At some point in his life, every man deals with a penis rash. It might be a recurring event for some, especially during the summer when jock itch becomes more difficult to avoid. It might happen right after introducing something new into the daily routine, like something as simple as trying out a new laundry detergent. In other words, a penis rash is so common that men can actually become accustomed to seeing it.

Unfortunately, that means that sometimes a man can become so familiar with penis rash that they don’t even think about consulting a physician or looking deeper into the issue. Though most penile problems are quite easily remedied, especially with excellent penis care on a regular basis, some rare issues might be cause for concern. Here’s how to know when a penis rash is something to worry about.

1) Is the penis rash accompanied by itching or burning? This could be a yeast infection. A yeast infection is an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, which leads to burning, itching, a red rash and sometimes a whitish discharge. Though yeast infections are often considered a female issue, remember that men can also get them.

2) Is the penis swollen and itchy? This might be the result of a Balanitis infection. Most common in uncircumcised men, this is often the result of lack of careful hygiene. However, men who are circumcised can also fall victim to this itchy, red penis rash that can eventually lead to a lot of discomfort.

3) Does the skin have red patches and flaking? This might be caused by psoriasis, a very common skin issue that happens all over the body, including the genital area. Psoriasis results in red patches of inflamed skin. As the skin toughens, the patches might appear yellow. Those patches might be itchy, and they might even bleed when scratched.

4) Is the rash made up of cauliflower-shaped bumps? This might be a case of genital warts, which can appear anywhere in the genital area, including the penis. Genital warts usually don’t hurt, but they are itchy and can be very red, especially after giving in to the intense urge to scratch the area.

5) Does the rash include a painless sore or blister? This might be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease. Some serious problems, such as syphilis or herpes, can start out as a red, raw sore or painless ‘blistered’ area on the genitals. Even if the rash goes away, the infection still exists in the body, so it’s vitally important to have STD testing.

6) Is the penis rash a very dark color? A small, localized rash that appears brown, black or any other dark color might be an early sign of skin cancer. Yes, skin cancer can appear in areas that are never exposed to sunlight, such as the genitals! A very dark rash that does not go away is a sign that it’s time to get checked out.

When a rash indicates serious penile problems

The good news is that most rashes come and go, and can be easily treated with a high-quality penis health crème. Excellent physical hygiene, regular use of nutrient cream and careful attention to irritants and allergens can help ensure rashes happen much less often.

However, sometimes rashes are much more serious. Any rash that meets the criteria listed above deserves a trip to the doctor to rule out more serious penile problems. A rash that seems simple but just don’t go away is also a good reason to visit the doctor to figure out what the problem might be.

The regular use of a proven penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can help keep penis rashes at bay. High-quality creams include nutrients that are absorbed directly through the skin, such as Vitamins A, C, D, and E. They also include strong moisturizers, such as Shea butter, which leaves the skin supple and hydrated with regular use. The combination of penis health crème, along with careful hygiene, can quickly eliminate the most common, benign penile problems.