Chill, suave, debonair gentleman. Definitely a magnet for the ladies. That is, until they notice him trying (and failing) to surreptitiously scratch his itchy penis and instead looking like a guy who simply can’t keep his hands off his penis. Every man has an itchy penis at some time or another (and it always seems to be its itchiest when the most alluring potential partner is around). Sometimes an itchy penis can be associated with a penis health issue, such as a rash or other skin eruption. But sometimes there are other causes. For example, doctors know that itchiness - including itchiness on the penis - can be a reaction to having too much stress in one’s life.

Psychogenic itch

The technical medical term for an itch caused by stress (or anxiety or depression) is a psychogenic itch. When one is experiencing mental health issues like these, the body releases a great deal more of serotonin and norepinephrine. Nerve cells produce serotonin, which is used for several purposes, including helping to stabilize mood. Norepinephrine is a chemical that is used to get the brain and body alert and ready for action. When the body gets too much of these chemicals, it can result in an itch, including an itchy penis.

So relieving stress (or anxiety or depression) can help to alleviate an itchy penis when it is contributing to the itchiness. For those who are experiencing severe stress (and certainly severe anxiety of depression), getting assistance from a mental health professional is strongly recommended. But for those stress is not as acute, the following tips may be helpful in turning the stress levels down a few notches.

- Get active. One of the best ways to relieve stress and tension is by being physically active. Going to the gym, riding a bike, swimming, jogging, mowing the lawn, raking leaves, even just standing up from the desk and doing a few jumping jacks can help when stress is high.

- Watch what you eat. A healthy diet makes it easier to fight off stress; too often, people end up stress eating, gulping down sugary sodas or empty caloried snacks that make them feel good in the short term but are harmful in the long run. Eating an apple instead of a bag of potato chips may be a better way to ease stress a little.

- Get laughing. When a person laughs, the body releases chemicals that help de-stress. So it pays to have on a video playlist a few comedy routines or scenes from movies that tickle the funnybone. Watching or listening to these when stress is too much can make a big difference.

- Meditate and breathe. Practicing meditation, and especially breathing exercises, relaxes the body and the mind.

- Try some yoga. Many people find that yoga, in addition to providing a physical workout, has a calming and soothing effect on them.

- Listen to music. Putting on some gentle, soothing tracks can allow the mind to let go out of many of the thoughts that are prompting stress to rear its ugly head.

Easing stress can help ease an itchy penis, as can regularly applying a top drawer penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). For the best outcome, look through oils until one finds an oil with a combination of moisturizing agents, such as shea butter and vitamin E. A well moisturized penis is less likely to experience itching on an intense level. The selected oil should also contain l-carnitine, an amino acid that helps protect against nerve damage caused by friction, compression, and other common injuries.