Maintaining good penis health not only helps a penis feel better and function better, but it also makes it just plain look better - and sporting a good-looking penis is important, especially when that penis is first introduced to a new partner. Imagine the reaction one gets when presenting a smooth, sleek, unblemished penis - and when presenting one that is covered in penis blisters. Not a pretty picture. Worse, penis blisters can result in a sore penis, which can impact whether a man feels like performing sexually. So tending to penis blisters is a good idea.

Any eruption or irritation on the penis has the potential to create a sore penis. But blisters tend to be tender and sensitive anyway, making a sore penis very likely if it engages in anything involving friction - like sex. (If a guy has ever had a foot blister, imagine that on the penis - and how that would feel if it were put into action.)

Causes

What causes penis blisters, anyway? Well, there can be several causes.

- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). One of the worst-case scenarios when it comes to penis blisters is that they may be a result of an STI. Not every STI causes penis blisters - and often a man may not exhibit all of the symptoms associated with an STI, even if penis blisters is one of them. But when an STI is the cause, it requires immediate attention. Diagnosing the STI and getting early treatment are key - as is refraining from sexual engagement until the STI has been properly treated.

- Yeast infections. A much less scary (though still bothersome) infection, yeast infections have such a strong association with women that many men don’t realize they can come down with one as well . Yeast infections may cause white blisters to form on the penis (usually after the appearance of a red rash, typically on the head of the penis). Most often, yeast infections come from sex with an affected partner; in some cases, a yeast infection may develop following a man’s taking a course of antibiotics.

- Folliculitis. When hair follicles become inflamed, they often lead to the development of blisters that break and ooze pus all over the penis - not a pretty sight. Usually bacteria or a fungus is responsible.

- Parasites. Scabies or crabs, 2 common parasites that can be found in the penile area, are an itchy, messy nuisance - and in some cases, they can lead to the development of blisters and a subsequent sore penis. Usually this happens when any of their numerous bites become infected (which is more likely to happen when they are scratched vigorously).

- Cancer. Obviously, the fear of cancer is significant, and penis blisters are associated with penile cancer. However, it is rare, with about 2000 cases reported annually - so don’t panic if a blister is found.

- Rough handling. Let’s face it, in the throes of sexual passion (whether with another person or with one’s own hand), things can get pretty rough for the penis. And sometimes all that rough handling and friction can indeed lead to blisters and a sore penis.

If a guy discovers penis blisters, he should consult with a doctor to determine the cause and lay out a proper plan of treatment.

Penis blisters can contribute to a sore penis, and so it pays to regularly apply a superior penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Keeping penis skin healthy can help, so look for an oil with both a high-end emollient (such as shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E). In addition, the oil should contain a potent antioxidant (such as alpha lipoic acid), which can protect delicate penis skin by fighting the damage caused by oxidative stress.