Although the penis is a pretty tough organ which is built to withstand - and derive pleasure and enjoyment from - a lot of friction, the penis skin itself is actually rather sensitive and delicate. (Delicate is not a word most men like applied to any part of their penis, but it’s a fact.) This is why so many aspects of good penis care revolve around taking care of and protecting the penis skin. It’s also one reason why a penis rash is a fairly common situation for many men. There are many things which can be responsible for the development of a penis rash. One of them is called cellulitis.

What is cellulitis?

As the Mayo Clinic puts it, cellulitis is "a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection." When cellulitis is present, the skin is usually swollen and red. It also is painful when touched and may also be a bit warm. A fever may accompany cellulitis, and the rash may turn into blistering.

Although cellulitis is common, it most often occurs on the legs. However, it can occur elsewhere, including on a man’s penis. Even if it first appears on the legs or elsewhere, if it is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body - and sometimes that spreading can occur fairly quickly.

While the penis rash aspect of cellulitis may be disturbing to a man, there can be serious consequences beyond that. If the condition spreads into the bloodstream, it can be very serious indeed. So treating any signs pof cellulitis early not only helps with the less serious rash-like aspects, it also can prevent a much more serious situation.

Cause

So cellulitis is a bacterial infection - but how does it start? Well, first, it is caused by either staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria - or by a combination of both. In almost all cases, these bacteria are able to get into the body through a cut or crack in the skin. Even "small" cracks like those associated with athlete’s foot can result in bacteria getting into the body. It’s also possible for an animal bite to transfer bacteria into the body.

This is one reason why it is important to always clean any cuts or scrapes and to pay attention to any such issues to see if they show signs of infection. Cuts on the feet can be especially susceptible, as the sweat that accumulates when wearing socks can attract bacteria; in addition, bare feet are also an easy target for entry if cut or cracked.

Some people may be more at risk of cellulitis than others. For example, people who have a weakened immune system lack the resources to fight off a bacterial infection as effectively as might be desired. People who are overweight also have a higher risk.

Treatment

Getting prompt treatment can help a "mild" case from developing into something serious. So if a penis rash or rash elsewhere might be cellulitis, a man should check with his doctor for a diagnosis.

Treatment typically consists of antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection and possibly pain relievers to deal with some of the symptoms. Often cremes or lotions will be prescribed to help deal with the rashy aspects of cellulitis.

When a man has a penis rash from cellulitis or other causes, treatment will be more effective if his overall penis health is not already impacted. Regular application of a first rate penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can be a definite plus in this regard. Key is keeping the skin properly moisturized, so locate a quality crème that contains a combination of a high end emollient (such as shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E). For added protection, the crème should include other major vitamins as well, such as A, B5, C and D.