When it comes to sex, comfort and excitement go hand in hand. That’s why getting to the main event is often enhanced by a generous application of lube; in fact, most women say that sex is better when it comes to lube. Any man who practices good penile care also knows that lubricants are also great for adding a little spice to the masturbation experience.

But sometimes a man may walk away from a sexual encounter with a red penis, or worse, a red, itchy penis. Although his first thought might be a sexually transmitted disease, the culprit might be much simpler and less terrifying: it might be the lube he was using.

Why does lube lead to a red penis?

The lubricant is specifically designed to be used on the most intimate areas of the body, so it makes sense that it be gentle on the skin. However, some people find lubricants quite irritating. This is especially true if it is a ‘hot’ lube or one that has had something added to it for flavor, color or feel. These added ingredients may be enough to leave a man with a red penis, and possibly even leave his partner in a very itchy situation as well.

But in some cases, it is actually the lubricant itself that is causing the problem. This is often because a man uses a lot of lube during sex, but when it comes time to clean up, he doesn’t take much care to make sure it all comes off. Excess lubricant left on your skin can dry out pretty quickly, and that can lead to telltale itchiness and redness.

For some men, what is at stake is the type of lubricant. Oil-based lube tends to last longer and feel more slippery than water- or silicone-based, but the petroleum product in an oil-based lube can cause skin irritation. Silicone-based lubes are more difficult to wash off than water-based ones, which means they are great for longevity, but a man should always wash them carefully to avoid a red, itchy penis situation. The same goes for water-based lubes, which tend to wear off pretty quickly and that can lead to a more generous application.

Finally, remember that some lubricants have spermicidal ingredients. Although these can be great for an extra layer of protection against pregnancy, they can be harsh on the skin of the penis. If a man is using this type of lubricant, it is very important that he shower after sexual activity, to get rid of any lingering spermicide.

How to relieve a red or itchy penis

The good news is that a red or itchy penis as a result of lube is easy to fix. A man should simply be careful to wash the area very well, and if he sees redness, swelling, irritation, or a rash, he should consider changing the lubricant before the next encounter. If the problem persists, make an appointment with your doctor to find out what’s going on and how to alleviate the problem; An ongoing reaction may be caused by an allergy to one of the ingredients in the lubricant.

One of the best things a man can do to help his penis heal is to use a high-quality penis health cream. (Health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven to be gentle and safe on the skin.) A man who is serious about healing his penile skin lubrication problems may want to look for a cream that includes L-arginine, an amino acid that improves blood flow and thus speeds healing, as well as acetyl -L-carnitine, which protects against peripheral nerve damage. But perhaps the most important component for healing is a combination of shea butter and vitamin E, which moisturize and soothe red, sore skin on the penis.