Skin dryness is a common skin problem that many people face especially during winters. This problem can usually be taken care of easily by applying a good moisturizer. However, when it comes to your penis, chronic dryness, peeling, and flaking can be a source of anxiety and discomfort. So how do you know if the dry skin on your penis is a real problem? Watch out for these symptoms:
Flaking, peeling, or a roughened appearance
Redness or rash
Darkening or discoloration
Soreness, especially during sexual activity
Loss of sensation over time
Most cases of dry skin are easily cured once the underlying cause has been identified. Here are some of the most common causes.
Causes Of Dry Penis Skin
Friction
One of the reasons your penis skin is dry could simply be friction. Your penis undergoes friction during dry masturbation, prolonged sexual activity, and even constant rubbing against clothing. These can strip away the body’s natural lubricating oils, leaving the skin feeling dry and parched. And when skin is dry, it’s susceptible to microscopic tears on the outer layers of the skin leaving your penis sore and tender to the touch.
Recommended treatment
Cease all sexual activity, including masturbation, for at least 24 hours to allow time for healing.
Drink plenty of water to hydrate the body from the inside out.
Wear soft, supportive cotton underwear that will protect the penis while allowing the skin to breathe.
Apply a penis-specific moisturizer that contains ingredients such as Shea butter and vitamin E.
Allergic Reactions
Your penis skin could also be going dry because of allergic reactions or contact dermatitis which can cause skin irritation, rash, flaking, and dryness that won’t go away so easily. Reactions could be due to chemicals found in laundry detergents, soaps, latex, spermicides, deodorants, and fragrances. Plants like poison ivy, poison oak, and even ordinary grass can also cause allergic reactions in some men.
Recommended treatment
Wash the area thoroughly with a mild cleanser (not soap) to remove any traces of the offending material.
Avoid use of fragrances, which often contain chemical irritants.
Use hypoallergenic laundry detergent and fabric softener.
Avoid soap, and use a mild cleanser designed for sensitive skin, instead. Baby wash can be a good option for men who are prone to eczema breakouts.
Look for latex-free condoms (polyurethane or silicon are two other options) or condoms that are not treated with spermicide.
Use a soothing moisturizer intended specifically for use on the penile skin.
Soap Or Body Wash
Sometimes, you need not come into contact with harsh chemicals for an allergy or irritation to occur. It is possible that regular body bars and shower gels could be causing dryness and extreme irritation of the penile skin. Most cleansing products contain detergents which wash away your skin’s natural protective oils along with sweat, grease, and dirt leaving your skin dry.
Recommended treatment
Replace personal care products with those designed for sensitive skin. Baby soaps, baby wash, and hypoallergenic products are good options.
Rinse thoroughly after washing to remove all traces of soap, body wash, shampoo, and so on.
Apply a penis-friendly moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in moisture and prevent drying.
Yeast Infections
While yeast infections (Candida albicans) are more common in women, men can also be affected. Individuals who have a depressed immune system due to diabetes or other systemic disorders, who are undergoing chemotherapy, or who are taking certain medications may be more prone, but yeast infections can happen to anyone. Aside from dryness and peeling, symptoms can include painful cuts or fissures in the skin’s surface, as well as a thick, pasty or chunky discharge.
Recommended treatment
See a doctor. Symptoms of a yeast infection are common to a number of other conditions, so it is important to get a professional diagnosis.
Use an over-the-counter anti-fungal medication such as miconazole; choose the topical form and apply it to the affected area.
Avoid sexual contact; yeast infections are contagious and can be passed from one partner to another.
Keep the area clean and dry.
Use a penis-friendly moisturizer to soothe the skin and speed healing.
