Penis dryness refers to when the glans penis is not lubricated and therefore appears dry. However, in these cases, it is also possible that the foreskin, which is the skin that covers the glans, may become dry and have small cracks.
Although most cases are not very significant, being just a sign of a temporary allergic reaction, for example, in other cases it can be a sign of a more serious problem such as an infection or a chronic skin problem.
Therefore, if dryness is a constant discomfort, or if it takes more than 1 week to improve, it is recommended to consult a family doctor or urologist to identify the cause and start the most appropriate treatment, which may involve the use of ointments, antifungals or just adopting some daily care.
7 causes of dry penis
The main causes of dry penis are:
1. Penis allergy
The presence of an allergic reaction in the penis is relatively common as it can have several causes. Some of the most common include the use of synthetic and very tight underwear, the use of intimate products with chemicals such as parabens or glycerin, as well as the use of latex condoms.
In these cases, in addition to the dryness of the penis, other signs may also appear, such as local redness, swelling or itching, for example. See what other causes can cause itching in the penis.
What to do: It is important to try to identify what is causing the allergy to avoid contact with the fabric or substance. In addition, you should consult a dermatologist or urologist, who can recommend personal hygiene products that do not contain many chemicals or even condoms made from materials other than latex, to avoid skin allergies.
Don’t ignore your symptoms!
2. Use of some soaps
Using soap in the intimate area can cause dry skin, as this is a very sensitive area that is easily attacked by the chemicals present in many soaps. When this happens, a slight inflammation of the skin appears which, although not visible to the naked eye, can cause the glans and even the foreskin to dry out.
What to do: Intimate hygiene can often be carried out using just water, however, if it is necessary to use soap, it is recommended to use a soap suitable for the intimate area or one that is suitable for sensitive skin.
Check out 5 steps to take care of penis hygiene and health.
3. Wearing tight clothing
Wearing tight clothing, as well as synthetic materials, can cause increased humidity in the genital region, which favors the growth of fungi and, consequently, dryness in the penis and other symptoms such as redness and even itching in the region.
What to do: It is recommended to wear cotton underwear to avoid excessive humidity, in addition to opting for looser, looser clothing, or less tight pants that allow air to pass through and ventilate the genital area.
4. Prolonged sexual activity
Prolonged sexual activity, whether through masturbation or sexual intercourse, can result in the natural lubricant produced by the penis not being sufficient and, in these cases, dryness may result. Even if it is not very prolonged, very frequent sexual activity can also result in the same problem.
What to do: The ideal is to use a lubricant during this type of sexual activity, especially if a condom is not being used. The best options are water-based lubricants, as they are less likely to cause allergies and contain fewer chemicals that can damage the skin.
5. Infection in the penis
Infections in the penis usually occur due to the excessive growth of bacteria or fungi and can occur due to poor hygiene in the region, but they can also arise after an allergy in the area or the transmission of a sexual disease, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, for example.
Just like allergies, the infection is almost always accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, peeling, painful urination and even pus coming out of the urethra.
What to do: Whenever an infection is suspected, especially due to painful urination or pus discharge, it is very important to consult a family doctor or urologist to identify the type of infection and initiate the most appropriate treatment, which may include the use of antibiotics or antifungals. , both in ointment and tablet form.
6. Balanite
Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis that causes symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling and dryness of the penis. In most cases, balanitis is caused by a fungal infection. Candida albicans, and is not considered a sexually transmitted infection. Furthermore, balanitis can also occur in boys, being more common in those who have not been circumcised, as it is easier for secretions, moisture and bacteria to accumulate on the foreskin.
What to do: Some measures should be taken, such as properly cleaning the penis and wearing cotton underwear. Furthermore, in the case of infection, the urologist may recommend the use of antifungal, antibiotic or corticosteroid ointments, for example. Check out all the treatment options for balanitis.
7. Skin problem
Although it is rarer, some skin problems can also be the cause of dry penis. Some of the most common dermatological problems that can present this symptom include eczema or psoriasis, for example. However, it is common for these diseases to affect other areas of the skin and, therefore, are more easily identifiable when they appear elsewhere.
Generally, these situations are more common in men with sensitive skin, allergies or who have a family history of skin problems. See the most common symptoms of psoriasis or eczema.
What to do: You should consult a dermatologist or urologist if you suspect a skin problem to begin the most appropriate treatment.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of dry penis are:
- Peeling of the skin;
- Itching and local irritation;
- Swelling and redness of the penis;
- Presence of cracks in the skin that can bleed.
However, symptoms can vary according to the cause and, therefore, it is important that a urologist is consulted so that an evaluation can be carried out and the best treatment can be indicated.
