Gather a dozen or so men in 1 room for an hour or so, and chances are that most of them will scratch their penises at least once. When alone with only other guys, giving a quick scratch to the penis is practically a rite of manhood. But when in a more formal setting, an itchy penis becomes a bit of a burden - and even more so when that penis seems perpetually itchy. Often, an itchy penis may require some small alterations in one’s penis health regimen. Other times - such as when iodine may be responsible for the itchy penis - other treatment modifications may be necessary.

About iodine

Iodine is considered an essential trace element, a term often thrown about in scientific reports, but its significance is not really understood by the general public. When something is an essential trace element, that means that it is needed for proper growth and development, albeit in only small quantities. (Other examples of essential trace elements include hemoglobin and vitamin B12.)

Although iodine has some small part to play in the health of the immune system, it is primarily noted for the larger role it plays in the creation of certain thyroid hormones, especially thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones are intimately involved in protein and enzyme function and play an especially noteworthy role in the body’s metabolic process. In the womb and in babies, these hormones are also crucial to appropriate skeletal and nervous system development.

Iodine is perhaps most familiar to the general public in a liquid form (also called iodine, although it contains more ingredients than just the one) for use as a disinfectant. In addition, iodine is often injected into the body to aid in high-contrast imagery useful in identifying interior health issues.

Where it comes from

The body doesn’t readily make its own iodine, so it is necessary to get it from other sources. Soil contains varying amounts of iodine; crops grown in soil that has an abundance of iodine will be higher in the mineral. Some foods that more naturally include high levels of iodine include seaweed, shrimp, eggs, cod, and dried prunes. A form of iodine is often added to table salt, a process initially started to help decrease the likelihood of individuals developing growths known as goiters.

As with many other dietary elements, iodine is often added to the diet in the form of supplements.

And the itchy penis?

So what does iodine have to do with the itchy penis? It turns out that some people are allergic to iodine, and one way in which the allergy presents is as red bumps, looking somewhat like acne. They can appear anywhere on the body, including showing up as a penis rash.

In addition to looking unattractive, iodine allergies can itch mightily. The severity of the itching can depend upon the severity of the allergic reaction, as well as on factors related to skin irritation and protection.

Other symptoms of an iodine allergy include tingly lips, runny nose, gastrointestinal issues, and, in rare but serious cases, anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening. Often, consultation with a doctor is necessary to properly treat an iodine allergy.

An itchy penis due to iodine or other causes may often be alleviated by regular application of a top-drawer penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). The best oil will contain moisturizing agents, such as vitamin E and shea butter, which can keep skin hydrated and decrease the itchiness caused when skin is too dry. In addition, the oil should include alpha lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen penis skin health by fighting free radicals and the oxidative stress they can cause.