Penis Skin Peeling: Causes, Treatment, And When To Seek Help

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What Causes Penis Skin to Peel and How Do You Treat It?

Medically reviewed by Roger Bielinski, MD FACS — Written by Tess Catlett — Updated on June 24, 2024

Friction
Allergy
Jock itch
Yeast infection
Eczema
Psoriasis
Scabies
HSV
Syphilis
Lichen
Inflammation
Takeaway

Tight clothing, synthetic fabrics, and other irritants can cause temporary inflammation of the penis skin. Infectious diseases and health conditions may cause other symptoms that help doctors identify the cause.

Dry, irritated skin can lead to flaking, cracking, and peeling in one or more areas of the penis. This includes the glans (head), shaft, foreskin, frenulum, or scrotum.

Sometimes, these symptoms are temporary and will resolve on their own. Certain infections may be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

In more severe cases, an appointment with a healthcare professional is necessary. A doctor can make a diagnosis and begin prescription medication or surgical repair if needed.

Friction and chafing

Persistent rubbing — intentional or not — can cause peeling, flaking, and other irritation. Common causes include:

tight clothing
dry humping or grinding
manual stimulation without added lubrication, including masturbation and hand sex
penetrative sex without added lubrication, including the use of certain sex toys or erotic aids

Until your symptoms disappear, wear loose bottoms in breathable fabrics like cotton. You might also consider trading in tight underwear for boxers in the long term.

Investing in a couple of high quality lubricants can help prevent future incidents and increase your overall pleasure during sexual activity.

Contact dermatitis (allergic reaction)

If your genitals come into contact with something you’re sensitive or allergic to, a variety of symptoms may develop. This includes itching, blistering, and rash.

This usually stems from scents, dyes, preservatives, or other ingredients in commonly used products. For example:

body sprays or other fragrances
body washes, shower gels, or soaps
laundry detergents
lotions or moisturizers
lubricants or spermicides
pleasure products made with latex

Symptoms usually start within a few hours of contact with the irritant, though it may take a couple of days in some cases.

You might find it helpful to retrace your steps over the past 1 to 2 days. Have you or a sexual partner tried anything new or used something again after an extended break? If so, this could be the culprit.

Your symptoms should subside once you discontinue use.

Tinea cruris (jock itch)

Jock itch is a common, contagious fungal infection. It can cause an itchy, scaly rash in the folds of your skin, usually between your pelvis and upper thighs.

Although it’s most common among athletes, it can affect anyone prone to sweating or tight clothing. The fungus that causes jock itch thrives in warm, moist environments.

OTC topical medications can often treat jock itch. This includes antifungal creams, powders, and sprays. Follow the instructions on the label for the best results.

If your symptoms worsen or persist after completing a course of OTC treatment, consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend a prescription-strength oral or topical antifungal.

Candidiasis (yeast infection)

Candida albicans is a naturally occurring fungus found throughout the body. Disruptions in your microbiome can cause it to grow rapidly, resulting in a yeast infection.

This can cause an itchy, flaking rash on the glans and foreskin. Other symptoms include:

burning
cracking or bleeding
redness or other color changes
discharge
foul odor

Treatment with an OTC antifungal cream may be enough to clear the infection. To treat severe or persistent infections, doctors may prescribe an oral or topical antifungal medication.

Atopic or seborrheic dermatitis (eczema)

Eczema is a chronic skin condition. The exact cause is unclear, but experts believe it could involve genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms can appear anywhere on the body, including the genitals.

It’s usually associated with a dry, scaly rash and intense itching. It may also cause fluid-filled blisters to form. These blisters may ooze and scab, causing the appearance of peeling skin.

OTC antihistamines, pain relievers, and steroid creams may help ease your symptoms. Identifying and avoiding potential triggers could reduce the risk of future flare-ups.

If OTC methods are unsuccessful, consider making an appointment with a healthcare professional to discuss other options for treatment.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system. Symptoms can appear anywhere on the body.

Unlike psoriasis patches in other areas, genital psoriasis usually isn’t dry or scaly. However, it can still give the appearance of peeling, raw skin.

OTC topicals containing salicylic acid, coal tar, or corticosteroids may ease mild symptoms. Severe or persistent flare-ups typically require prescription treatment.

If you suspect new or worsening genital psoriasis, it’s important to consult a dermatologist.

Scabies

Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by a parasitic infestation. Tiny mites burrow into the skin and lay eggs, resulting in extreme itching and rash.

These mites are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including handshakes, hugs, and other forms of casual touch. Scabies can also be transmitted during sexual activity.

OTC antihistamines and topical calamine can help relieve symptoms. OTC topicals containing permethrin 1% and sulfur may help kill the infestation but aren’t always effective.

Prescription-strength ointments, creams, and lotions are safe and reliable scabicides. In severe cases, your healthcare professional may recommend the oral anti-parasite medication ivermectin (Stromectol).

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

HSV is a contagious viral infection. It’s transmitted through saliva and intimate skin-to-skin contact. Although HSV is often asymptomatic, some people experience itching and sores around the genitals, anus, or mouth.

Fluid-filled blisters and skin ulcers can be painful and may appear anywhere on the penis and scrotum. When the blisters burst and ooze, they can resemble skin peeling. Flu-like symptoms may also occur.

Prescription antiviral pills can help reduce symptoms, minimize future outbreaks, and reduce the risk of transmission to sexual partners.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a contagious bacterial infection that’s typically transmitted through direct contact with a chancre.

A chancre is a small, often unnoticeable sore that forms where the infection enters the body. It appears around 3 weeks after exposure and generally heals without treatment 3 to 6 weeks later, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Chancres are painless, but they can cause the appearance of peeling skin. If syphilis is left untreated, a rash may begin to develop on your torso and spread to other areas of your body.

The shaft of the penis may also exhibit wart-like growths. Other symptoms mimic the common cold, such as fever and sore throat.

Syphilis can be cured with prescription antibiotics that healthcare professionals administer through injections (shots) or intravenous (IV) infusions.

Lichen planus or lichen sclerosis

In rare cases, genital peeling could be caused by lichen planus or lichen sclerosis. These chronic, idiopathic skin conditions have similar symptoms, including itchy, blistering sores or scratches.

Lichen planus can affect the skin, hair, nails, mouth, and genitals, while lichen sclerosis primarily affects the genitals.

OTC oral antihistamines and prescription corticosteroid cream may help with pain, swelling, and inflammation related to either condition. Sometimes, corticosteroid pills or shots may be preferred over topical therapies.

Immune response medications may also be beneficial. Lichen planus may also be treated with antimalarial or antibiotic medications, oral or topical retinoids, and light therapy.

A healthcare professional can assess your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Unspecified balanitis, balanoposthitis, or posthitis

If you’re experiencing symptoms unlike those described above, it may result from general inflammation. The skin may itch or become irritated enough to flake and peel.

Balanitis (inflamed glans), balanoposthitis (inflamed glans and foreskin), and posthitis (inflamed foreskin) may be caused by accidental injury or trauma, inadequate hygiene, or other underlying conditions.

If you have persistent or worsening symptoms, it’s best to make an appointment with a healthcare professional. They can make or confirm a diagnosis and discuss your options for relief.

The bottom line

It’s natural to be concerned by unexpected flaking, cracking, or peeling skin, especially in such a sensitive area. These symptoms are often temporary and may get better with OTC medications.

If your symptoms are severe or otherwise interfere with your daily life, make an appointment with a healthcare professional.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of long-term complications caused by infectious diseases and other underlying health conditions.

Read this article in Spanish.

Tess Catlett is a sex and relationships editor at Healthline, covering all things sticky, scary, and sweet. Find her unpacking her inherited trauma and crying over Harry Styles on Twitter.

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.

About genital herpes. (2024).https://www.cdc.gov/herpes/about/index.html
About syphilis. (2023).https://www.cdc.gov/syphilis/about/index.html
Dinneen E, et al. (2023). Penile dermatoses: accurate diagnosis prevents serious sequelae.https://wchh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/tre.940
Gopinath H, et al. (2020). Genital scabies: Haven of an unwelcome guest.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7529175/
Gulati R. (2021). Atypical manifestations of atopic dermatitis.https://jsstd.org/content/102/2021/3/2/pdf/JSSTD-3-118.pdf
Kumar A, et al. (2020). To identify the role of occlusive clothing (undergarments) in the maintenance of fungal infection in treatment resistant, recurrent and persistent tinea cruris: A pilot study at tertiary care hospital.https://www.ijced.org/article-details/12756
Litchman G, et al. (2023). Contact dermatitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459230/
Ranum A, et al. (2022). The impact of genital lichen sclerosus and lichen planus on quality of life: A review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9387966/
Wray AA, et al. (2022). Balanitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537143/

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Medically reviewed by Roger Bielinski, MD FACS — Written by Tess Catlett — Updated on June 24, 2024

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Friction and chafing

Contact dermatitis (allergic reaction)

Tinea cruris (jock itch)

Candidiasis (yeast infection)

Atopic or seborrheic dermatitis (eczema)

Psoriasis

Scabies

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Syphilis

Lichen planus or lichen sclerosis

Unspecified balanitis, balanoposthitis, or posthitis

The bottom line

How we reviewed this article:

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