Summer is coming on fast. Soon the temperatures will be climbing and guys will be getting plenty of outdoor activity. And for many guys, an itchy penis situation is bound to come up, probably more often during the summer than during other months. Taking steps to ensure good penis health can help minimize the risk of an itchy penis, but there are other tips that can help as well.

1. Watch the sweat. Whether playing football in the hot sun or working out in the gym, guys tend to sweat more during the summer (which only makes sense). And a lot of that sweat accumulates in the crotch. In addition to creating a penis odor situation, a sweaty crotch tends to make for an itchy penis. The bacteria in the sweat can create a rash that needs scratching. So taking steps to reduce sweating can help.

2. Change underwear often. Sweaty underwear adds to the potential itch factor, so plan on changing underwear two or three times a day to keep the itch away. Most guys also find that loose-fitting boxers allow more "breathing" room and so keep the amount of sweat down somewhat.

3. Go bare. It also helps to air out the penis for a few hours each day during the summer. This helps itch-causing bacteria to disperse.

4. But don’t go bare out there. Summer means beaches. Sometimes it means nude beaches! But exposing the usually well-hidden penis to the harsh rays of the sun can be very risky - and a sunburned and peeling penis is an abnormally itchy penis. Guys who do sunbathe or swim nude need to apply appropriate sunscreen. However, be aware that some sunscreens may have harsh ingredients that could result in a rash - and more itching. In addition, those who like to hike in the buff need to be especially careful of plants such as poison ivy or poison oak. Letting the penis come in contact with such plants - or touching the penis after touching such plants - can lead to a very unhappy outcome.

5. Think about manscaping. For guys with a full bush of pubic hair, it may be wise to manscape for the summer. Trimming away all that hair will keep the penis cooler and produce less heat and less itch-causing sweat. Sometimes manscaping can create an initial itchiness in the area, but that usually diminishes rather quickly.

6. Neither a borrower nor a lender be. At least not where the crotch is concerned. Borrowing a bro’s shirt is fine, but don’t wear another guy’s pants - and certainly not his underwear. And if you lend out a towel to your bud for his shower, be sure to wash it promptly. Not only can bacteria be passed from items that touch the penis, but so can fungal infections, like jock itch.

Crème it

During the summer (or any season), an itchy penis is less likely to occur if a guy maintains the overall health of his favorite body part. To do that, make sure that regular application of a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) is part of one’s routine. Dry or cracked penis skin is particularly prone to itching, so select a crème that includes both a high-end emollient (Shea butter is an excellent choice) and a natural hydrator (vitamin E does quite well). The moisture lock this combination produces can help keep vital body oils trapped in the skin. Also needed in the crème: vitamin A. Also known as retinol, vitamin A has anti-bacterial properties which can help reduce unwanted penis odor as well as itchiness.