Dry Skin on Penis: 6 Reasons Why It May Happen

What is Dry Skin on Penis?

Dry skin on penis is a common penile condition most men face at some point in their life. For most medically aware men, their first reaction to dry penis skin is panic.

However, there is nothing to worry about. If you notice a peeling under foreskin it can be beneficial to follow some home remedies for its treatment.

Penis skin peeling usually isn’t a symtom of a severe medical condition however if it doesn’t go away on its own or worsens, you should get it checked from a doctor.

Dry penis skin can sometimes develop due to friction, rubbing or chafing. In addition to dry skin on penis you may also experience redness, itching, irritation or cracked penis skin.

Penile conditons like dry skin on penis are more common in uncircumcized men and may also develop due to poor hygiene.

According to a study on Penile Inflammatory Skin Disorders it was observed that balantis, (a common penile condition characterized by inflammation of the head of the penis) is 68% less prevalent in circumcised males as compared to uncircumcised males. Moreover a dry skin on the penis like other penis disorders has also been linked to poor hygiene.

In this article we’ll be looking in detail at the the common causes of dry skin on penis, its symptoms and treatments.

Symptoms of Dry Skin on Penis

Dry skin on penis can have a number of visibly frightening symptoms, like:

• Redness
• A rash
• Itching
• Flaking
• Peeling
• Fine lines or cracks on the skin that may bleed.

However, urologists assure that a dry penis skin is most likely not due to genital herpes, genital warts, or an STI.

Common Causes and Treatments for Dry Skin on Penis

Here are some of the most common causes of dry skin on penis and their treatments.

1. Drying Soaps:

Harsh soaps or cleansers often have a drying effect on the penis. This doesn’t mean you should stop washing it entirely, as poor personal hygiene invites numerous serious medical conditions.

Instead, wash your penis only with warm water. If you wish to use a cleanser, switch to mild soaps, baby shampoo, or other products for sensitive skin. Rinse thoroughly after washing to remove any traces of product.

2. Allergies:

Dryness accompanied by sneezing, wheezing, a runny nose, and/or watery eyes is often due to an allergic reaction to personal deodorants, or latex condoms and spermicide.

A red, itchy rash and swollen penis also accompany a latex allergy. Symptoms usually appear 48 hours after coming in contact with an allergen.

If you are allergic to latex, switch to a polyurethane or silicon condom that is not treated with spermicide. You can also try applying specialized moisturizing penis creams after bathing or showering to lock in the moisture and prevent dryness. You can confirm this allergy by getting in touch with a urologist in Karachi.

3. Tight Clothing:

Tight clothes and underwear can cause chafing and rubbing around the genital area, resulting in dryness. In uncircumcised men, tight underwear can lead to moisture buildup and fungus under the foreskin, resulting in dryness and infection.

So, opt for supportive cotton underwear, and looser clothing in general. Some men may also find relief by switching from y-cuts to briefs.

4. Dry Sex:

Prolonged sexual activity without proper lubrication can dry the penis’ skin; eventually leading to itching, flaking, and peeling of the skin.

So whether you use a water, oil or silicone-based lubricant, always choose the organic, and paraben and glycerin-free variety to avoid irritation. However, opt for a water-based lubricant if you have sensitive skin.

5. Yeast Infection:

Genital yeast infections aren’t only restricted to women. Men, particularly uncircumcised men, or those with poor genital hygiene are particularly prone to a penile yeast infection.

Other symptoms include white patches and peeling skin, a thick, uneven discharge under the foreskin, swelling or irritation around the penis’ head, and painful sex and urination.

Apply an OTC antifungal cream to the penis’ head and under the foreskin (for uncircumcised men) for 10 days. Moreover, abstain from sex until the infection clears up, as yeast infections are contagious.

6. Eczema:

Dryness accompanied by intense itching, peeling skin, and fluid-filled blisters that may ooze and scab may be a sign of eczema. However, a definitive medical diagnosis is required before any treatment, especially if you’ve previously never had eczema.

Low-strength topical corticosteroids, applied with careful instructions, are generally advised. This is because regular-strength corticosteroids may cause further irritation, as the penis skin is thinner and more sensitive.

Another skin condition that may cause penile dryness is psoriasis. However, it is also accompanied by small, red, and shiny patches. Low-strength topical corticosteroids are usually also prescribed for genital psoriasis treatment.

Best Anti-Fungal Cream to Treat Dry Skin on Penis in Pakistan

If you are suffering from dry skin on penis in Pakistan, you can try a good quality anti-fungal cream to ease your symptoms. Many anti-fungal creams like hydrozole are widely available accross the country.

However, before proceeding to to opt for any anti-fungal cream you should consider visiting your doctor for an expert opinion regarding the treatment of your condition.

Conclusion

While dry skin on the penis is generally not a cause of concern and can be treated with OTC and home treatments, refrain from all sexual activity for at least 24 hours before beginning treatment to allow proper healing.

Consult with your doctor if symptoms worsen, or new symptoms appear. To prevent such conditions from reappearing, take care of your hygiene and wear loose-fitted clothing. It is also better to get your children circumcised at an early age so penis disorders like dry skin on the penis can be avoided.

You can also book an appointment with a top Urologist in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your genital concerns.