Repeated rubbing of the penile area can cause irritation. This can also cause:
- peeling and flaking skin
- pain
- sensitivity
Common causes of chafing and friction in this area include:
- tight clothing or underwear
- sexual activity without lubrication
- masturbation without lubrication
Treatment
To help with irritation caused by chafing and friction, you can use lubricant when engaging in sexual intercourse or masturbation. Wearing loose cotton clothing around your genitals can also help prevent chafing from recurring.
Contact dermatitis is a reaction that happens when you come into contact with something you are sensitive or allergic to.
Common irritants include:
- cleaners
- perfumes
- fragrant soaps
- hand sanitizer
- rubber
- poison oak or ivy
- bleach
Symptoms of contact dermatitis typically occur within a few hours or days of coming in contact with the irritant. Symptoms include:
- dry and cracked skin
- redness or discoloration
- itchiness
- blisters
Treatment
Contact dermatitis typically clears on its own after you stop using the substance that caused the irritation. However, in the meantime, treatments are available to help ease the symptoms.
Treatments include:
- emollients
- corticosteroids
- steroid tablets
Read more about contact dermatitis.
Jock itch is a skin infection caused by a fungus commonly found in gyms and locker rooms. It causes a rash that typically appears around the groin area. However, it can also affect the:
- penis
- scrotum
- anus
- upper thigh
The rash from jock itch may appear scaly around the edges. This can look like peeling skin on your penis. Other characteristics of jock itch rash include:
- redness or discoloration
- raised areas
- oozing
- a reddish-brown center
- itchiness
Treatment
Treatment for jock itch typically involves keeping the area clean and dry, wearing loose clothing, and using antifungal creams or powders.
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition. More than 31 million people in the United States experience some form of eczema.
Itchy skin is the most common symptom of the condition. It also causes:
- scaly patches
- dry skin
- rashes
- blisters
- skin infections
Eczema can affect any part of your body, including your genital area. This includes the:
- penis
- scrotum
- groin
- anus
- crease between the buttocks
Treatment
To treat genital eczema, it is important to speak with your doctor. Some over-the-counter treatments can worsen eczema in that area. Typically your doctor will recommend emollients and topical steroids.
Balanitis is a skin condition that typically affects the head of the penis. It causes the area to become red or discolored, painful, and swollen. Balanitis more commonly affects those who have not been circumcised.
Balanitis can cause a thick, smelly discharge under the foreskin. It can also cause ulcerated or scaly lesions on the head of the penis.
Treatment
Treatment for balanitis generally involves proper hygiene habits, such as washing your penis daily, including under the foreskin. If there is an underlying cause, your doctor may recommend a mild steroid cream, antifungal cream, or antibiotics.
Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects approximately 7.5 million adults in the United States. It can cause patches of raised plaques or scales on your skin.
Psoriasis can occur anywhere on your body, including in your genital area. This includes the:
- penis or scrotum
- vulva
- crease between your buttocks
- inner and upper thigh
- skin above your genital area or pubis
Treatment
It is important to speak with your doctor about the most effective treatment for psoriasis on this part of your body. Some treatments can make it worse.
Treatment for genital psoriasis typically includes:
- topicals
- biologics
- oral treatments
Read more about genital psoriasis.
Contact your doctor if you notice any changes to the skin of your penis. Many of the causes of peeling skin on your penis require medical treatment.
If you have itching or discomfort in your genital area, speak with your doctor.
There are some things you can do to help manage the symptoms that go along with the causes of peeling skin on your penis. These include:
- Wash your penis daily.
- Wear clean underwear.
- Wear loose clothing in that area.
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Use lubrication when engaging in sexual activities.
There are many possible causes for peeling skin on your penis. These include chafing, skin conditions, and infections.
Many of these causes are not serious but may still require medical treatment. Contact your doctor if you notice any changes to the skin of your penis, including peeling.
