Male itching – 5 Common Causes and Tips for Soothing Relief

Male itching seems to happen at the worst possible moments, and it is almost impossible to ignore. No matter how hard a guy tries to exercise mind over matter, there is no avoiding the overwhelming need for a vigorous scratch, regardless of whether he is on a crowded train, in line at the coffee shop, or meeting his future in-laws for the first time. While itchy skin can creep up for what seems like no reason at all, the source of the irritation is often something the man is doing without being aware that he is causing the problem himself. Men who experience more than the occasional tingle below the belt would do well to read over these common itch-producing issues and to take some proactive steps toward better male organ health.

1. Dry skin­. Hot weather – cold weather – vigorous stroking – dry coupling – and so on… all of these issues can dry the skin of the male organ and leave it feeling rough, tight, and irritated. When the male skin is dry, it tends to feel itchy and uncomfortable, just like the skin on any other part of the body. Keeping the skin well-hydrated and using a moisturizer that is designed for the male organ can help to reduce dryness and leave the skin looking and feeling smooth and supple.

2. Poor hygiene. The environment in the underdrawers can be decidedly swampy, and when men neglect to include showering in their daily routine for more than a day or so, the accumulation of sweat, body fluids, and whatever else happens to be down there can cause serious irritation. Really, the importance of a daily wash cannot be overemphasized – and men who are uncut should take special care to (gently) retract the foreskin and clean underneath.

3. Personal care products. On the other hand, men who DO wash regularly may also encounter problems with itchiness if they are using the wrong personal care items. For example, ordinary soaps often contain detergents that can strip away natural oils from the skin (just like the detergent used to clean greasy pans), leaving it dry and scratchy. Using a gentle cleanser instead of inexpensive bar soap – and even turning to a hypoallergenic laundry detergent – can restore moisture to the skin and cut down on the need to scratch the jewels.

4. Latex. The most common types of barrier protection are made of latex, a material that often causes adverse skin reactions. Even men who have used latex barriers without issue for years may develop a sensitivity to this material, so switching to a non-latex barrier may be the answer for some men.

5. Yeast infections and jock itch. Fungal infections like Candida yeast (thrush) and jock itch are obvious offenders when it comes to male itching. Symptoms like itchy skin, a red rash, swelling and discharge may indicate a fungal infection; men who are experiencing these should consult a doctor for the appropriate treatment.

Most male itching is more or less benign, but men who have issues such as chronic yeast infections, an itchy rash following unprotected intimate contact; an unusual discharge; or a rash that is accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat and/or coughing should see a doctor to rule out any more serious conditions. 

For minor skin issues, men can relieve the itch and even prevent it from coming back quite as often by following these simple rules:

- Maintain good hygiene. Washing the male skin and surrounding area every day with a mild cleanser can remove dead skin cells, body oils, and other substances that can cause itching, chafing and discomfort.

- Trim the hedges. While not all men may be into the idea of manscaping or shaving the hair off completely, a trim with scissors can go a long way toward eliminating itching caused by coarse hairs and overheated skin.

- Use a male organ vitamin cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing targeted ingredients that are designed to support healthy male tissue. A cream that contains vitamin E and other high-end moisturizing agents can relieve itching and dryness, leaving the skin soft and smooth. As an added benefit, products containing vitamin A – a natural antibacterial – can help to eliminate that unpleasant odor that comes along with dank, sweaty skin.