What Are The Common Causes Of Peeling Penis Skin?

Peeling skin of the penis can be the consequence of several different disorders, but none of them is usually serious. The most common presentation is increased peeling after sexual intercourse, especially if spermicidal or lubricant products are used. Peeling is the sign of desquamation - increased elimination of skin cells from superficial layer of the skin. Here is the explanation of the most common causes of peeling skin of the penis.

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Fungal Infection

Fungal or yeast infection is the most probable cause of your skin peeling problem. Candida albicans is a fungus normally present in genial area, but when there are appropriate conditions, usually local immunity deficit, it can use the opportunity to reproduce to a greater extent and cause the infection. Signs of fungal infection are peeling, itching, round red spots or lumps, and sometimes even unusual discharge. It is easily treated using antifungal medications locally or even orally.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)

If the peeling and itching are associated with sexual intercourse, a possibility of sexually transmitted infection should be considered. During these infections patients may experience redness of the penile skin as well as the pain and burning sensations during urination. If there is also a discharge, there is a high probability that bacterial infection is taking place. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections affecting men.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is allergic or non-allergic hypersensitivity to any foreign body or environmental factors. Penile skin can sensitive to some lubricants or spermicidal products used in contraception. Condoms may also cause dermatitis in which case it is recommended to try using condoms made from a different material. Skin affected by dermatitis is dry, itchy, and sometimes painful.

Other Causes

If you have a skin disease that generally causes skin peeling, such as psoriasis, that could be the cause of penile skin peeling too. Increased friction during intercourse which is present when there is no enough lubrication can hurt superficial layer of the penile skin, thus causing peeling. Persons with phimosis - inability to retract the foreskin, can hardly maintain proper hygiene, so they are more susceptible to infection.

The genital region hosts a great variety of microorganisms, some of which are normally present, but there are also those that can cause infection.

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Always use neutral soap and warm water to clean genital area. Also, change contraceptive products you are using to see if they are causing your problems. If your symptoms appeared after sexual intercourse, there is a chance you have an STD, in which case it is recommended to visit your doctor for the advice on appropriate therapy.