Peeling skin on the head of the penis

Soap, shower gel, lubricants, condoms, sweat, and vigorous sexual activity can irritate the sensitive glans. Inflammation of the glans may cause redness, burning, tenderness, swelling, or discharge. Fungal irritation is more likely with itch and moist redness, while a sexually transmitted infection can cause sores, blisters, discharge, or pain when urinating; symptoms alone cannot identify the cause. Psoriasis may affect the genital area with a smooth red patch, and other skin conditions can peel. Athlete's Foot on the feet does not prove that penile symptoms have the same cause.

Rinse with lukewarm water, dry gently, and avoid fragranced products, antiseptics, and scrubbing. If you have a foreskin, retract it only if it moves comfortably, rinse beneath it, dry the area, and return it to its usual position. Pause sexual contact until soreness and peeling are clear; use condoms when sexual activity resumes. Do not apply leftover steroid, antifungal, or antibiotic cream without clinical advice. A clinician may need to examine the skin and test for infection, especially after a new sexual contact.

Arrange a medical appointment for persistent, recurrent, painful, itchy, or spreading peeling, or for discharge, odour, sores, or urinary burning. Seek urgent care if the foreskin becomes stuck behind the glans, swelling prevents urination, severe pain develops, or the skin turns dusky. Prompt review is also appropriate after chemical exposure or a suspected sexually transmitted infection.

Ask whether this could be irritant balanitis, dermatitis, fungal infection, psoriasis, or a sexually transmitted infection, and whether swabs or urine tests are needed. Share recent products, sexual contacts, condom use, medicines, diabetes history, and any symptoms in a partner.