As a man, we may not notice how dry our skin is, considering the important things we do day by day. However, this should not be the same case with your penis.

The penis has more sensitive skin compared to our overall skin, which makes it more alarming to see it go dry. In most cases, it isn’t a sign of a medical condition. 

It may not be necessarily caused by a sexually-transmitted infection, but it’s still something you need to take care of in order to avoid major complications.

Let’s review the few causes of why you have dry skin on your penis.

Causes

Soap

Bath soaps have different kinds and they may irritate the skin of your penis, which can cause it to be dry. Using a mild soap and water (or just use warm water) is the best way to wash your junk.

Also, check your detergent and fabric conditioner. If you can switch to a hypoallergenic one, better.

Allergies

Allergies can cause your penis to have dry skin. Allergies to latex or rubber condoms, spermicide, or other personal products are some of the things you can consider. If you feel like you may have allergic reactions to latex condoms, also note the other symptoms like rashes, teary eyes, sneezing, wheezing, or runny nose.

There are non-rubber condom variants available in the market, so you should switch to using them instead.

Chafing

Wearing underwear that’s too tight can cause chafing in your genital area and lead to dry skin and small cuts. Using more comfortable and loose underwear can easily fix this. Applying moisturizer or lotion on your genital area can also help you reduce chafing on your skin.

Unlubricated Masturbation/Sex

Having a long sexual activity, may it be masturbation or intercourse, without proper or enough lubrication can cause dry skin on the penis. Using personal lubricants or lube can easily avoid this dryness, as well as improve your sexual experience. There are three types of lubricants; oil-based, water-based, and silicone-based. Know your preference before using them.

Fungal infection

If you have rashes, swelling or discharge, and dry skin on the penis, this might be early signs of a fungal infection.

There are two major fungal infections that affect the penis. They are jock itch and balanitis.

Jock itch causes a red rash and can spread over the inner thighs and the area around the anus and buttocks. Balanitis makes the tip of the penis swollen and red and is usually caused by a yeast infection.

They can be treated by using over-the-counter antifungal creams. If you’re infected by a fungal infection, you should change and wash your clothes frequently.

Eczema

Different kinds of eczema can affect the skin of the penis. In addition to having dry skin on the penis, it also exhibits intense itchiness and bumps of varying sizes under the skin.

If you have never been diagnosed with eczema, you should contact your doctor or dermatologist to have a proper diagnosis on what kind of eczema you are experiencing and how it should be treated. Follow your doctor’s instructions diligently and carefully.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is also a possible cause of dry skin on the penis and is also one of the conditions that frequently affect the male genitals.

You can spot psoriasis easily as it’s an inflammation on the skin. If it’s on the penis, they are usually not scaly unlike how it affects other parts of your body. They can look like thin white plaques without scales or may have a red ring around them.

If you spot a psoriasis patch on your penis, you should go to your doctor and receive treatment. They will tell you what medication you should use and how often you will use them.

If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis, you may use the same treatment that you are doing to your penis. If they still persist, consult your doctor.

Home Remedies

To cure dry skin on the penis, it’s better to abstain from having any sexual activity for at least 24 hours. No sexual intercourse or masturbation so your penis can have enough time to recover its moisture naturally. 

When taking a bath or a shower, try using mild soap or other soap that is made for sensitive skin. When washing your genitals, you can just use warm water instead of using soap. If you do use soap, make sure you rinse all of it after scrubbing lightly.

You can also use mild lotion or moisturizer. There are creams and lotions that are designed for the penis, so don’t use the same product you use on your body as it may trigger any reactions on your penis.

Staying hydrated by drinking a lot of water can also help nourish your skin’s natural moisture.

For fungal infection

Abstain from having any sexual activity while treating any fungal infections. These infections are contagious and can be spread to your partner. It is best to have no sexual contact until it is cleared. 

Also, change and wash your clothes frequently. This can prevent further spread of your fungal infection and make your treatment faster.

When to see a doctor

If your home treatment didn’t solve the dry skin on your penis or it’s getting worse, seek out your doctor. Have them inspect your condition and get the proper treatment you need.

If you feel like you have other skin problems like psoriasis or eczema, you may want to consult your doctor or dermatologist first before doing your own treatment. They can give you an assessment of your condition as well as the treatment procedure that best suits you.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/dry-skin-on-penis

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325286