With how hot it is here, it’s time for the boys to get out and enjoy the summer. It also means that some men may have a red penis itch problem, perhaps despite their best efforts to monitor their penis health in the proper way. While sometimes that red penis can be caused by a sunburn obtained from frequenting a clothing-optional beach, in other cases it can be what’s called Summer Penis Syndrome.

summer penis syndrome

Sometimes called “lion’s mane penis” and scientifically described as a seasonal acute hypersensitivity reaction, summer penis syndrome is classified as a pediatric condition; however, there are limited cases of the condition occurring in adolescent and adult males as well.

So what is summer penis syndrome? It is usually characterized by a very swollen and very red penis and/or testicles. It is also often accompanied by an intense urge to scratch. Sometimes the condition lasts for only a day or two, but in other cases it can last for two to three weeks.

What Causes This Itchy, Swollen Red Penis? In almost all cases, it is caused by a chigger bite on the penis or testicles.

Bedbugs

A chigger is a small red insect (sometimes called a red mite or harvest mite), usually too small to be seen without a magnifying glass. They are arachnids, that is, members of the same family as spiders, which have tiny claws that allow them to dive into a person’s skin and really grab on. When they bite, their saliva enters the human body and kills the skin cells, which the chigger then feeds on. This causes the redness, swelling, and itching associated with summer penis syndrome.

Chiggers live outdoors and are all over the woods and fields where people wander during the summer months. Since people tend to dress in shorts and short-sleeved shirts in the summer, chiggers can easily access the skin they want. They will crawl over a person until they find an area that seems suitable to them; therefore, it is easy for a chigger to climb onto a man’s leg, crawl onto his penis, and bite. And of course, men who go out into nature naked are making their penises a much easier target for a hungry chigger.

Pediatric

As said, most of the time the Summer Penis Syndrome occurs in young boys rather than men. It is presumed that something in the maturation process, perhaps the release of testosterone in large amounts, somehow prevents chigger bites on the penis from turning into an itchy red penis.

However, although adult cases are rare, they do occur. Men who experience itchy red penis after spending time outdoors should consider that a chigger may be to blame.

Treatment

The condition often resolves after a day or two, but some cases can persist for much longer. It is advised to consult a doctor. Most likely, the doctor will recommend some mild treatment, usually in the form of antihistamines and cold compresses.

There may be other causes besides summer penis syndrome for a red, itchy penis, such as dry skin. Regular application of a first-class penis health cream (Healthcare professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven to be gentle and safe for skin.) it can help deal with many common penile skin problems. Itching, redness, and flaking are less likely to occur if the skin is well hydrated, so it is suggested to use a cream that includes a combination of a high-quality emollient (such as shea butter) and a natural moisturizer (such as vitamin AND). Skin will also be healthier if a cream contains a powerful antioxidant like alpha lipoic acid. This helps fight oxidative stress that can prematurely age and wrinkle the skin on the penis.