It’s not something to be embarrassed about – dry skin on the head of your penis can be caused by many factors. You should see a doctor if it’s painful or itchy.
The good news is that this symptom is rarely caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like genital herpes, genital warts or syphilis. Instead, it’s often the result of poor hygiene or chronic skin conditions.
Causes
Dry skin on the penis can be caused by a variety of things. Sometimes it is a symptom of a medical condition that requires ointments or oral medication to treat. It can also be a result of everyday chemicals such as soaps and detergents, tight underwear, itchy clothing or poor hygiene practices. Itchy, flaky or cracked skin can cause painful irritation and should be treated as soon as possible to prevent the area from becoming infected or worsening.
Other causes of itchy, flaky or painful penile skin include a yeast infection (candida balanitis), psoriasis and contact dermatitis. If the rash appears along with redness, swelling or pain it may be an indicator of a more serious health problem and you should consult your doctor.
It is important to remember that while dry skin can affect us all over our bodies, the genital area is particularly sensitive. It is therefore a good idea to use lubrication during sex or masturbation, wear loose underwear and avoid itchy fabrics. Generally, however, dry skin on the penis is not a serious condition and often responds well to treatment with home remedies. This article explores what can cause it, including a range of common skin conditions, and looks at some easy home treatments. Dr Rhys Young is a General Practitioner who loves all things men’s health, sexual health and LGBTQ health. He writes monthly health articles as DocQ for QNews, a magazine that celebrates Australia’s LGBTQ culture.
Symptoms
The genital area is delicate and sensitive. You may notice dryness of the glans and foreskin (the skin over the top part of your penis). Your skin could feel tight, flaky or itchy.
You could have a reaction to something in your environment or on your body that causes the skin irritation, like soaps or detergents you use, the fabrics of your underwear, lubricants, latex condoms or other hygiene products. It is very important that you check your penile skin daily for signs of rash, scaly patches or sores that bleed easily and do not heal. This could indicate an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed, such as contact dermatitis or a bacterial infection, like chlamydia.
Another possibility is a fungal infection, like a yeast infection. Yeast infections can be caused by having unprotected sex, using insufficient lubrication during sex or masturbation and other reasons. These infections need to be treated with antifungals.
The itching of the penis head or foreskin can be a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes, gonorrhea and syphilis. This is a medical emergency and you need to see your doctor immediately. You might be prescribed ointments or oral medications to treat the condition. They might also advise you to change your hygiene routines and lubrication habits. They might recommend using fragrance-free soaps and washing your genitals with warm rather than hot water.
Treatment
Like the skin on any other body part, the skin around a man’s penis can get dry from time to time. Usually, it isn’t something to be too concerned about but, as with any health issue, if it doesn’t resolve in a week or so you should make an appointment with a medical professional.
A yeast infection may cause dry, flaky penile skin and can also be accompanied by itching. While yeast infections are more common in women, men can get them too, especially if they have a compromised immune system from certain medical conditions. Symptoms include thick white discharge, itching that won’t go away and the appearance of small, white patches of dry skin on the glans (head) or penis.
Other causes of penile irritation may include skin allergies to laundry detergents, soaps or other hygiene products, such as lubricants and latex condoms. A simple allergy test can help work out the cause and find an appropriate treatment. If a person’s penile skin is dry, scaly and itchy, they should apply a soothing ointment to the area and avoid using any harsh soaps or body washes. Drinking plenty of water can also help keep the area hydrated and reduce itchiness. A doctor can recommend a suitable ointment or antifungal treatment. It is important to note that, in the case of an STI or other sexually transmitted disease, any symptoms such as discharge from the penis and itching must be treated immediately with antibiotics or other STI treatments.
Prevention
The penis is not immune to the same problems that plague other parts of our bodies, including dry skin. The skin on the genital area may become dry due to factors such as friction, long showers or baths, harsh soaps, using a deodorant, and wearing tight-fitting clothing that rubs against the skin. A chronic skin condition like eczema or psoriasis may also cause the skin on the genital area to be dry.
Another cause of dry skin on the penis is a yeast infection known as jock itch or Balanitis. This occurs when an overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus leads to intense itching, swelling, and red or white spots on the skin. This can occur in both men and women. The genital area can also be dry from friction due to sexual activity or masturbation without enough lubrication.
Fortunately, itchy, flaky, and dry skin on the penis is not usually a sign of a serious medical problem. However, it is still important to visit a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen, and to make lifestyle changes if possible to prevent the dry skin from recurring. These may include using moisturizers on the genital area, changing soaps and detergents, wearing loose clothing that is comfortable, and using more lubricant when having sex or masturbating. It is also a good idea to stop using any medications that have a drying effect and find replacements.
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