Tattoos are a big deal in today’s culture; in fact, almost half of all adults in the United States have a tattoo, and that’s not even taking into account all the millions of people outside of the country who choose to sink the ink. Most people get tattoos in the most obvious places, but men who are into serious tattoo adventures might opt for a tattoo on the sensitive penis skin. If that’s the case, excellent penis care is an absolute must.

Tattoos and penis skin

Before getting a tattoo on the penis skin, a man should research the situation very carefully. Not only is the tattoo a permanent thing - because the last thing a man wants to do is go through painful laser removal of a tattoo on the penis! - it might also lead to problems with penis care.

A man needs to remember that there are many risks when tattooing very delicate skin, like that on the penis; that’s why many tattoo parlors will not tattoo on certain areas, including the manhood. A tattoo on a sensitive area can lead to scarring, which could eventually lead to painful erections or a loss of sensation for a man. Another problem is the risk of infection, though that can be minimized with appropriate penis care. And finally, nerve damage is a serious consideration. The nerves of the penis are very close to the surface, and it’s possible that the motion of a tattoo gun on that area can lead to a deadening of those nerves. This can make sexual activity much less pleasurable.

Knowing all the risks, if a man does choose to tattoo the delicate penis skin, he must keep these healing tips in mind:

1. Follow instructions exactly. Any tattoo requires some serious after-care to ensure the skin stays healthy and the ink stays bright. This is especially true on penis skin, as the thinness of the skin can make healing much more difficult. Follow the directions of the tattoo artist to the letter, and go above and beyond when it comes to cleaning.

2. Maintain excellent hygiene. When dealing with a healing penis tattoo, a man must keep the area scrupulously clean at all times. Every tiny hole made by the tattoo needle is a gateway for bacteria to enter the skin, and that could lead to nasty consequences. Clean the tattoo and the area around it thoroughly, again, following all the rules set forth by the tattoo artist.

3. Understand what it will look like. Understand what a penis should look like after a tattoo session. The skin will likely be very red and irritated, and there might be scabs that develop as the skin heals. Again, speak with the tattoo artist about exactly what to expect, along with photographs to show what healing should look like.

4. Get help if necessary. If the penis skin begins looking even redder than expected, the pain gets worse, the skin becomes puffy and signs of infection set in, it’s time to go straight to the emergency room. An infection in the penis skin is not something that can wait, as it could lead to heavier scarring and other serious consequences.

Once the skin has healed, help it regain sensitivity by using a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Look specifically for a crème that contains retinol, known for fighting blemishes, and vitamin C, which can help ensure proper blood flow during the healing process. Another important nutrient is acetyl-L-carnitine, which fights against peripheral nerve damage and loss of sensation. These nutrients in a Shea butter and vitamin E base can help ensure penis skin looks good, regardless of whether the tattoo does.