The skin on your penis is different from the rest of your body, and it needs special care. If it gets dry, it might be due to contact dermatitis from something that touches your genital area (like latex condoms or chemicals in soaps or detergents).
Medical conditions like psoriasis and eczema can also affect the groin. You should see a doctor if you have these symptoms, as they could be signs of a serious problem.
Causes
There are a number of causes for dry penile skin. It may just be a normal part of aging, but it can also be a result of over-washing with harsh soaps or using too many body products. Wearing tight underwear that chafes the skin is another possible cause. Frequent masturbation without adequate lubrication can also lead to dry skin in the genital area. This can be avoided by always using a water-based lubricant before engaging in sexual activity.
Some medical conditions that affect the entire body can also be the cause of dry penis skin, including psoriasis and eczema. This is why it is important to have a regular checkup with your doctor so that they can treat these conditions if needed.
Yeast infections can be the cause of dry penis skin as well. This is a good reason to use a good condom and to practice proper hygiene, including washing the penis regularly. It is also important to abstain from sexual activity until the yeast infection clears up. This is because yeast infections are contagious and can cause other people to become infected as well. This is especially true if you are sharing personal items like towels or razors with other people. A yeast infection will also be accompanied by itching and burning sensations. These symptoms can be treated by using antifungal medication that can be found at a pharmacy or online.
Symptoms
Men often experience itching in the groin area but they should not be alarmed as this is quite common. This symptom is caused by dry skin and can be relieved by using a good quality lotion or cream. The skin in the groin is very sensitive and needs to be moisturized regularly but it is not the same as the skin on your hands, feet or head so you want to avoid using harsh products.
Itching can also be a sign of an infection such as jock itch, a yeast infection or an STD like genital herpes or genital warts. If the itching is accompanied by a burning sensation during urination, painful erections or a red, flaky, itchy rash then you need to seek medical attention.
A bacterial infection such as thrush or a fungal infection like balanitis can be the cause of itchy penile skin and this will need antibiotics. Yeast infections can be easily treated with antifungal creams.
Men with chronic conditions such as psoriasis may experience itchy penile skin but this is typically easy to treat. Wearing loose-fitting underwear, cotton pads and powders to reduce moisture in the groin and wearing a jock itch patch can prevent itching. People with genital psoriasis should use their usual treatments as this is the same condition that affects all parts of the body including the groin area.
Treatment
There are a number of different treatment options available for dry skin on the penis. The most basic treatment is to make sure that the skin is kept clean, dry and moisturized. This can be done by using mild soaps that are specially designed for genital use, and by making sure that the area is washed thoroughly. In addition, moisturizing creams can also be applied after showering or bathing to help keep the skin hydrated.
If the symptoms of dry penis skin are persistent, a doctor should be consulted for assessment. In some cases, the doctor will prescribe ointments or antifungal medications to relieve the symptoms. In other cases, the doctor may recommend changes to lifestyle and hygienic practices in order to treat the problem.
Some of the conditions that can cause dry skin on the penis include psoriasis, eczema and balanitis. These conditions usually appear on other parts of the body, but they can also affect the genitals. In such cases, the doctor will probably prescribe a low-strength topical corticosteroid to control the symptoms. It is important to avoid scratching the affected areas, and to wear loose-fitting underwear and clothing to prevent friction. If the rash is caused by an allergic reaction to latex, spermicide or deodorants, the doctor may suggest switching to different products. If a yeast infection is the cause of the rash, then the doctor will likely advise abstaining from sexual activity until the infection has cleared.
Prevention
Many people feel self-conscious when they notice dry penile skin, especially if the symptoms are accompanied by pain, itching or redness. However, there is no need to panic. The condition is not a sign of a sexually transmitted disease, and is usually easy to treat with home remedies.
It is important to keep in mind that the skin of the penis is just as delicate as any other skin on the body and can react to various factors just as easily. Keeping the area clean, using gentle soaps and moisturizing regularly will help prevent the development of dry skin. Similarly, using lubricants during sex or masturbation will prevent friction that can cause itching and dryness in the area. Lastly, avoiding tight clothing and choosing breathable underwear that will not rub or chafe the skin in the area will also help.
Other systemic skin conditions can also affect the genital area, including psoriasis, which often appears as scaly patches in this area and may not be as obvious as the rash on other parts of the body. If symptoms persist for more than a week, are accompanied by painful urination or have a foul odor, seek medical attention.
Yeast infections and jock itch are both common in men, but can be treated with OTC creams or antifungals. In addition, using loose-fitting underwear and ensuring proper hygienic practices can significantly decrease the chances of these symptoms occurring in the first place.