Dry Skin On The Penis: Causes And Home Remedies

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat to do about dry skin on the penis

Medically reviewed by Sarika Ramachandran, MD — Written by Lana Burgess — Updated on February 6, 2025

Lack of lubrication
Latex allergy
Chafing
Personal soaps
Laundry detergents
Eczema
Psoriasis
Fungal infection
Penile cancer
Home remedies
Prevention
Summary

The skin on a penis is particularly sensitive, and dry skin on the penis may cause discomfort. Ways of managing dry skin include using lubrication during sex or masturbation, avoiding clothes that chafe, and using gentle soaps.

Dry skin on the penis by itself is not usually a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, if a person is unsure what is causing the dry skin, they might want to talk with a healthcare professional for advice.

Usually, dry skin on the penis responds well to treatment. Home remedies, such as using a natural moisturizer or avoiding harsh soaps, often resolve the problem.

This article explores what causes dry skin on the penis. It also discusses treatment for each cause and the home remedies that might help.

Unlubricated sex or masturbation

Moisturizer in a persons palm 1 — Ivan Gener/Stocksy

Having sex or masturbating for a long time without using lubrication can cause friction.

Too much friction may cause the skin to become dry. Using lubricant may increase comfort when a person has sex or masturbates.

Allergy to latex

If a person is allergic to latex, using latex condoms may lead to dry skin on the penis.

Latex is a natural substance that derives from the sap of rubber trees. People with a latex allergy react to specific proteins that latex contains.

The symptoms of an allergic reaction to latex can include:

hives
itching
stuffy or runny nose
wheezing
chest tightness
difficulty breathing

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 treat anaphylactic shock.

To avoid dry skin on the penis and allergy symptoms, people with latex allergies should use non-latex condoms. Most non-latex condoms contain polyurethane, but some use natural membranes that come from lamb’s intestines. These are known as lambskin condoms.

However, people should note that lambskin condoms are more porous than latex or polyurethane condoms and may be less effective at preventing viral STIs.

Chafing clothes

Clothes or underwear that are too tight might chafe the penis and lead to dry skin. Wearing loose or cotton underwear and clothes will also help to avoid further chafing.

Using a natural moisturizer, such as coconut oil might help relieve chafed skin. Another option to try is petroleum jelly.

Personal soaps

Using soaps that contain harsh chemicals, such as fragrance, may cause dry skin on the penis. The best way to wash the penis is with warm water and a small amount of mild soap.

Gentle, natural soaps are available if a person does not want to use regular soap in this area.

Laundry detergents

Certain laundry detergents that contain harsh chemicals may cause skin dryness. This may affect a person anywhere on their body, including their penis. Using natural, non-biological laundry detergents may reduce skin irritation and dryness.

To relieve irritated skin, using a natural moisturizer may help.

Eczema

If dry skin on the penis occurs alongside itching or under-skin bumps, it may be a sign of eczema. An irritant, such as those explored above, can cause eczema. Doctors call this type of eczema irritant contact dermatitis.

According to the National Eczema Society, other types of eczema that may lead to dry skin on the penis are atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

If a person thinks the dry skin on their penis is due to eczema, they should consider talking with a doctor.

People with an eczema diagnosis may use a low-strength topical corticosteroid cream. Applying this carefully to the penis skin may improve symptoms.

Corticosteroid creams may increase skin thinness, so it is essential to use them according to a doctor’s recommendations. The skin on the penis is delicate and sensitive, so people should take extra care when using topical treatments.

To reduce dryness, a person could consider using a natural moisturizer, such as coconut oil.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is another possible cause of dry skin on the penis. Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that frequently affects genitalia.

Psoriasis patches on the penis are not as scaly as those on other parts of the body. They may look like well-defined, thin white plaques without scales or have a discolored ring of skin around them.

If a person spots the signs of psoriasis on their penis, they might want to seek medical advice.

A doctor may recommend using a corticosteroid cream. Gentle cleansers and moisturizers may also help treat psoriasis on the penis.

If psoriasis plaques on the penis remain after treatment, it is important to go back to the doctor.

Fungal infection

If a person also has a rash, swelling, or discharge on the penis, it may be a sign of a fungal infection.

Two forms of fungal infection that affect the penis include jock itch and balanitis.

Jock itch causes a rash. It spreads across the inner thighs from the penis. A person may also have a rash around the anus and buttocks.

Balanitis is inflammation of the tip of the penis. If a person has balanitis, the head of their penis may appear discolored and swollen. A yeast infection is a common cause of infectious balanitis.

Both jock itch and balanitis may occur alongside itchy skin.

People can treat fungal infections with antifungal creams, following a doctor’s instructions to prevent antifungal resistance. To help prevent these infections, a person should wash and change their clothes frequently. Wearing loose underwear may also help.

Penile cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, changes in the skin on the penis, such as itching, may indicate penile cancer. However, this is rare.

Other signs of penile cancer may include:

swelling at the end of the penis
thicker areas of skin
lumps under the skin of the penis or wider groin area
changes in skin color
small, crusty bumps
rash under the foreskin, which may bleed or leak odorous discharge
flat, bluish-brown growths
a sore that may bleed

It is essential to speak with a doctor as soon as possible if a person notices any signs of penile cancer. Treatments can vary from chemotherapy and radiotherapy to surgery and local treatments.

Home remedies

Depending on the cause of the dry skin, a person may need to use over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed topical treatments.

Some home remedies may have complementary uses alongside other treatments. A doctor can provide a person with recommendations on which treatments and home remedies will suit them best.

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.

Proper hydration is a good way to ensure that the skin gets enough moisture from within. Using natural moisturizers, like coconut oil, may also reduce dryness.

However, it is important to note that applying oils to the penis before sex may reduce the effectiveness of latex condoms.

Prevention

To prevent dry skin on the penis, it is a good idea to:

use natural, non-biological washing detergents
avoid using harsh personal soaps
wash the penis regularly with warm water and only a small amount of mild soap
wear cotton clothing and supportive but not overly tight underwear
use lubrication to reduce friction during partnered or solo sex
keep the skin moisturized

Summary

Dry skin on the penis is not typically a sign of a serious condition. Common causes are allergies to chemicals in soap or detergent, too much friction, psoriasis, or eczema.

If a person experiences dry skin on the penis and does not know the cause, they should see their doctor. It is particularly important to see a doctor if dry skin on the penis occurs alongside other symptoms.

Typically, people can treat dry skin on the penis either at home or with OTC topical treatments. Using a natural moisturizer, such as coconut oil, is a simple way to maintain skin health.

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.

Dermatology
Men's Health
Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema
Sexual Health / STDs

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today 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.

Dermatologists' top tips for for relieving dry skin. (2024).https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
Latex allergy. (n.d.).https://acaai.org/allergies/types/latex-allergy
Mahdy H, et al. (2023). Condoms.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470385/
Male genital eczema. (n.d.).https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/types-of-eczema/male-genital-eczema/
Penile cancer. (n.d.).https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/penile-cancer.html
Pippin MM, et al. (2023). Tinea cruris.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554602/
What is psoriasis? (n.d.). .https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what
Wray AA, et al. (2024). Balanitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537143/

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Medically reviewed by Sarika Ramachandran, MD — Written by Lana Burgess — Updated on February 6, 2025

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