The skin on your penis is different than the rest of your body and is more sensitive. It is not uncommon for conditions that affect the rest of the body, such as psoriasis or eczema, to show up on the glans.
Other causes of irritation around the penis include allergies to soap, detergent, lubricants or latex condoms and infections like jock itch or balanitis. If you notice a change in your genital skin, speak to your doctor.
1. Dry Skin
Having dry, flaky skin in the penis area can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, this condition is treatable. It usually occurs when the penis shaft and foreskin lack hydration or lubrication. This can be due to irritation from certain skin care practices, excessive use of soaps, prolonged sex or an infection. The skin of the penis is very sensitive, so it is important to take care not to irritate it.
Other causes of itchy, dry skin on the penis include yeast infections, jock itch and contact dermatitis. If the rash on the penis is accompanied by pain, burning and/or a foul smell, it may be caused by herpes simplex virus type 2, also known as genital herpes. In addition, the skin of the genital area may be itchy and a symptom of gonorrhea, which can cause symptoms such as discharge from the testicles and painful urination.
It is important to moisturize the skin of the penis after every bath or shower, as this can help prevent the itchiness and cracking that occur when the area is dry. It is also a good idea to wear loose, comfortable clothing and to avoid using soaps that are too harsh for the genital area. Finally, avoiding things that can trigger skin allergies like contact with latex or certain types of medications may also be helpful.
2. Friction
Penile skin is delicate and thin, so it can become irritated easily. Friction causes little microtears in the skin which trigger an inflammatory response and exacerbate the problem. Sex or masturbation without enough lubrication, tight clothing, and chafing due to an ill-fitting jockstrap can all lead to friction on the genital area. An underlying medical condition such as psoriasis or lichen planus can also cause irritated and itchy skin on the penis. Other common causes of friction include:.
3. Allergies
It is not uncommon for men to have allergic reactions to things that come in contact with the genital area. This might include shower soap, detergents, spermicide, perfumes and even condoms. These allergies could result in dry skin, itching and peeling of the penis. If you notice this symptom, it would be wise to switch out products in your day-to-day routine and see if the problem goes away. This way, you will be able to pin point the cause of your allergy.
4. Medical Conditions
Penis skin may become ashy due to a medical condition. Eczema is a common medical condition that can affect any part of the body, including the penis. It can cause the skin to itch and flake, and it can also crack and bleed. It can be caused by a genetic predisposition, a family history of eczema, and contact with allergens, such as latex, perfumes, soaps or detergents.
Psoriasis is another non-infectious disease that causes itchy and dry penis skin. It is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to produce skin cells too quickly. These cells build up and form thick, scaly patches that are often itchy, painful and irritating. It can occur on any part of the body, but it is more common in areas with thick folds of skin, such as the elbows, knees and feet. It is more likely to appear in people with a family history of the condition and can be treated with medications.
Balanitis is a rarer medical condition that can cause itchy and red penis skin. It is most common in uncircumcised males, who have a greater chance of bacteria building up beneath the foreskin. It can be caused by a yeast infection, diabetes or a sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes or HIV. It can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams.
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