Dry skin on the penis: why it happens and what helps

Dry skin on the penis, or around it, is an awkward thing to bring up. The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) says penile skin can be easily affected by irritants and friction, and NICE's guidance for GPs says the conditions that inflame the head of the penis may look alike and can happen together.

Why is my penis dry?

NICE lists irritation or allergy from soap, bubble bath, fragrances, lubricants, latex condoms and creams or medicines put on the skin, and rubbing from washing too much or during sex, among the causes of balanitis (an inflamed head of the penis).

Of these, the NHS says everyday soaps and shower gels usually dry the skin out, and the BAD says washing too much may remove natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation. The NHS also says contact dermatitis (a type of eczema set off by touching a particular substance) can make skin itchy, blistered, dry and cracked. It says atopic eczema can make skin dry and cracked, and psoriasis causes dry, flaky patches.

Urine trapped under the foreskin

The BAD says the most common irritant is urine: tiny amounts can leak and get trapped under the foreskin, if you have one, which can lead to inflammation. To reduce leakage, it suggests gently pulling the foreskin back when you pee; when you've finished, shaking the penis or gently squeezing from the base of the shaft to the head two to three times; and dabbing the opening at the tip dry with plain tissue. It also suggests peeing after sex or ejaculation to flush out any semen, which it says reduces later leakage and smegma.

Sex, condoms and lubricant

For sex and masturbation, the BAD suggests a water-based lubricant to avoid friction and skin tearing, and says lubricated condoms can also help. A sore or red penis after sex has its own guide.

Water and other everyday irritants

The NHS lists water, especially hard, chalky or heavily chlorinated water, among the common irritants behind contact dermatitis. DermNet, a New Zealand skin site writing about skin in general, says irritants remove oils and natural moisturising substances from the outer layer of the skin. This lets irritants through and sets off inflammation. With mild irritants or repeated contact, it says, irritant contact dermatitis starts as dryness and cracking and goes on to redness and itch.

Can you get eczema on your penis?

Yes. The Primary Care Dermatology Society (PCDS) says eczema can inflame the head of the penis or any part of the genital skin, and the BAD notes that dermatitis is another word for eczema. NICE says contact dermatitis on the penis typically shows as pain and burning (irritant) or itch (allergic), with a red, scaly rash on the head that persists or keeps coming back, and some swelling.

The NHS says atopic eczema can make skin dry, cracked, crusty, scaly or thickened, and red, white, purple or grey, or lighter or darker than the skin around it, depending on your skin tone. If an allergy is suspected, NICE tells GPs to refer to a dermatologist to consider patch testing (a test to find the exact cause).

Psoriasis on the penis: what does it look like?

The NHS says psoriasis can appear in body folds, including the groin and genitals. On the penis, the PCDS says it often shows as many small red patches on the head or shaft, which may be scaly or smooth and shiny. The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) says that if you're circumcised, psoriasis on the head of the penis looks like red, scaly patches, as it does elsewhere, but under a foreskin the scale is lost and the patches look red and glazed. DermNet says genital psoriasis can be very itchy at times, and the patches may crack and hurt. Skin conditions on the penis may look alike and happen together, NICE says, so get a red or scaly patch checked by a GP or at a sexual health clinic rather than guessing.

Why is the head of my penis dry?

The head of the penis (the glans) is covered by the foreskin if you're not circumcised, the BAD says. The sources name several causes of an irritated, inflamed, red, scaly or discoloured head, including irritants such as soap and fragrance, urine trapped under the foreskin, contact dermatitis, thrush, psoriasis and lichen sclerosus.

When the head of the penis is swollen and sore, the NHS calls it balanitis. It says the head is usually itchy as well, and usually red, though this may be less obvious on brown or black skin. Our guide to balanitis covers it in full. For thrush, NICE describes one pattern on the penis as dry, dull red areas with a glazed look (see thrush in men).

Why is my foreskin dry or cracked?

Cracks can be part of balanitis. NICE's guidance for GPs lists skin splitting among its symptoms. Among the signs a doctor may see, it lists redness and swelling of the head of the penis and/or the foreskin, with possible cracks (fissuring). BASHH says that when the head and foreskin are inflamed, cracks can be associated with discomfort and pain during sex. For balanitis, the NHS says treatment depends on what's causing it.

The BAD says a tight foreskin can be a sign of skin disease, and to see a GP if you notice it; our guide to a tight foreskin explains more. Rubbing or damage to the skin can also bring out lichen sclerosus or make it worse, the NHS says.

White patches: lichen sclerosus and lichen planus

The NHS says lichen sclerosus causes patches that are usually itchy, white, smooth or crinkled and easily damaged, and in men it names the foreskin and end of the penis as places it affects. The BAD says the skin can look red, with little cracks, sores or small blood blisters, and after a while can turn white and thin; it's also known as balanitis xerotica obliterans. The NHS says lichen sclerosus isn't an infection, isn't contagious and isn't caused by poor hygiene. It can't be cured, but a strong prescription steroid ointment usually helps the symptoms.

Lichen planus can affect the genitals too: NICE says on the penis it typically shows as purplish, well-defined patches on the head, foreskin and shaft.

Can a cracked foreskin be a sign of diabetes?

It can be. BASHH says thrush of the penis and foreskin can be the first sign of diabetes, and two small studies have linked a cracked or tight foreskin with diabetes. The NHS lists itching around the penis, thrush that keeps coming back, and cuts or wounds that take longer to heal among the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

A 2016 study from Taiwan compared 28 men whose foreskin had tightened and cracked with 28 whose foreskin had tightened without cracks. Diabetes was confirmed in all 28 with cracks and in 2 without, and the authors say a tight, cracked foreskin may be a specific sign of undiagnosed diabetes; it was a small study in one country, of men already being seen for a tight foreskin.

A 2008 UK study at one Manchester hospital department found that 18 of 69 men whose foreskin had become tight later in life already had type 2 diabetes, and it was newly diagnosed in 4 of the 50 with no known blood sugar problem; that study was about a tight foreskin, not cracks.

Flaky, peeling or dead skin on the penis: what causes it?

More than one thing on this page can make penile skin flake or peel. The BAD says allergic contact dermatitis can make skin peel and look red and oozy. Smegma contains dead skin: the BAD describes it as a build-up of leaked urine, semen and dead skin cells shed from the foreskin and head of the penis as part of normal wear and tear. It can irritate and cause a smell, and the BAD says to remove it gently when washing (see our guide to smegma).

The NHS says ringworm in the groin, known as jock itch, may be scaly, dry, swollen or itchy, though NICE says it often spares the penis and scrotum (see itchy balls and jock itch). NICE says skin conditions on the penis may look alike, so get flaking or peeling checked by a GP or at a sexual health clinic rather than guessing.

Dry skin on the scrotum (balls): what can cause it?

Some of the same conditions can affect the scrotum. The PCDS lists the penis and scrotum among the places psoriasis can affect, and NICE says thrush can cause small itchy or sore spots on the skin of the scrotum. Itchy or sore skin there has its own guide, itchy balls.

Can an STI look like dry skin?

The NHS lists a rash, itchy genitals, and blisters, sores or warts around the genitals among the possible symptoms of an STI, but says many STIs have no symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to get tested. NICE lists herpes and HPV among the causes of balanitis, and the NHS lists STIs such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia. BASHH says HPV infection that doesn't show as warts has been linked with inflammation of the head and foreskin, and may cause cracking.

The NHS says syphilis can cause small, usually painless sores on the penis, and later a rash. Its symptoms are often mild and hard to notice at first, tend to change over time and may come and go, and sometimes they improve or go away completely while an untreated infection stays in the body. DermNet says the rash of secondary syphilis might be subtle, and lists psoriasis and eczema among the conditions it has to be told apart from.

So a rash or patch on or around the penis that isn't going away, or any worry after sex with a new partner without a condom, is a reason to get checked by a GP or at a sexual health clinic.

How do you treat dry skin on the penis?

The NHS recommends an emollient (a moisturising treatment) used instead of soap if you have dry or itchy skin. For contact dermatitis, irritant or allergic, it says finding and avoiding the trigger is one of the most important steps. For penile skin, the BAD advises a non-fragranced, non-soap wash, simple emollients instead of soap, no scented tissues or wipes, and patting dry.

The NHS says you can buy emollients from a pharmacy without a prescription and, if the skin condition is severe, to talk to a GP, nurse or health visitor, as you may need a stronger treatment. Emollients can sometimes cause burning or stinging that doesn't settle after a few days, and if so, it says to talk to a GP, nurse or pharmacist.

The NHS no longer recommends aqueous cream as an emollient. It contains sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which can cause skin irritation such as burning, stinging, itching and redness, though some people still find it helpful as a soap substitute.

Everyday irritants and what UK guidance suggests

	Why it can irritate.	What UK guidance suggests.
Soap and shower gel	The NHS says everyday soaps and shower gels usually dry the skin out; the BAD says soaps and bubble baths contain additives such as sodium lauryl sulphate, which are strong irritants	An emollient used instead of soap for dry or itchy skin; with balanitis, just water or an emollient (NHS)
Washing too often	Washing too much may remove the skin's natural oils (BAD); BASHH links both washing too much and poor hygiene with inflammation	Avoid soaps (BASHH) and pat dry (BAD)
Urine	The most common irritant: it can leak and get trapped under the foreskin, if you have one (BAD)	Reduce leakage when you pee and dab the tip dry with plain tissue (BAD; the steps are above)
Fragrance, deodorant and wet wipes	Fragrances can irritate penile skin, especially the head (BAD)	No deodorant, cologne, scented tissues or wipes (BAD); with a tight foreskin, no perfumed soap or talc (NHS)
Friction from sex or masturbation	NICE lists rubbing during sex; the BAD warns of friction and skin tearing during sex or masturbation	A water-based lubricant; lubricated condoms can also help (BAD)
Latex condoms and lubricants	Rubber, including latex, is a common allergen (NHS); NICE lists latex condoms and lubricants among the triggers	Condoms for sensitive skin if you have balanitis, latex-free condoms if you have a latex allergy, and no oil-based lubricant with latex condoms (NHS)
Tight clothes and laundry	Tight underwear can cause friction (BAD); laundry detergents can irritate after long, repeated contact (BAD)	Loose cotton or silk clothing and a laundry liquid or powder for sensitive skin (NHS advice for itchy skin)
Creams and other products on the skin	NICE lists creams and medicines put on the skin; the NHS names cosmetic ingredients such as preservatives and fragrances among common allergens	Avoid any suspected trigger (NICE); a pharmacist if it's troubling you, or a GP if it's persistent, keeps coming back or is severe (NHS)

These are triggers UK guidance names, not a diagnosis. The causes of dry or sore skin on the penis may look alike and happen together, so see a GP or sexual health clinic if it does not settle. Sources: NHS, NICE CKS, BAD and BASHH.

Should you moisturise your penis or under the foreskin?

The BAD says a simple emollient (moisturiser) can protect penile skin and act as a barrier to irritants such as urine, and that a healthcare professional can recommend a suitable simple, non-fragranced one. Under the foreskin, it says an emollient acts as a barrier against urine leakage. Moisturisers left on the skin can weaken latex condoms: the BAD suggests non-latex condoms. The NHS adds that clothing and bedding that have been in contact with an emollient can easily catch fire, so keep away from fire, flames and cigarettes.

When to see a GP or get help

The BAD suggests checking the whole penis regularly for any changes: rashes or changes in colour, new or changing lumps or bumps, warts, boils or sores. See a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. The lists below follow the NHS's own, with the BAD's lines on lichen sclerosus.

Call 999 or go to A&E

The NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E if:

• your foreskin is pulled back and cannot go back to its original position over the end of the penis (the NHS says this is known as paraphimosis and is a medical emergency)
• you have psoriasis and your skin quickly turns red and you develop white, pus-filled bumps that join together (redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
• you have psoriasis patches on your feet that turn yellow-brown and are filled with pus
• you have psoriasis and the tips of your fingers and toes have red, scaly, pus-filled bumps (redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin)

The NHS says the psoriasis symptoms above can be signs of a more serious condition or an infection, and that with them you may also have other symptoms, such as your heart beating fast, a high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery. Bring any medicines you take with you.

Urgent GP appointment, or the urgent advice for your nation below

The NHS in England says to ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

• you have atopic eczema and it's blistered, crusty, leaking fluid or has spots filled with pus; it's painful, swollen or feels warm; it suddenly gets worse or gets bigger; or you have a high temperature or feel generally unwell (the NHS says these can be signs the eczema is infected or of a more serious condition)
• a cut or split in the skin is swollen, red and getting more painful, or pus is coming out of it, or you also feel generally unwell or have a high temperature

With contact dermatitis, the NHS says to get medical advice straight away if you have a severe reaction, or you think your skin may have become infected, as you may need antibiotics. Signs of infection can include your symptoms getting rapidly worse, discharge from your skin, increasing pain, feeling generally unwell, or feeling hot, cold or shivery. The urgent advice for each nation is in the table below.

See a GP

See a GP if:

• the head of your penis is swollen, itchy, sore or red, or you've had treatment for balanitis and it hasn't worked; the NHS says adults can also go to a sexual health clinic
• you have an itchy white patch on your genitals or skin; or, if you've been diagnosed with lichen sclerosus, treatment isn't helping, or you have pain when going to the toilet or having sex
• you have lichen sclerosus and you're worried: the NHS says it raises the risk of penile cancer, though the risk is low, suggests checking yourself regularly, and says the symptoms to look for include a lump, a change in skin texture, such as thickening, or an ulcer that doesn't go away
• you have lichen sclerosus and a skin change doesn't respond to steroid creams, especially persistent thickening or soreness, which the BAD says to tell the doctor about without delay; the BAD also says to see a doctor if the foreskin becomes too tight to pull back and clean the tip of the penis, and to seek advice if you have any problems passing urine
• your foreskin is tight and swollen or painful; there's bleeding around the foreskin when peeing, a thick discharge from under it, or an unpleasant smell; you have pain when peeing or difficulty peeing; or you're having painful erections
• you notice any change in how your penis looks, discharge or bleeding from your penis, symptoms that aren't going away, or any of the other symptoms of penile cancer, which the NHS says include a growth, lump or sore that doesn't heal within 4 weeks, a rash, and a change in the colour of the skin of your penis or foreskin. The NHS adds that some of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions, and having them doesn't definitely mean you have penile cancer.
• you have contact dermatitis that's persistent, keeps coming back or is severe
• you have symptoms of atopic eczema, or treatment isn't helping it
• you have symptoms of psoriasis; your psoriasis treatment isn't working or is giving you side effects; or you have psoriasis and also pain, stiffness and swelling in your joints that keeps coming back
• you have thrush for the first time; you have thrush and are over 60; it keeps coming back (more than 4 times in 12 months); treatment hasn't worked; or you have thrush and a weakened immune system, for example because of diabetes, HIV or chemotherapy (the NHS says a sexual health clinic may also be able to help with thrush)
• you think you may have type 2 diabetes, or you have a higher risk of it
• itchy skin is affecting your daily life, doesn't get better with self-care or keeps coming back, comes with a new rash, lump or swelling you're worried about, is all over your body, or is severe
• you think you have lichen planus

Sexual health clinic (or a GP for syphilis)

The NHS says to go to a sexual health clinic if you think you may have an STI, a sexual partner has symptoms of an STI, you're worried after having sex without a condom or dental dam, or you're having sex with new partners. For syphilis, it says to go to a sexual health clinic or see a GP if:

• you or a sexual partner have symptoms of syphilis
• a sexual partner has told you they have syphilis or another STI
• you've recently had sex with a new partner and did not use a condom
• you've injected drugs using a needle that's been used by someone who might have syphilis

Having a test is the only way to confirm syphilis.

Pharmacist

• Speak to a pharmacist if your contact dermatitis is troubling you.
• If you've had thrush diagnosed before and you know the symptoms, you can buy antifungal medicine from a pharmacy.
• Speak to a pharmacist first if you think you have ringworm, which in the groin is called jock itch. They can look at the rash and recommend an antifungal medicine, and they'll tell you if they think you should see a GP. See a GP if it hasn't improved after using antifungal medicine a pharmacist recommended, or if you have a weakened immune system (for example from chemotherapy, steroids or diabetes).

Where can you get help in the UK?

Anywhere in the UK, call 999 in a life-threatening emergency. The NHS in England says A&E is for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies, and not to drive yourself there: ask someone to drive you, or call 999 for an ambulance.

For a problem with your penis, Northern Ireland's nidirect says to go to your GP or a sexual health clinic, and the NHS in England says the same for balanitis.

• England: clinics are free and confidential unless staff think someone is at risk of harm, and even then they'll talk to you first; you don't usually need a GP referral or appointment, but contact the clinic first.
• Scotland: services are free and your GP won't be told without your permission; phone a service for an appointment, or book online where offered.
• Wales: clinics are free and confidential on the same terms as England; many offer a walk-in service, where you don't need an appointment.
• Northern Ireland: clinics are free and confidential unless you share something that indicates someone is at risk; you don't need a doctor's referral, but in most cases you need an appointment.