Summertime means the opportunity to spend a serious amount of time in the water. Guys readily don a swimsuit to spend time wave-jumping in the ocean, swimming laps in the pool or just relaxing their tired muscles in a hot tub. Unfortunately, each of these swimsuit options comes with the possibility of developing a penis rash as a result. With that in mind, here is some information about swimsuit-related penis rash and how to maintain penis health while splashing about this summer.

Saltwater issues

There are several penis rash issues that may arise from a man immersing himself in saltwater. One of the more obvious of these is a simple dry skin rash that can develop from too much salt getting onto and into the penis skin. Salt can dry skin out rather quickly, making for a flaky, peeling rash that requires remoisturization.

But guys should also be on the lookout for something called sea bather’s eruption after a dip in the briny. This is something which actually occurs only in the area of the body that is covered by clothing – and so it is especially likely to become a penis rash issue (unless, of course, a man is swimming at a nude beach).

Sea bather’s eruption is a tingling, itchy rash that is sometimes accompanied by a fever, nausea or fatigue. It’s caused by tiny jellyfish larvae which get trapped in the swimsuit (or shirt, if a guy is swimming with a shirt on). They’re almost invisible to the naked eye, so most people don’t see them. But they cause little stings which eventually develop into rash-like bumps. They can occur not only on the penis, but also on any area covered by a swimsuit (balls, butt, thighs, etc.).

The rash tends to be worse the longer the infected swimsuit is worn; taking a shower in fresh water actually makes them worse, as does drying off with a towel. Applying diluted vinegar or rubbing alcohol can help, as can an ice pack. For a long term rash, applying hydrocortisone lotion is usually effective. But a man should consult a doctor if the rash persists for more than a week or if it is painful.

The pool

Probably the biggest pool issues are due to chlorine. Chlorine can also take out of the skin many of the oils that keep it moisturized, resulting in dry skin rashes. But some people also have an allergy to chlorine which may result in a more prevalent penis rash, frequently presenting as red splotches. Remoisturization is suggested for both problems.

The hot tub

Hot tub rash is caused when a hot tub is not kept properly clean, with the result that a particular bacteria – pseudomonas aeruginosa – develops. The penis rash presents as itchy bumps, frequently occurring all over the skin but generally worse in areas covered by a swimsuit. Often there are pus-filled blisters that form around hair follicles. Owners of hot tubs should make sure that chlorine and pH levels are checked and adjusted at least twice a week.

Most hot tub rashes clear up on their own in a few days.

Fear of a penis rash shouldn’t keep a guy from getting into a swimsuit and enjoying the summer, especially if he already takes pains to keep his penis healthy. One excellent way to achieve this is via daily application of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Since proper moisturization is needed, select a crème with both a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E). In addition, be sure the crème contains alpha lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant that battles free radicals and thereby reduces the chance of oxidative damage that prematurely ages and weakens penis skin.

Source by John Dugan