Of the complaints from male patients concerning penis problems, a dry, itchy, red penis skin is one of the most common. For example:

I am a 20-year old and sexually active. For the last 6 months, I have had problems with dry skin on my penis head. Besides that, the part under the head is cracked and itches, and it burns every time I have sex. My girlfriend thinks I might have a yeast infection. I didn’t think guys could get those down there.

In this case, his girlfriend was right – he did have a yeast infection. In fact, guys are just as likely as women to develop yeast infections in this area. Because of this, daily care with penis-specific vitamins and minerals is recommended for maintaining skin pH and fighting off minor viral and fungal infections. The following list of symptoms can help men figure out the source of their red penis problems:

Symptom: Itchy, red penis accompanied by dry, cracked skin

Possible Causes:

• Yeast Infection – The skin is home to a host to millions of tiny spores that can develop into a yeast infection under the right conditions. The warmth and moisture of the genital area makes this a prime location for itchy, irritating infections to take hold. A yeast infection can cause the skin to crack and take on a dry, chapped and reddened appearance, and mild to severe itching may occur. Maintaining healthy skin is vital to keeping the body’s chemistry in balance and preventing yeast and other fungal infections.

• Jock Itch – Like yeast infections, the fungus that causes jock itch thrives in the genital area. This infection causes a red, bumpy rash that spreads outward and can cause extreme itching, as well as drying of the skin.

Symptom: Red, spreading, flat rash, sometimes accompanied by itching and inflammation

Possible Causes:

• Psoriasis – While psoriasis can affect the entire body, having it on the penis skin can be especially problematic. While it is not contagious, this chronic skin condition can be considerably off-putting to sexual partners and cause embarrassment, as well as physical discomfort.

Symptom: Redness, swelling, and severe itching or burning

Possible Causes:

• Bacterial infections – When bacteria are allowed to penetrate the skin of the penis, they can cause a range of symptoms, from redness and inflammation to itching, scabbing and foul odors. Keeping the skin healthy and well-moisturized, as well as providing adequate nutrient support, is recommended for preventing bacterial infections of the penis skin.

Symptom: Redness, swelling and itching on the head of the penis and under the foreskin

Possible Causes:

• Balanitis – Men who are uncircumcised are more likely to develop this inflammatory condition, where the head of the penis becomes inflamed, red, and sore to the touch. Keeping the penis head clean and moisturized and supporting the skin’s natural healing properties with vitamins and antioxidants is an important part of maintaining penis health.

While most instances of dry, itchy and red penis skin are not serious and can be easily treated, men who experience flu-like symptoms along with these should seek prompt medical attention. It is best to refrain from sexual activity until the source of the symptoms is identified in order to avoid making the problem worse or transferring the condition to a partner.

How to treat red penis skin at home

To soothe dry, itchy penis skin that is red and/or inflamed, it is important to keep the area clean. This means washing at least once a day and making sure that the genital area is completely dry before putting on clothing. To avoid fungal and yeast infections, do not share towels, and change towels often, making sure that they are hung up and allowed to dry completely between uses. In addition, red penis skin can be soothed and moisturized through the use of a specialized penis health formula (most health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) which contains natural hydrating agents, as well as essential vitamins and minerals to support skin health.