A dry, itchy penis is not just a minor nuisance; that constant urge to scratch, squirm, or plunge the junk into a bucket of ice water can be a huge distraction. After all, how many guys can concentrate on what their boss - or even the gorgeous woman in the coffee ship line - is saying when it feels like his crotch is on fire? What makes things even worse is that all of this discomfort is often caused by something the guy himself is doing - or not doing - in the process of his normal penis care routine. Avoiding these common mistakes is essential to putting an end to the itch.

1) Neglecting the daily shower. Whether a guy is too tired, or in too much of a hurry, or just too lazy (admit it - it happens to all of us) to grab a shower, missing out on this important hygiene step can lead to hours of misery. The crotch is essentially a reservoir for sweat, heat, and dried-on body fluids, and leaving these to fester on the skin longer than absolutely necessary can wreak havoc. Really, it only takes a few minutes to grab a quick shower, and keeping things clean down there can make a big difference in a man’s level of comfort, so it is certainly worth the extra effort.

2) Overdoing it in the shower. While cleanliness is vital to staying itch-free, taking things too far can actually make the problem worse, instead of better. First of all, for men who like to crank the shower temperature up as high as it can go, excessively hot water leaches the natural oils from the skin, so even though it is clean, it will tend to be dry and rough. Second, those harsh body bars and shower gels may smell good, and they may get the job done, but again, these products strip the oils from the skin. A mild, fragrance-free cleanser is the best bet for cleanliness without the dryness.

3) Skipping the moisturizer. OK, most men don’t think about moisturizing their skin after a shower, but leaving out this step means losing all of the benefits of the added water. Instead of rubbing vigorously with a towel, it is better to pat the area mostly dry, and then apply a penis-friendly moisturizing cream (free of fragrances, alcohol and dyes) while the skin is still slightly damp. This allows the water to be absorbed into the skin, plumping up the tissue and restoring moisture to the area.

4) Avoiding irritants. That slithery pair of faux-silk briefs may feel nice against the skin, and it may set off the package nicely, but synthetic materials are often irritating to sensitive skin. Furthermore, they don’t allow breathability, which increases the problem by allowing sweat to remain on the penile skin instead of evaporating. Add a highly-fragranced detergent or a deodorant spray to this mix, and men are exposing their unmentionables to a chemical salad that can be extraordinarily irritating to the manhood. Natural fabrics, sensitive-skin detergents and skipping the body fragrances altogether can help reduce the itch factor.

5) Using the wrong protection. The conscientious man is, of course, remembering to use a condom for every intimate encounter - which is exactly as it should be. On the other hand, the material used to manufacture the condom may be contributing to an ongoing itch down there. Latex - the most common condom material - is a problem for many men, and even those who have used them without issue in the past may find themselves developing a sensitivity. Men who suspect this is the case may turn to other products, such as those made from polyurethane or polyisoprene, as a less-irritating alternative.

Soothing relief for an itchy member

Following these steps can help to reduce the occurrence of itching; but men can also find immediate relief - as well as a solution for healthier, softer penile skin - by adding a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to their daily hygiene regimen. A product containing a high-end moisturizer such as Shea butter or coconut oil can soften the skin, while nutrients like vitamin E seal in moisture and prevent the dryness that can lead to itchy, scale skin. Added ingredients like vitamins C and D also improve the overall tone and texture of the skin, while vitamin A can reduce the presence of itch-inducing bacteria - bonus points to vitamin A for keeping that musky penis odor in check. Applying a cream like this after a daily shower is recommended for overall penile health.