The Dangers of Cortisone Cream for an Itchy Penis

Many people reach for CC(cortisone cream) as their number-one remedy against itchy skin. Though CC might work very well for some parts of the body, such as the arms or legs, it is advised that men use the utmost caution when using CC on the penis. When nothing else works for an itchy penis, even the best changes in hygiene and good penis care, a man might need CC - but he also needs to know what penis problems it might potentially cause down the road.

What men need to know about cortisone creams

Cortisone creams contain very low amounts of steroids. These creams contain so little, in fact, that they are sold over the counter and most people never experience any negative side effects from using them. CC work very well for those who have skin allergies, such as a bout with poison ivy or something in their environment that causes an itchy rash. It also works very well for those who have certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema. Keep in mind that these creams stop the allergic reaction, thus stopping the itching; they don't actually treat any underlying condition.

When it comes to more delicate skin, such as that on the penis, it pays to use cortisone creams with extreme caution. That's because many men report changes in their penis skin after using cortisone creams, including thinning of the skin, redness, and a waxy appearance. Some irritation might also occur. Those who have darker penis skin might find that the use of CC also makes the skin lighter, or leaves it with discolored splotches. Using cortisone cream for the long-term might also result in stretch marks on the penis, thanks to the thinning of the skin.

How to use cortisone creams properly

A man should never just reach for a CC at the pharmacy and start using it. It's important to remember how to use it, and what steps to take before resorting to the cream.

1) Figure out the underlying cause. A man who has a seriously itchy penis needs to treat the reason for the problem, rather than just masking it by getting rid of the itch. There might be issues with allergies, parasites, or even a sexually transmitted disease. A visit to the doctor or dermatologist can help a guy figure out what's going on.

2) Use it sparingly. When applying the cream, don't slather it on. Use only the smallest amount possible to get results. This should be no more than what can be squeezed out onto a fingertip.

3) Use it for a short period of time. Cortisone creams should be used for temporary relief, which might mean only a few days. This should give a man enough time to take medications or otherwise follow the doctor's instructions on how to alleviate the underlying cause of the itch.

4) Avoid skin irritations. If the skin of the penis is broken in any way, such as irritated to the point of leaving tiny cuts or abrasions, do not put cortisone cream on it. Not only does this hurt like crazy, it can also allow the cream to infiltrate the skin, which could lead to further problems. And don't scratch! Scratching the penis can get the cortisone in too deep, leading to those aforementioned penis problems.

5) Don't cover the area. When using cortisone cream, try to leave the penis skin bare. This allows the cream to do its work while the skin 'breathes' a bit, mitigating some of the potential damage that can come from cortisone cream use.

One of the best remedies for an itchy penis is great hydration. That's something a man can attain with a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin), which includes vitamin E and Shea butter. This one-two punch of hydration can keep the penis skin smooth, supple and itch-free.