Men who develop penis cuts or tears in the foreskin are understandably concerned about their cause, especially when they seem to appear out of nowhere, or overnight. While it may often make sense to assume the worst about a recent partner, in most cases, these tears and fissures have a fairly innocent cause. A red penis that has a sore, cracked or raw appearance may be healed by following a few simple penis care pointers.

Where do penis cuts come from?

Many men who experience tears or cuts in their penis skin find that they appear quite suddenly, without any obvious cause. Often, they occur in the hours after sexual intercourse or masturbation, even when no rough play or aggressive handling took place.

The appearance of a red penis, as well as swelling and a whitish, paste-like substance often accompany the cuts. In most cases, the explanation for these symptoms is simply a Candida yeast overgrowth. Yeast infection is common in men, as well as women, and the tears may be one of the first symptoms to appear.

Is it an STD?

Short answer: No. Long answer: Well, a yeast infection can be transferred by intimate contact, but it is not an STD per se. Yeast infections can also develop without any sexual contact at all; the warm, moist environment of the pelvic area is highly conducive to yeast overgrowth. With that said, any person who develops a yeast infection should alert his/her sexual partner so that both members of the couple can be treated; otherwise, they run the risk of re-infecting one another repeatedly.

How are penis cuts treated? Is professional medical care needed?

Men who are experiencing this problem for the first time are advised to seek professional medical treatment to rule out any other potential causes aside from yeast infection. In most cases, doctors can diagnose a yeast infection on sight, or using a simple swab test. Men who often develop yeast infections should also see their doctor, because an underlying health issue such as diabetes may play a role.

The conventional treatment for yeast infection is to apply an antifungal cream to the area. These can be purchased without a prescription; patients should take care to use the cream for the full recommended time period, as yeast infections can be stubborn and tend to recur if they are not fully eradicated.

Is there any way to prevent them from coming back?

While there is no magic formula that can guarantee to keep away unpleasant penis problems like yeast infection, dryness, redness and/or chafing, men can greatly reduce their chances of running into problems like this by taking some precautionary measures:

  • Keep the skin clean and dry. Skin that is coated in body oils or dead skin cells, or skin that is allowed to remain damp, creates a very favorable environment for the growth of yeast and bacteria. Washing every day with a mild cleanser and patting the area dry gently before dressing can help to alleviate this problem, and opting for non-restrictive underwear in breathable fabrics like cotton is advised. Washing after sex is also highly recommended.
  • Use protection. A protective condom can help to minimize skin-on-skin contact with a partner who may be harboring yeast as well as reducing the risk of contracting an STD. For men who are sensitive to latex or spermicides, plain condoms made of polyurethane or other non-latex materials is a good choice.
  • Nourish and moisturize. Keeping the penis skin moisturized can prevent the development of tiny cracks and fissures that can allow yeast spores to penetrate and flourish. A penis health formula (most experts recommend Man1 Man Oil) that is fortified with high-quality moisturizing agents like Shea butter and vitamin E can add an extra layer of protection against painful penis cuts and tears.