Last updated on August 13, 2020
Question:
My penis is getting dry and itchy. Do you have some idea why this would happen?
Answer
The only accurate answer would be one given by a doctor after examining your skin, but I can give you a few possibilities. Let’s start with the simpler things first:
- If you don’t thoroughly rinse, excess soap on your skin can irritate it. Since the skin on your penis is thinner than the rest of your body, it will show irritation before the rest of your body. Make sure when you wash that you rinse your genitals well.
- If you wash too often (more than once a day) you can strip the oils from your skin, causing it to dry out. If you need to bathe more than once a day, avoid using soap on your penis during the additional washings. Just rinse with plain water instead.
- You could have picked up a fungal infection, commonly called jock itch. It generally looks like red areas with distinct edges. Depending on the type of organism infecting the skin, there might even be a pimple in the middle of the red areas or it might appear to be scaly. The rash is irritating and itches. In more severe cases, it might begin to break down the skin which would cause it to feel like a burning or aching. If you suspect that this is the cause, you can purchase an anti-fungal cream or spray to use. Make sure the product says it is for use on genitals. Follow the directions carefully and use it for the full recommended time. Often men stop when the obvious symptoms disappear and the infection reappears because it wasn’t totally killed off.
- It could be eczema, which is a skin disorder that causes the skin to become red, scaly, and itchy. Eczema causes the skin to thicken and thus the natural oils in the skin don’t lubricate as well. A doctor, such as a dermatologist, would need to see the area and decide what would be the best treatment.
- It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. This too would need to be seen by a dermatologist so that the proper treatment can be given to you.