Doctors and urologists often hear from male patients who are concerned about penis symptoms such as irritation, rash, itching and swelling. While these symptoms can be a sign of a more serious problem, most of them are related to minor issues and can be treated easily. Cleansing and applying penis vitamins and moisturizers is often all that is needed to keep the penis healthy.

For men with concerns about penis problems, the following list of penis health issues can help. However, it is important to remember that men who have a sore on the penis that does not heal, or symptoms that are accompanied by severe pain, fever, headache, nausea, or an erection that does not subside after four hours should seek prompt medical attention.

1. Contact dermatitis - The penis is often exposed to chemicals and other substances that are known to cause irritation. Penis symptoms such as redness, soreness, flaking or peeling skin, and rash can often be the result of contact with, for example, latex condoms, spermicides, fragrances (found in cleansers, deodorants, lotions and laundry detergents) and personal lubricants. Contact with the body fluids of a partner can also cause irritation and soreness following intercourse.

2. Poison ivy, oak or sumac - These environmental irritants can cause some alarming penis symptoms; even if they do not come in direct contact with the penis skin, the oils from these plants can be transferred from other parts of the body or the clothing and cause symptoms such as mild to severe itching, rash, redness, dryness and peeling of the skin.

3. Fungal infections - Fungal infections can affect men of all ages, even those who are not sexually active. Yeast infections, which can be easily transmitted between sexual partners, often present as severe itching or burning, redness, swelling (especially of the foreskin), a whitish, lumpy discharge, and dry, peeling skin.

4. Dry, irritated skin - Penis symptoms such as itching and peeling, and even minor rashes, can be caused by simple friction burns caused by masturbation or sex. If dryness and irritation occur following intercourse or manual stimulation, it is best to abstain for a short time to allow the skin to heal.

5. Bladder infections - Bladder infections do not only lead to urgency in urination; they can also cause pain or burning at the opening of the penis (the urethra). Men who suspect a bladder infection should have their urine tested for diagnosis, as antibiotics may be required to eliminate the infection.

6. Skin cancer - Small lesions, sores that do not heal, or skin tags or moles that change in appearance may be signs of skin cancer. Unusual markings or sores, especially those do not heal over a period of weeks, should be checked for the possibility of skin cancer.

Home treatment for penis problems

At the first sign of penis soreness, pain, itching or other uncomfortable or unattractive penis symptoms, men can follow the steps listed here to calm the skin and alleviate the effects of minor penis conditions:
• Wash the area with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid soaps, as these can cause drying and tightening of the skin and lead to further irritations and discomfort.
• Rinse thoroughly to make sure all traces of cleansers, as well as other possible irritants, are removed.
• Dry the penis and surrounding area carefully before putting on clothing.
• Wear loose-fitting, natural fabrics such as cotton to allow the skin to breathe - oxygenation helps the healing process.
• Abstain from masturbation and sex until the symptoms subside.
• Apply a moisturizing vitamin cream. Look for a penis vitamin formula that contains all natural ingredients only (most health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Natural moisturizers such as shea butter are best for sensitive skin, while vitamins and other nutrients speed healing, promote the formation of healthy skin cells and connective tissue, and boost the body’s immune response to fight off foreign invaders. Regular treatment with penis nutrients can lead to an improved overall look and feel to the penis.