Dry skin can affect us all over the body and the penis is no different. If you notice dry skin on your penis you may be concerned but usually it is not a serious medical condition. Dry skin on the penis is not a common symptom of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as genital herpes or genital warts so it could be due to something less serious. Lets looks at the causes and treatment together.
If you’re experiencing dry skin on the penis it could include a range of symptoms such as:
There are a number of reasons you could be suffering from dry skin on the penis. Here are some of the typical causes:
If you find you have a rash and perhaps other symptoms such as:
This could be a sign of an allergy. This reaction is likely to be caused by latex, spermicide, deodorants or aftershave. If you’re noticing this rash after wearing a condom then look for latex free condoms, this should resolve the issue.
Sex and masturbation could be the cause of your dry skin. The friction can cause dryness and flakiness. Opt for a lubricant to resolve this problem. There are 3 types of lubricants to choose from; Water-based, Oil-based and Silicone based. Your safest bet is to find one that is organic or chemical free, water-based lubricants are usually your best option for this.
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1. Drying soaps
A very harsh soap or cleanser may dry out the skin on the penis. Consider washing your penis using only water. If you want to use a cleanser, make sure you choose a very mild soap or even baby shampoo. Also, consider switching to hypoallergenic laundry detergent and fabric softener.
If you have an allergic reaction to latex, spermicide, personal deodorant, or fragrance, you may experience dry skin on the penis. Men who are allergic to latex may also have a red, itchy rash, or swelling on their penis after wearing a latex condom. Other possible symptoms of an allergic reaction are:
Use condoms that are latex-free (like polyurethane or silicon) and not treated with spermicide.
3. Dry masturbation or sex
A lack of lubrication during prolonged sexual activity, such as masturbation or intercourse, may cause dry skin on the penis. A lubricant can make sex and masturbation more comfortable, and help you avoid dryness.
Lubricants come in three types:
Choose a chemical-free or organic lubricant, which won’t contain parabens or glycerin, as these can also cause irritation. Water-based lubricants are the least likely to cause irritation.
Dry skin on the penis: Causes and home remedies
To bring relief to chafed skin, use a natural moisturizer, such as coconut oil.
People with a severe latex allergy may experience anaphylactic shock when they come into contact with latex. If a person goes into anaphylactic shock, call emergency services. If the person has an epinephrine (adrenaline) auto-injector, administer this.
To relieve irritated skin, using a natural moisturizer, such as coconut oil, may help.
It is wise to avoid having sex or masturbating until the dry skin has started to heal. Having sex may irritate the penis skin further and slow down the healing process.
Making lifestyle changes may help to prevent dry patches on the penis from coming back. For example, a person can try reducing the use of personal soaps, changing washing detergent, and using lubricant during sex or masturbation.
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If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The penis is a complex and special thing, but unfortunately, it’s not immune to conditions that plague some of the less special parts of the body, say, the armpit and elbow—for example, dry skin.
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Thrush – Yeast Infection
Another potential cause of your dryness is a yeast infection which is also known as thrush. This can cause pain when urinating or having sex along with the following symptoms:
If you notice any of these symptoms we suggest keeping the area dry and clean. Use an anti-fungal cream and apply to the affected area as instructed by the manufacturer. You should see symptoms go away within ten days. If not, speak to an online dermatologist for a clear diagnosis.