Some things are seasonal, others aren’t - and an itchy penis is a pest for all seasons. That said, there is definitely some seasonal variation in the cause of an itchy penis. There are factors associated with winter that can make a difference in penis health and the itch that all men experience at some point.

Many causes

As is well known, an itchy penis can be the result of many things, including jock itch, allergic reaction, scabies and other readily-identifiable causes. But often the itch simply results from a temporary irritant or environmental conditions that cause the skin to dry or become otherwise itch-prone.

The latter is often more frequently at work in winter than it is at other times of the year. To understand why, it’s necessary to look at the situations which cause dry, itchy skin in general during the winter.

Winter

What’s the defining characteristic of winter? Cold weather (although what constitutes cold weather on a tropical island is very different than what constitutes the same in northern Alaska). And when the temperature drops, conditions change both indoors and outdoors such that dry, itchy skin may develop.

Outside

Outside, cold weather is often accompanied by harsh winter winds. Exposed skin takes the brunt of it, but truly arctic blasts can cut through clothing and affect the skin all over the body. When that wind strikes, it creates a "windburn" situation which dries out the much-needed natural moisturizing skin oils.

But there’s another effect as well. People have to bundle up to withstand the frigid air. But often the outside wind chill shifts dramatically, so a man may experience periods of both extreme cold and not-so-extreme cold. And in the latter phases, being bundled up may make the body overheat, creating sweat. And often sweat serves to also deplete the body’s natural moisturizing oils.

Inside

Ah, but indoors, things are nice and cozy and climate-controlled, right? Not necessarily. Indoor heat often creates a dry, low-humidity situation - and that sucks the moisture right out of the skin as well.

These winter factors bring about dry, itchy skin in general and can also bring about an itch specifically on the penis.

What to do

So what can a man do to keep an itchy penis at bay in winter?

Hydration is the key here. Dry skin is an invitation to the itch factor, so find ways to keep the body moisturized. For overall body skin hydration, it makes sense to go with the obvious: drink plenty of water. If moisture is being pulled out of the body, put some of it back in. Too many adults do not get enough fluids anyway - and some of what they consider "fluids" aren’t helpful hydrators. Caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, soda), for example, tend to have a somewhat de-hydrating effect.

It also pays to remember that liquids aren’t the only recourse for hydration. Increasing the consumption of many fruits and some vegetables is another good way to add water to the body.

And as for the itchy penis itself? What winter tips can be offered for it specifically? It can be very helpful to make application of a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) a part of a man’s daily health routine. Helping penis skin get rehydrated can relieve the itch, so a crème needs to have double-barreled moisturizing agents - such as Shea butter and vitamin E. Working together, these two can create a moisture seal that helps rehydrate and lock in that hydration. It also pays to use a creme with a potent antioxidant, such as alpha lipoic acid, which can add a back-up weapon to protect penile cells and keep them healthy rather than itchy.