Dry skin problems can occur in any area of the body, including the penis. Dry penis skin often causes itching and discomfort. Let's find out what are the causes of dry penis skin in the following article.
The skin of the penis tends to be thinner and sensitive than the skin of other parts of the body, so it is easy to get irritated which eventually makes the skin of the penis dry. This condition can occur on the head and shaft of the penis, foreskin, or scrotum (testicles).
A person who experiences dry penile skin may also experience some of the following symptoms:
- Penile skin feels tight especially after bathing or swimming.
- Itching is accompanied by peeling of the skin.
- A rash or redness appears on the penis.
- The skin of the penis is cracked and bleeds easily.
Causes of Dry Penis Skin
There are several things that can cause dry penis skin, including:
1. Contact dermatitis
Condoms containing spermicide and some types of soap contain certain chemicals that can cause the skin of the penis to become irritated and dry. This can cause contact dermatitis on the skin of the penis.
When cleaning the penis, just wash it with warm water while bathing or after urinating. If you want to use soap, make sure you choose a mild soap, such as baby soap. Also, make sure the soap you use does not contain added detergents and fragrances.
If spermicide is the cause of dry and irritated penile skin, then choose a condom that does not contain spermicide.
2. Latex allergy
Condoms are generally made of latex, which is a natural substance derived from the sap of the rubber tree. This ingredient can cause allergic reactions in some people, causing dry and irritated penile skin after wearing a latex condom.
In addition to dry penile skin, there are other symptoms that may appear due to a latex allergic reaction, namely a rash or redness on the penis, as well as itching and swelling of the penis.
To avoid this, use a latex-free condom, such as polyurethane or silicone, so that the skin of the penis does not dry out. Carefully read the label on the product packaging before buying it, to ensure that the condom is not made of latex.
3. Sexual activity
Lack of lubrication during sexual activity, whether masturbating or having sex, can cause the skin of the penis to become rough and dry. Therefore, use a lubricant. Besides being able to prevent dry and injured penile skin, lubricants can make sexual activity more comfortable.
Choose a lubricant that is water-based and does not contain parabens or glycerin. Lubricants that contain both substances are at risk of causing irritation to the skin of the penis.
4. Sexually transmitted diseases
Having sex with someone with a sexually transmitted infection or having frequent risky sex, such as having unprotected sex or having multiple partners, can expose you to a sexually transmitted infection.
Some examples of sexually transmitted diseases that can cause the skin of the penis to become dry, sore, and irritated, are syphilis, chancroid, pubic lice, and herpes. Infection of the penis can also cause the penis to ooze pus. To prevent the transmission of this disease, do not forget to always wear a condom when having sex and avoid risky sexual behavior.
5. Pants are too tight
Wearing pants that are too tight can make the penis experience excessive friction, causing inflammation and sores. This can make the skin of the penis become dry.
In addition, underwear that is too tight can also make the underside of the foreskin of the penis moist and become a breeding ground for fungus. This condition can increase the chance of a yeast infection.
Therefore, wear pants and underwear made of cotton that are comfortable and not too narrow, so that the skin of the penis is not dry and its health is better maintained.
6. Fungal infection
Fungal infections can cause dry penis skin and even peeling. In addition, the penis affected by a yeast infection will also experience symptoms such as:
- Rash.
- Red spots accompanied by peeling of the skin of the penis.
- Swelling or irritation around the head of the penis.
- Pain when urinating and having sex.
To treat a yeast infection on the penis, apply an antifungal cream prescribed by a doctor. So that yeast infections do not occur again, it is important to always keep the intimate area clean and keep the penis dry.
- psoriasis
Proriasis is a skin disease characterized by the growth of new skin cells that are too fast. This causes new skin cells to continue to accumulate on the surface of the skin until it eventually forms red, thick, and scaly patches.
Psoriasis can occur in any area of the skin, including the skin of the penis. This condition causes the skin of the penis to become dry, scaly, and red.
To determine the cause of dry penile skin that you are experiencing, consult a doctor. After conducting a complete examination and knowing the cause of your complaint, the doctor will provide further treatment according to the underlying cause.
