For some men, penile odor is a minor inconvenience; for others, it’s a major issue that affects their self-esteem and has the potential to derail a promising relationship. There are numerous reasons why a man may have penis odor. One of the lesser-known causes is something called trichobacteriosis axillaris, or often just trichobacteriosis.
a strange name
Trichobacteriosis is a mouthful, to say the least. As Wikipedia puts it, it is “a superficial bacterial colonization of hair shafts in areas where sweat glands are located, such as the armpits and groin.” It is similar to another condition, called trichomycosis, but trichomycosis is caused by a fungal infection rather than a bacterial infection.
So what does all this mean? Basically, when a man has trichobacteriosis on his snout, it means that a particular type of bacteria (called Corynebacteria, for those who keep track of such things) has run wild. It most often presents as nodules or waxy masses along the pubic hair shafts or sometimes on the skin near the base of the pubic hair. These nodules or masses are usually yellowish in color, although they can occasionally be red or black. It often appears that many strands of pubic hair have developed a “second skin” of semi-sticky wax. These masses or nodules are produced by all the excess bacteria that has invaded the area.
penis smell
And where does the penis smell come from? When a man sweats, these bacteria metabolize with testosterone to create a very strong rancid odor. The more a man sweats and the more bacteria there are, the stronger the penile odor. In some cases, the smell can be overwhelming. Men with trichobacteriosis often develop sweat stains that cause a yellowish discoloration on affected clothing. (Although this article refers to trichobacteriosis on the penis, it is also often found in the armpits, and often a man who has it in one area has it in both areas. Therefore, discolored armpits on shirts can be a sign that the penis is also affected.)
Men who sweat a lot and/or men who do not practice proper hygiene are among those most at risk of developing trichobacteriosis. The bacterium responsible is itself common.
Treatment
Trichobacteriosis is a benign condition that does not cause physical harm to a person. But due to the significant penile odor it can cause, sometimes accompanied by penile itching, it is recommended that men with this problem treat it.
The first step in treatment is usually to shave the affected area. It’s usually more effective to shave down to the skin rather than just trimming. The area should remain clean shaven for a period of 2 to 4 weeks. During that time, the area should be washed thoroughly on a regular basis. It is believed that rubbing the area well while washing helps to better reach and kill bacteria.
After the hair grows back, men should wash the area regularly and may also want to keep it shaved. It can be helpful to “air out the area” by spending at least an hour a day naked. Some men find that sleeping naked helps to ventilate the penis effectively.
Fighting trichobacteriosis can help beat penile odor, and the fight can be improved if a man regularly applies a premium penis health cream. (Health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven to be gentle and safe on the skin.). It’s important that any cream you choose contains vitamin A. Also known as retinol, vitamin A is a natural antibacterial agent that helps combat persistent penile odor (while also helping to combat unsightly blemishes). It also helps if the cream has a powerful antioxidant. such as alpha lipoic acid. This helps destroy excess free radicals that can weaken the skin of the penis through oxidative stress.
