For some men, penis 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 says, it’s “a superficial bacterial colonization of the hair shafts in areas where sweat glands are found, 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 it all mean? Basically, when a man has trichobacteriosis on his muzzle, 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 sometimes be red or black. Often, many strands of pubic hair appear to 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 are metabolized with testosterone to create a very strong musty odor. The more a man sweats and the more bacteria there are, the stronger the penis odor is. In some cases, the smell can be overpowering. Men with trichobacteriosis often develop sweat stains that cause a yellowish discoloration of affected clothing. (Although this article is referring 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. Thus, 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 trim. The area should remain clean shaven for a period of 2-4 weeks. During that time, the area should be washed thoroughly on a regular basis. Rubbing the area well while washing is believed to help better reach and kill the bacteria.
After the hair grows back, men should wash the area regularly and may want to keep it shaved as well. It may help to “air out the area” by spending at least an hour a day in the nude. Some men find that sleeping naked helps to effectively ventilate the penis.
Fighting trichobacteriosis can help defeat penis 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 for 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 penile skin through oxidative stress.