Summer means the opportunity to spend a great deal of time on the water. Guys easily throw on a swimsuit to spend time jumping waves in the ocean, swimming in the pool, or just relaxing their tired muscles in a hot tub. Unfortunately, each of these swimwear options carries the possibility of developing a penile rash as a result. With that in mind, here is some information on swimsuit-related penile rash and how to maintain penile health while splashing this summer.

salt water problems

There are several penis rash problems that can arise if a man is submerged in salt water. One of the most obvious is a simple dry skin rash that can develop from too much salt coming into contact with the skin of the penis. Salt can dry out your skin quite quickly, leading to a scaly rash that requires moisturizing.

But guys should also be on the lookout for something called a sea bather’s rash after a dip in the salty water. This is something that actually occurs only in the area of ​​the body that is covered by clothing, so it is especially likely to become a penis rash problem (unless, of course, a man is swimming in a nudist beach).

Bather’s rash is a tingling, itchy rash that is sometimes accompanied by fever, nausea, or fatigue. It is caused by tiny jellyfish larvae that get trapped in a bathing suit (or shirt, if a man is swimming with a shirt on). They are nearly invisible to the naked eye, so most people don’t see them. But they do cause tiny bites that eventually turn into rash-like bumps. They can occur not only on the penis, but also on any area covered by a swimsuit (balls, buttocks, thighs, etc.).

The rash tends to get worse the more the infected swimsuit is worn; showering with fresh water actually makes them worse, as does drying off with a towel. Application of diluted vinegar or isopropyl alcohol can help, as can an ice pack. For a long-term rash, applying hydrocortisone lotion is often effective. But a man should see a doctor if the rash persists for more than a week or if it is painful.

The pool

Chlorine is probably the biggest pool problem. Chlorine can also strip your skin of many of the oils that keep it hydrated, leading to dry rashes. But some people are also allergic to chlorine, which can lead to a more frequent rash on the penis, often presenting as red spots. Rehydration is suggested for both problems.

the jacuzzi

Hot tub rash occurs when a hot tub is not kept properly clean, resulting in the growth of a particular bacterium, pseudomonas aeruginosa. Penile rash presents as itchy bumps, which frequently occur all over the skin, but are usually worse on areas covered by a bathing suit. There are often pus-filled blisters that form around the hair follicles. Hot tub owners should ensure chlorine and pH levels are checked and adjusted at least twice a week.

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

Fear of a penile rash shouldn’t stop a man from putting on a bathing suit and enjoying the summer, especially if he’s already working hard to keep his penis healthy. A great way to achieve this is through the daily application of a superior penile health cream. (Healthcare professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven to be gentle and safe for skin.). Since adequate hydration is necessary, select a cream with a high-quality emollient (such as shea butter) and a natural moisturizer (such as vitamin E). Also, make sure the cream contains alpha lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and thus reduces the chance of oxidative damage that prematurely ages and weakens the skin on the penis.