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All men want to put their best foot forward, and when it comes to reproductive health, they want the most attractive male organ possible.  Cracked skin on, around and under the sheath is not a pretty sight -- but what’s more important – it may be a sign of a serious health issue.  So if one finds a little cracking on their package, it is important not to blow it off as a minor cosmetic issue until all options have been explored.  A doctor can best diagnose this condition and help determine proper treatment and the best course of action for continued male organ care to eliminate unsightly cracks down under.

What is Balanitis?

Balanitis is a fancy term for irritation or inflammation of the sheath or glans of the male organ.  It may appear as small cracks or erosions on the sheath of the male organ, is often red and may be accompanied by discharge and male organ pain.  It is a relatively common condition and, while it is not exclusively experienced by uncut men, it is a more common problem in men with sheaths.

What Causes Balanitis?

Balanitis is caused by chronic irritation, dryness, yeast, or poor hygiene - one of the most common causes being the latter of these. In an uncut man, it is important to fully retract the sheath in order to wash the skin underneath and remove bacteria, yeast and urine.  However, on the flip side, balanitis can also be caused by excessive washing of the male organ with harsh soap, which leads to irritation of the delicate skin. Finding the right balance may be the best way to cleanse the male organ.

Balanitis is often an easily treated, easily diagnosed problem, but in some cases it is an indication of a more serious condition.  Men who struggle with chronic irritation and infections of the male organ and sheath area should seek medical treatment.  Balanitis may be an early indication of male cancer, a warning sign of diabetes, or a signal that one’s diabetes is no longer well controlled.  Poorly controlled blood sugar is associated with balanitis, thus diabetic men who see recurring balanitis need to seek medical attention immediately.  Balanitis may also occur as an allergic reaction, a side effect of medications, or due to a recent change in medications.  With so many possible causes of this condition, it is easy to see the importance of checking in with a urologist if the problem is frequent and persistent.

How is Balanitis treated?

For the most common, mild types of balanitis, treatment is often easy.  Being more diligent with hygiene, changing to a gentle soap, keeping the area clean and dry and possibly using an over the counter antifungal cream are often the first treatments a doctor would recommend.  More invasive treatments are reserved for chronic, recurrent infections and irritation and they include a dorsal slit, in which an incision is made through the scar tissue in the sheath to allow for easier retraction; or a formal ablation, in which the entire sheath is removed.  Surgical ablation is, of course, reserved only for cases in which all other options have been exhausted.

Male Organ Care Tips

Taking excellent care of the male organ is easy and may just prevent recurrent breakouts of balanitis.  Washing the male organ daily with a mild cleanser – taking care to fully retract the sheath – is a good way to cut down on bacteria and prevent excessive yeast. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly, particularly under the sheath, to avoid soap irritation.  After the shower, gently patting the area with a towel and leaving some dampness on the skin is a much better method than vigorously rubbing the area until dry – as that can irritate and damage the skin. Immediately applying a male organ vitamin creme (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) to the still damp skin can help lock in the moisture to help avoid dry skin, which is more prone to cracking.  Choosing a male organ vitamin oil containing Shea butter – known for its rich moisturizing properties – and vitamin A – a bacteria busting must-have – can help fight two of the main causes of balanitis so the male organ looks and feels healthier.

For additional information on most common male organ health issues, tips on improving male organ sensitivity, and what to do to maintain a healthy male organ, visit: http://www.menshealthfirst.com. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men’s health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous online web sites.