Dry Skin On Penis: 7 Causes, Home Remedies To Try, And More

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What Causes Dry Skin on the Penis?

Medically reviewed by Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD — Written by Claire Gillespie — Updated on May 23, 2024

Drying soaps
Allergy
Dry masturbation or sex
Chafing
Yeast infection
Eczema
Psoriasis
Treatment
Takeaway

Various factors may cause dry skin on the penis, such as certain soaps, unlubricated masturbation or sex, and allergies. That said, dry skin may sometimes happen with a skin condition or an infection.

Dry skin on the penis isn’t usually a sign of a serious medical condition, though it can be itchy, uncomfortable, and painful. Without other symptoms, dry skin is not a common symptom of genital herpes, genital warts, or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

If your penis skin is dry, you may also experience any of the following symptoms:

tight skin, particularly after bathing or swimming
itching, flaking, or peeling skin
redness or discoloration of the skin
a rash on the skin
fine lines or cracks on the skin
deep cracks on the skin that may bleed

Keep reading to learn more about seven possible causes of dry skin on the penis and how to treat it.

Drying soaps

Very harsh soaps or cleansers may dry out the skin on the penis. Your laundry detergent and fabric softener may also cause a rash on your penis or elsewhere on your body.

Consider washing your penis using only water, a very mild soap, or even baby shampoo to see if that helps.

It may be best to use a hypoallergenic laundry detergent and fabric softener.

Allergy

You may experience dry skin, swelling, or an itchy rash on your penis if you have an allergic reaction to:

latex or spermicide condoms
personal deodorant
fragrance

Other possible symptoms of an allergic reaction are:

sneezing
wheezing
a runny nose
watery eyes
shortness of breath
swelling of the tongue

Consider using condoms that are latex-free (like polyurethane or silicone) and not treated with spermicide.

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 could make sex and masturbation more comfortable and help avoid dryness.

Three types of lubricants include:

water-based
oil-based
silicone-based

Choose a chemical-free or organic lubricant. This type of lubricant doesn’t contain parabens or glycerin, as these may also irritate your penis. Water-based lubricants are the least likely to cause irritation. Oil-based lubricants may damage condoms.

Tight clothing or chafing

Tight clothing may cause chafing. This constant rubbing against the skin could lead to dryness.

The underwear you’re wearing may also cause a buildup of moisture under your foreskin, which can be a breeding ground for fungus and increase the chance of an infection.

Wear soft, supportive cotton underwear and looser clothing in lightweight, breathable fabrics.

Yeast infection

A penile yeast infection may cause:

dry, peeling skin
a rash
white patches on the skin
swelling or irritation around the head of the penis
a thick, uneven discharge under the foreskin

It may also be painful to urinate and have sex.

Treatment typically involves topical antifungal ointments and creams. For a penile yeast infection, you’ll want to apply the ointment to the head of the penis. If you’re uncircumcised, you’ll also want to apply it under the foreskin.

Some people may experience recurring yeast infections. If over-the-counter treatments for a suspected penile yeast infection don’t improve symptoms after 48 hours, get it checked out by a doctor.

It’s recommended to abstain from sex until all your symptoms have disappeared. This is because yeast infections can be contagious, which means you could spread the infection to your sexual partners.

Eczema

Different types of eczema may affect the skin on the penis, including atopic and irritant contact eczema.

In addition to dry skin, eczema may also cause intense itching and bumps of different sizes under the skin.

The first-line treatment for eczema on the penis is often a low strength topical corticosteroid. The skin on the penis tends to be thinner and more sensitive than the skin on other parts of your body. So be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and apply the medication carefully.

Some home remedies may also help relieve your eczema symptoms.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects your skin. It’s estimated that 2% to 5% of people with a circumcised penis who have psoriasis are only affected in the genital area.

The most common type of psoriasis to affect the genitals, including the penis, is inverse psoriasis. Initially, this appears as dry, flaky lesions on the skin or may be smooth. You may also notice small red patches on the glans or shaft of your penis.

Several different treatment options may help your psoriasis, including:

home remedies
topical corticosteroids
phototherapy
prescription medications

How do I get rid of dry skin in my private area?

Treatment for dry skin on your penis will depend on the underlying cause.

That said, certain lifestyle changes may help reduce your symptoms, such as:

modifications to sex or masturbation, such as ensuring there’s enough lubrication
drying your penis properly after washing
drinking plenty of water
wearing soft, loose-fitting cotton underwear and loose clothes
using soap products designed for sensitive skin
using hypoallergenic laundry products on your clothes
using a moisturizing penis cream

If your skin hasn’t improved after a few days or it’s getting worse, speak with a doctor. This may be a sign of a yeast infection, eczema, or psoriasis.

»MORE:Get an online treatment plan for eczema in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.

Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

Takeaway

Dry skin on the penis isn’t usually a serious medical issue, but it can be uncomfortable.

Identifying the cause and following the correct treatment plan is key to recovery. If home remedies aren’t working, or you regularly develop dry skin on your penis, talk with a doctor. They can determine whether you have an underlying condition that needs a different treatment plan.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Ennaciri S, et al. (2020). Psoriasis of the glans penis in circumcised subjects. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7320766/
Male genital eczema. (n.d.). https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/types-of-eczema/male-genital-eczema/
Morris BJ, et al. (2017). Penile inflammatory skin disorders and the preventive role of circumcision.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5439293/

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Medically reviewed by Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD — Written by Claire Gillespie — Updated on May 23, 2024

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Drying soaps

Allergy

Dry masturbation or sex

Tight clothing or chafing

Yeast infection

Eczema

Psoriasis

How do I get rid of dry skin in my private area?

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