The foreskin is that little extra something that keeps a man’s member warm at night. However, these extra few folds can cause a lot of issues. Red, irritated foreskin can feel like a hot poker. Men who are not circumcised, the majority of men, do have a few other concerns to keep in mind when it comes to their trouser snake. Foreskin problems like posthitis, phimosis, and paraphimosis are serious issues that can cause a man a lot of pain and suffering, and in some cases, can cost him his member. Let’s talk about that extra flap of skin that some men have and how to identify any foreskin problems before they get out of hand, and even better, prevent them from happening in the first place.

Irritated Foreskin Cause #1: Posthitis

Posthitis is an inflammation of the foreskin exclusively. It presents not only as red and inflamed, which additional symptoms that can include dryness, tenderness, discharge from under the foreskin, itchiness, a funky odor, thickened skin, and phimosis. It can be caused by a host of things such as yeast infection, fungal infections like jock itch, and partner transmitted infections, which can include syphilis, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HPV, chancroid, herpes, and trichomoniasis.

Treatment options include antibiotics, steroid creams, and antifungal ointments, which have been shown to reduce symptoms and attack the infection. See a doctor for a diagnosis.

Irritated Foreskin Cause #2: Phimosis

Phimosis is an ailment wherein foreskin cannot be withdrawn or pulled back from the head of the member. Phimosis can be caused by a few different things which may include:

• Irritation or redness of the foreskin and head as a result of poor hygiene
• Bacterial, fungal, or viral infection of the head or foreskin
• Scarring caused by aggressively retracting a child’s foreskin early on

Phimosis treatment depends on the severity of the condition. If an infection caused it, a doctor will prescribe either oral or topical medication contingent on the type of infection it is. For men with a tight foreskin, a daily exercise of light retraction and steroid cream can make foreskin easier to pull back with time. For men who experience chronic phimosis and for whom no other treatments work, circumcision may be recommended.

Irritated Foreskin Cause #3: Paraphimosis

Paraphimosis is triggered by swelling of the foreskin or the head of the member. This inhibits the ability of the foreskin going back in place after being retracted. Reasons for paraphimosis may include infection, genetically tight foreskin, injury, retracting the foreskin too forcefully, or leaving the foreskin withdrawn for too long.

This is a very dangerous condition, so seeking medical help quickly is vital. Paraphimosis can restrict circulation to the member, which can lead to male organ tissue death, or the surgical removal of some or all of a man’s member.

Preventing Irritated Foreskin

Some foreskin problems are avoidable. With these tips, a man can keep irritated foreskin problems away. Wear loose cotton underwear and change them daily (more if needed). Practice safe intimacy to avoid partner transmitted infections and other infections like UTIs and yeast infections.

Practice good genital health by cleaning the member, foreskin and all, regularly and thoroughly with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Retract the foreskin gently and wash between every fold of skin carefully. Rinse well and then air dry.

For extra protection against irritated foreskin, apply a specially formulated genital health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to keep the genital healthy and strong. This crème harnesses the power of vitamins A and C to fight off infection-causing bacteria, while vitamin B promotes cell regeneration. Together, they create a crème that restores and protects the member, keeping it vital and invigorated for years to come.

Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common genital health issues, tips on improving sensitivity and what to do to maintain a healthy member. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous websites.