creams, but a doctor should be consulted to make sure there is no other underlying problem.
3. Rash on the penis – A red, itchy rash on the penis may be related to poor hygiene. Washing daily and removing any accumulated smegma (for uncircumcised men) may be the only treatment needed in this case. A rash that spreads and is intensely itchy can be a sign of a yeast infection; And again, it is important to rule out a sexually transmitted infection for a rash that does not improve after a couple of days.
4. Cuts and abrasions – The appearance of cuts or abrasions on the penis that are not the result of an obvious injury could be the result of an allergic reaction, a sign of a yeast infection or simply dryness caused by aggressive masturbation or sex. An antifungal cream can cure most yeast infections, and increasing your water intake and using a lubricant is the best way to treat friction-related dry skin.
5. Swelling, redness, and pain. These symptoms may be related to an injury; most of the time, they are signs of an infection. Men who experience any of these symptoms should consult a physician for a professional medical opinion.
Daily care for a younger and healthier penis
Caring for your penis is fairly straightforward, but it requires a bit more than just rinsing in the shower. The skin below is sensitive and washing with ordinary soaps can cause dryness, peeling, and discomfort. Men can avoid this problem by using a mild cleanser or shower gel formulated for sensitive skin; a good choice is baby cleaners or hypoallergenic cleaners.
It is also important to dry the area thoroughly before putting on clothing, because wet skin and clothing create the perfect environment for growing Candida yeast. As the last step before covering yourself with clothing, apply a penis health cream. (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can provide the skin of the penis with vital moisturizers and nutrients that work to keep the skin soft, resilient and youthful.
