Dear Sasha: I’m an uncircumcised guy who occasionally gets dryness and irritation under the foreskin. I’ve stopped soaping the area when I’m showering (I just use the hot water and a bit of friction so things don’t get skanky), and that does help, but I’m still uncomfortable from time to time. Would there be any potential hazards in moisturizing the area, or is it just like any other skin on my body? —Dryly Curious

Dear Dryly,
You’ll want to have a doctor look at the irritation to see if it’s eczema or psoriasis, both of which can be treated with either pharmaceutical or herbal medication. You may certainly moisturize your penis, something many men do with great thoroughness, but when it comes to epidermal products, I would be inclined to give some special consideration to this appendage, the skin of which is thinner (making absorption easier) and contains lots of sensitive nerve endings. One balm you may find suitable is Stroke It, designed with male masturbation in mind, by the Lilith Moon Company.

The plants contained in Stroke It (calendula, chickweed, plantain, comfrey, sage) are considered anti-microbial and soothing, and Roger Lewis, a chartered herbalist, confirms that they are used to heal cuts and abrasions and are also recommended in salves for women who have cracked nipples from breastfeeding. Your only real concern, after ruling out eczema or psoriasis, would be an allergy to beeswax, which is one of the emollients in Stroke It. If this is an issue, simple shea butter would also be appropriate, or a product called Unpetroleum Jelly.

Dear Sasha: I have been following your story about the situation of Western moralists clashing with the realities of the third world sex trade [“Thai sex workers heard,” Letters, April 13]. While I agree that some sex workers have made a choice, others clearly have not. What I would want to know as a hypothetical customer is how do I know which is which? Is there a way that a customer can know that they are transacting with an ethical service provider, that way the consumer could help bring about the change that I think would work for both Western do-gooders and groups such as EMPOWER. Does such a possibility exist? —Ethical Traveller

Dear Ethical,
It’s easy to find contact information for politically active sex workers around the world online. In Hong Kong there is an organization called Zi Teng and this page on their Web site (www.ziteng.org.hk/links/sxwkr_e.html) will provide you with links to other international groups. You can actually speak with sex workers directly and ask what kind of support they would like from global consumers.

I talked with Yip from Zi Teng and our conversation was pretty much the same one I have with all vocal prostitutes: they want their job to be perceived as a real job. They do not relish working under illegal circumstances that facilitate police, societal and client abuse, and they definitely do not want to work in an environment that expedites illegal trafficking. “We admit that there are some girls who are really forced to do that work in the industry,” says Yip. “But if sex work is generally accepted, trafficking will naturally be reduced. Migrant workers can get working permits and they won’t have to work illegally or underground. The word ‘trafficking’ will have a new definition. If sex work is really accepted, then we can differentiate between who are really forced and who are really willing.”

An industry with perpetual and multi-tiered discrimination makes for complex transactions, and Yip admits that it is difficult, in procuring a service, to tell a woman’s situation. “No matter what,” she says, “you have to show your respect.” EMPOWER in Thailand conveys a similar sentiment. “Our advice for men buying sex from adult sex workers: Speak politely and respectfully, honour our limits, pay us correctly and promptly and be eager to have safer sex.”

We are a long way from fair trade in many global businesses, but one thing is perfectly clear: Sex workers around the world are galvanized with similar goals, and if we highlight their efforts and give them a voice, they will lead the way with insight and assurance.

Got any questions for Sasha? Email: POULEDELUXE@YAHOO.COM