All men know that it's tough to give off that cool, manly vibe while resisting the call of an itchy penis. While numerous things can cause an itchy penis, sometimes the irritants behind that need to scratch come from the environment in which a man lives and/or works. Maintaining proper penis health certainly helps reduce the need to scratch, but to maintain that health, a man may need to think a little outside the box.

Itchy penis causes

Most men are familiar with the common irritants that can create an itchy penis situation. For example, using a soap or laundry detergent that is too strong or contains harsh chemicals or fragrances is a very common cause of penile itching, and clearly this is a good place to start when trying to pinpoint the root problem.

But sometimes the irritants are not quite so localized. Especially if a man has very sensitive skin to start with, his penis may develop an itch due to irritants that are not necessarily in close physical contact with the manhood.

Among the possible environmental irritants that may have such an effect are:

- Dust. They say cleanliness is next to godliness; for some men, cleanliness helps decrease itchiness. Simple household dust can be a culprit that gets under a guy's skin - or on it, at least - and can create a need to itch. The dust can especially be reactive on the penis if it falls into a man's underwear or is disseminated to the penis while exposed to the air in the bathroom, bedroom or elsewhere in the house.

- Dust mites. Dust mites are actually microscopic creatures that often live in carpeting or furniture, usually bedding. Although they don't cause disease, they do create a form of very fine powder that can easily cause skin reactions.

- Plants. It's well known that toxic plants like poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac can create an allergic reaction that involves significant itching. But for a man with extra sensitivity in his skin, many other plants can create a less severe but still noticeable itchiness. Coming into physical contact with a plant may cause pollen, oil or other components to transfer to the skin, activating a slight allergic reaction.

- Mold. Except in rare cases (such as cheese), mold is generally unwelcome in a house. An excess of mold can contribute to many ailments, including skin issues which lead to excessive scratching.

- Animal dander. Pets can be delightful companions, but when their fur and/or skin sheds (creating what is referred to as "dander"), it can be a nightmare for a person with dermatological sensitivity. Dander can linger in the air and on surfaces for quite some time, making it very easy to get on a person's body.

There are certain precautions a man can take to help avoid an itchy penis due to these irritants. Keeping the house clean, using air filters and de-humidifiers and washing hands regularly (especially before masturbating or otherwise handling the penis) can help. Washing the penis with an appropriately mild soap is also advised.

It's also essential that a man regularly use a first-rate penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to help fight an itchy penis and defeat environmental irritants. Applying such a crème after washing is especially helpful. When the crème contains a combination of hydrators (such as vitamin E and Shea butter), the application while the skin is still moist helps to lock in the hydrating abilities. Properly moisturized skin is significantly more resistant to factors that promote itching. It is also beneficial to use a crème with L-arginine. This ingredient helps promote proper blood flow to the penis, which ensures that oxygen and a wider range of nutrients reach the penis. Oxygenation and nutrient absorption aid in overall penis health.