The good news is that men suffering from a red penis are not alone. This is a common condition that most men experience at some stage during their life time and it is usually caused by something that is simple and easy to treat.
A red penis is often caused by inflammation and is medically referred to as ‘Balanitis’. This is a Greek word, which means ‘inflamed acorn’. In most cases a red penis does not only look angry and uninviting, but also painful, frustrating and, at times, itchy. Plus, for many men it is embarrassing, especially when they are in the mood for sexual intercourse but their penis is not.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection. The tissue in the skin becomes red and angry looking, and may even be swollen, feel hot, and be painful to the touch. This is the body’s defense mechanism. The immune system sends in an army of white blood cells to fight bacteria and viruses or other foreign matter, so that the body can begin to repair any damage.
Often, when white blood cells are deployed a chemical reaction takes place in the body and this stimulates an increase in blood flow to the area that is damaged or injured. This increased blood flow transports the white blood cells and other cells that are need to repair the infected area. Hence, the color of the skin changes, as does its feel.
So, while inflammation looks bad, it often is a sign that the body is working correctly. This is when it is important to find the cause so that the body is assisted in its fight and the health of the penis can be restored.
Battling the Embarrassment of a Red Penis
Sure, turning off the lights and pretending there is no problem is a solution but it’s only a short term solution. It is unlikely to find the actual cause of the red penis. Plus, this type of behavior may lead to far greater problems. The condition can become worse, especially if the red penis is caused by an infection, skin complaint, or a more serious illness that the body’s white blood cells cannot fight alone.
So, stop being embarrassed and find out what is causing the red penis. In many cases early diagnoses and treatment of penis conditions can lead to a full recovery with little or no impairment of sexual function.
Causes of a Red Penis
Other common causes of a red penis include the following:
Poor hygiene – While most men clean their penis correctly, some do not, especially those who are not circumcised. This can lead to a build-up of a cheesy looking material called ‘smegma’ which will then cause skin irritations and a red penis. To clear this infection up, wash the penis in saltwater. Mix kitchen salt and warm water together until it tastes like sea water, and then bathe the penis in this until the infection clears.
An allergic reaction – Certain underwear, latex, and using products that contain a fragrance may irritate the skin of the penis. If it is suspected that such products are causing the red penis it is recommended that the products stop being used and that alternatives are found.
Thrush – The female vagina is PH balanced. This is controlled by bacteria called thrush, also known as Candida. Sometimes the skin of the penis is irritated by candida and this can cause a red penis. To avoid irritation it is recommended that the penis is cleansed in warm water after sex, or that a protective sheath, such as a condom, is worn during intercourse.
Please note – a woman may have what is known as a candida infection, where her body is over producing the normally healthy bacteria, and this can lead to penis itching and redness. If this is suspected, it is recommended that the woman receive treatment for her condition so that her PH balance returns to normal.
However, in most cases a red penis is caused by a lack of skin care. Think about the penis for a second. It is one of the most used parts of the male anatomy. It is placed under extreme pressure and stress. It has high expectations placed upon it. But it is rarely cared for. And this undoubtedly is where most men’s problems begin. This is why it is important to start a skin care régime for the penis.
A daily moisturizer that is a penis specific creme (health professionals often recommend Man1 Man Oil) is an excellent place to start. These types of products contain essential vitamins and minerals that care for and maintain the health of the penis which can improve the skin’s resilience during sex and increase sexual function and penis skin sensitivity. Coupled with a balanced, healthy diet and exercise, this will lead to better sexual performance and endurance.
