Most men experience an itchy penis on occasion, and most of the time there's nothing to it; a simple scratch or two and the transient itch goes away. Sometimes, however, there can be underlying causes to the itchy penis which make the problem linger; one of these causes is lichen sclerosus, a dermatological issue. Identifying and getting treatment for lichen sclerosus help to alleviate itching along with other symptoms and are components of proper penis care.

What is it?

As mentioned, lichen sclerosus is a dermatological condition. It is much more common in women than in men and most often is found in the genital area and around the anus; however, it can spread to other parts of the body.

Lichen sclerosus is classified as a chronic inflammatory skin condition, meaning it can be long-lasting and that it is typically a reaction to an injury or an infection. In fact, doctors do not really know what causes this condition, but they agree that it is not a typical infection. It is not something that is passed on sexually from one partner to another.

Foreskin

Lichen sclerosus is more commonly found in men with a foreskin than in those who have been circumcised. Intact men may experience the condition on the surface of the foreskin or on the head of the penis. When circumcised men contract the condition, it is generally located at the tip of the penis rather than along the length of the shaft.

Appearance

Because it is inflammatory in nature, the condition usually presents with reddening and swelling of the affected area. Often, the redness is accompanied by cracks, sores or blister-like marks. Over time, the redness may change into white splotches. In some men, a prolonged case results in scarring.

An itchy penis typically results from lichen sclerosus. In addition, the swelling sometimes creates pain when the glans has difficulty being released from the foreskin during an erection. Friction from sexual activity may also cause irritation of the affected area, resulting in a degree of pain. However, many men experience no physical sensations related to the disorder.

Treatment

Seeing a doctor is strongly advised if a man thinks he may have lichen sclerosus. (There are many other causes of itchiness, redness, etc. of the penis, so getting a proper diagnosis is useful.) A doctor will prescribe an appropriate treatment. Steroid creams are often recommended to help alleviate common symptoms. In some cases, circumcision may be advised.

In addition to the itchiness, lichen sclerosus can be a deterrent to a man's active sex life. As discussed, the presence of inflammation and/or scar tissue can cause some physical discomfort during intercourse or masturbation. Also, the penis physically presents as "unwell" due to the discoloration and swelling. While it is not an infection that would be passed on to a partner, other people may not know this or may not believe this to be the case, and may therefore be hesitant to engage sexually.

An itchy penis is not in itself a big problem, but when lichen sclerosus is the cause, it can be a persistent and annoying one. In addition, the scarring related to this condition can be troublesome. Regular use of a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help alleviate some of the issues related to these problems. For example, a crème that includes a soothing blend of both a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrating agent (such as vitamin E) can provide moisture that decreases the need to itch. These ingredients can also help relieve common soreness related to friction. Scarring can often lead to a loss of sensation in the area, so using a crème with a neuroprotective ingredient such as acetyl L-carnitine is a benefit. This ingredient can help restore lost sensitivity and keep the member properly receptive to sensation.