Penis skin is among the most delicate skin on the body, and therefore it is often prone to developing redness, rashes, and other irritations. In some cases, cortisone is recommended for similar skin conditions elsewhere on the body. But is using cortisone on penis skin part of appropriate penis care? Or can using cortisone damage that delicate manhood covering?

Penis skin

It’s understandable that penis skin is delicate. In the first place, it’s quite thin. This is so the supersensitive nerve endings that create those unique shivers of pleasure can be readily accessed. It also has to be flexible, capable of growing and shrinking, which is easier when the skin is thin and loose rather than thick and bunched. And, of course, most men keep the penis under wraps most of the time, rarely exposing it to sunlight or the elements, so it doesn’t "toughen up" naturally.

With all that in mind, it’s easy to see why penis skin can be sensitive to harsh chemicals or excessive friction.

Cortisone

Cortisone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone. It is also available in synthetic form and is often used in many over-the-counter and prescription creams. (It is also used in oral form for certain conditions.) These creams have many uses, but they most often help treat an inflammatory reaction, which in the case of penis skin may mean redness, swelling, rashing, etc. Cortisone is effective against inflammation because it suppresses the immune system.

When used properly (and under a doctor’s guidance), cortisone can be very effective. However, there can be side effects to cortisone use, especially if it is used improperly or in excess. (As with any medication, different people react differently to a treatment; what may be a perfectly tolerable amount of cortisone for Man A may be far too much for Man B.)

Oral cortisone is more likely to have serious side effects (e.g., diabetes, anxiety, insulin resistance, etc.) than application of cortisone in a topical cream form. However, there can be some penis skin issues related to using a cortisone-based cream on the penis. These include thinning of the penis skin, skin pigment changes and sometimes infection.

Effects

The body’s skin has a thin natural acid "mantle" as well as layers of fatty tissue. If cortisone is used at too high a dose (or sometimes at an appropriate dosage but for too extended a period of time), the cortisone eats away at these layers. Without the protection that they provide, the skin can thin out - which, ironically, makes penis skin less supple and pliable. This can lead to some discomfort when the penis skin expands for an erection.

More problematically, the acid layer and fatty tissue help provide protection against bacteria and germs. When these are eroded, it is easier for infections to occur.

Skin pigmentation changes are rarer and more likely to occur when cortisone is injected rather than applied topically. However, a man with very sensitive penis skin should be careful when using cortisone and monitor his penis for any signs of pigmentation change.

Consulting with a doctor, even when using over-the-counter cortisone, is advised, especially if using the product on the penis.

Whether using cortisone or not, men should take steps to keep their penis skin looking fantastic. Daily application of a top notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) is a superb way to maintain the organ’s health. Penis skin requires proper moisturization, so select a crème with both a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E). Further skin protection can be provided if the crème includes a powerful antioxidant, such as alpha lipoic acid, to fight free radicals and help penis skin stay youthful and healthy.