Dr. Vasanth Kumar Sg

Penis rash is hardly an uncommon occurrence, especially during the summer when heat and sweat create the opportunity for skin irritation. Sometimes, though, the cause of a penis rash is fairly uncommon - such as when cellulitis is responsible. Knowing how to deal with rarer penis rash causes is part of good penis health, so guys should learn a little about cellulitis and how to deal with it if it pops up.

What is it?

• Cellulitis is a bacterial skin condition which can occur anywhere on the body, including the penis, although it most often presents as a rash on the lower legs. It is bacterial in nature. While the rash that may occur on the surface of the skin is generally not serious, if the bacterial infection spreads into the bloodstream, it can have potentially serious consequences.
• The rash that usually accompanies cellulitis is generally a red, swollen area of varying size. Because it is caused by a bacterial infection, it is warm or hot to the touch. Once it appears, it can spread very rapidly, either with the rash increasing in size in the original affected area or by breaking out in other areas of the body.
• The condition is caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria, which get underneath the skin thanks to a cut or scratch. It most often starts as penis rash when there is some form of cut, scratch or insect bite on or near the penis. If a man has eczema on or near his penis, the cracks in the skin that result from eczema can provide an easy access point for the bacteria.
• The bacteria responsible for cellulitis are fairly common, even among people who are healthy. They are likely to be found in higher quantities in people with eye, nose or throat infections. Some people are also more at risk of developing cellulitis, including people with diabetes, those with a weakened immune system, and individuals who use intravenous (IV) drugs.

Complications

Fever often accompanies cellulitis. If the disease progresses into a more serious infection, a person is likely to feel some of the following symptoms:

- Tiredness

- Chills and shaking, as well as sweating

- Nausea

- Dizziness and lightheadedness

- Muscle aches

- Blistering

- Red streaks

If the infection gets into the bloodstream, it can result in sepsis or blood poisoning, which in some cases can be fatal. Gangrene is another possible side effect, as is clotting.

Treatment

It's important to seek treatment for cellulitis, both to relieve the pain associated with the early stages and to prevent any serious complications from developing. A doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics. Sometimes pain relievers will also be recommended.

Although cellulitis first presenting as a penis rash is rare, it can occur. Men are advised to help prevent this by tending to any cuts or scrapes, treating dry skin conditions or fungal infections which might lead to cracks in the skin, and washing regularly to keep bacteria away.

Of course, a penis rash may be caused by many things other than cellulitis. Regular application of a first class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can help to prevent or alleviate rashes. Choose a crème that can keep the penis skin hydrated through such moisturizing agents as Shea butter and vitamin E. Also be sure that the crème contains alpha lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant. Alpha lipoic acid battles free radicals, which can damage and weaken penis skin. Finally, if the crème contains vitamin D, so much the better; this "miracle vitamin" is well known for its ability to help fight disease.