For men who are counting on a little bedroom gymnastics, the discovery of sore, red penis skin comes as a major disappointment. No amount of lube or lotion can mitigate the soreness and burning that can occur if he chooses to proceed as planned, and trying to ignore the problem is only likely to make it worse, resulting in a longer and more unpleasant recovery period.

While men who are experiencing irritation may have to face the fact that a furlough is the only option, with the right penis care, it may be possible to speed healing time, restoring the skin to normal and even protecting it from further aggravation and injury. Some of the most effective solutions for soothing raw, red penis skin are described here. Men with ongoing problems, open sores, and skin that does not heal should consult with a trained medical professional to determine the underlying cause of the issue.

Applying cool compresses

When irritation occurs, the first order of business is to reduce the painful sensation. Before taking any other action, it is a good idea to wash the area carefully with a mild cleanser, and rinse thoroughly to ensure that any irritants such as chemicals from condoms or lubes are removed. Then, applying a compress made from a washcloth soaked in cool water for 15 minutes or so can help to reduce the pain and bring down any swelling.

Changing cleansers, moisturizers and lubes

A common mistake that men make when the skin is irritated is to apply a body lotion, hoping that the moisturizers will soothe the skin and reduce the soreness. While some body lotions might be fine for this, many of them contain chemical fragrances and dyes that can actually irritate the penis skin further and make the problem worse.

Similarly, many soaps and even personal lubricants contain chemicals that can have adverse effects on sensitive skin. Changing to an all-natural cleanser, using water-based natural lubes, and sticking to moisturizers that are intended for use on the penis is recommended. By avoiding chemical irritants, men can prevent further irritation as well as allowing the skin to recover.

Letting it breathe

The skin needs to breath in order to heal. Using underwear made from breathable fabrics like cotton and refraining from wearing tight clothing can speed the healing process, as well as preventing friction from clothing that can exacerbate the issue.

Avoiding latex

Men who experience frequent irritation and soreness after using a condom may be developing a sensitivity to latex; this can occur even in men who have had no previous latex issues. Condoms are also made from alternate materials; trying these may help to reduce the incidence of raw and reddened penis skin.

Using a penis health cream

Raw and reddened penis skin needs more than just time when it comes to healing. As with the rest of the body, the right nutrients are important to restoring damaged tissue, preventing toughening of the skin, and protecting the area from further injury. An all-natural penis moisturizing cream (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) such as shea butter, combined with skin-protectant nutrients such as vitamins A, C, D and E, can speed the formation of new tissue, help to prevent over-keratinization (the formation of calluses), and boost the skin’s natural moisturizing qualities in order to reduce the effects of friction and help to prevent further irritation. It is important to keep in mind, however, that no lotions, creams or ointments should be applied to open sores or wounds; this type of injury should be seen by a doctor for appropriate treatment.