Have you noticed that the skin of the glans is dry and flaky? The peeling of the skin of the glans can be a consequence of various conditions and disorders that, most of the time, can be solved with the appropriate treatment. Fungal infection, excess friction, use of irritating products, and skin conditions are usually the causes behind dryness and the appearance of scales on the glans. It is essential to pay attention to all the symptoms to identify the exact cause and know what measures to take in terms of treatment, care, and hygiene of the intimate area to promote its healing. Continue reading this FastlyHealarticle in which we answer in detail the question “why does the skin of the glans peel.” Find all the causes and what treatment to follow in each case.
Table of Contents
Peeling of the glans skin from contact dermatitis
One of the conditions that can answer the question in this article, “why is the skin on the glans peeling” is called contact dermatitis. It happens when the skin of the glans becomes inflamed or irritated due to direct contact with an irritating substance. The skin of the penis is susceptible and can react in this way when it comes into direct contact with soaps, gels, lubricants, cosmetics, detergents, spermicides, or condoms. The most common symptoms of this condition are:
- Itching of the glans skin
- Dry, flaky glans
- Redness
- Skin rash or rash
- Blisters may form that ooze fluid.
Treatment of contact dermatitis
First, the substance that has caused this skin reaction must be identified and immediately discontinued. In many cases, symptoms go away without treatment when you stop using the irritant. To heal the skin more quickly, you can wash the genital area with plenty of water and use emollients or moisturizers to hydrate the skin and prevent it from inflaming again.
The specialist may prescribe corticosteroids for topical use if medical treatment is necessary. If latex condoms are causing dermatitis, it is recommended to use latex-free synthetic condoms.
Dry and scaly glans due to fungi
The candida balanitis or yeast infection of the penis is one of the most frequent causes of peeling skin of the glans. This fungal infection is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida Albicans on the skin of the male genitalia. Usually, men develop this infection when they have had sex with a woman with a vaginal yeast infection. Still, other risk factors can increase the chances of getting it, such as having a weakened immune system, being diabetic, eating a diet rich in sugars, being overweight, not having a circumcised penis, and using aggressive and irritating soaps or personal hygiene products.
In addition to having a dry and flaky glans, fungus on the glans can lead to symptoms such as the following:
- The appearance of red and white spots on the glans.
- Itching
- Ardor.
- Irritation and redness
- Abnormal white and thick penis secretions.
- Discomfort when having sexual intercourse or during urination.
- Dry and cracked glans skin.
Treatment of candidiasis on the glans
It is essential to treat candidal balanitis at the first symptoms to prevent them from worsening and the entire genital area, including the scrotum, from being affected. Treatment usually includes the application of creams for glans fungus, which are applied directly to the affected penis skin for a period ranging from 7 to 14 days, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal treatment only when the infection is severe. To avoid reinfection or contagion, the affected person should suspend their sexual relations temporarily until the candidiasis has wholly disappeared.
You can expand this information by consulting our article on Glans Fungi: symptoms and treatment.
Dry and chapped foreskin skin from psoriasis
Peeling skin on the glans is also a common symptom among men with genital psoriasis. This is a chronic and inflammatory disease of the skin that evolves through outbreaks. Although its exact causes are unknown, it has been pointed out that various factors could lead to its appearance, such as genetic factors, environmental conditions, stress, infections, poor diet, skin lesions, consumption of some medications, etc.
This disease can affect both circumcised and uncircumcised men and causes the following symptoms in the male genital area:
- Small red patches on the glans or foreskin.
- Glans scaled and cracked.
- Dryness of the foreskin or glans.
- Itch.
- Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
- Erection problems.
Treatment of psoriasis on the penis
Treatment must be individualized based on the symptoms that the patient presents. The skin of the genital area is fragile and sensitive so the specialist may recommend the use of low or moderate-strength corticosteroids for less than a week. After that time, it is combined with other treatments such as inflammation inhibitors. Another option is the combination of anti-inflammatories and immunosuppressive steroids. The specialist may recommend taking antihistamines orally to combat the itching caused by psoriasis. Still, it is also essential to consider some measures such as avoiding scratching, not doing sports that involve significant sweating, and not using sanitary napkins. Soapy solutions and cotton towels are preferable.
Glans skin shedding due to STDs
Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can also answer the question of “why does the glans peel.” Still, in these cases, to identify the causative venereal disease, it will be necessary to pay attention to the other present symptoms. The most common STDs that affect men that can cause peeling of the glans skin are:
- Chlamydia: Bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which in the case of men can cause symptoms such as difficulty urinating or discomfort during urination, abnormal discharge from the penis, redness, swelling, and itching, and testicular swelling and tenderness. The following article explains all the symptoms and treatment of chlamydia in men.
- Gonorrhea: an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae that in men can manifest as symptoms such as pain and burning when urinating, white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis, red and swollen urethra, testicular tenderness, sore throat.
It is essential to go to the urologist urgently so that the specialist can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate medical treatment. When dealing with bacterial infections, antibiotic medications are often required.
Dry and chapped glans skin from excess friction
Finally, it is essential to add that on some occasions, the dry and flaky glans can be the result of excess friction during sexual intercourse or masturbation. If there is insufficient lubrication, the surface layer of the skin of the penis can be damaged and dry, resulting in peeling off the glans skin.
To prevent this from happening again, using an excellent intimate lubricant when having sex or masturbating is advisable.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why does the skin of the glans peel, we recommend that you enter our category of Male reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.