It starts innocently enough, a little bit of dry skin. Maybe it gets a little red. No biggie. Once a man notices, he moisturizes. As it doesn’t get better, he calls in the Badger Balm, thinking maybe the dry patches on the penis need something more powerful. Then it persists and keeps persisting. Soon, it becomes an obsession an gets most of his attention. All out panic breaks out; could it be an STI? Could it be cancer? Thoughts begin to whirl out of control.
First, take a breath. Next, let’s run down all the possible reasons for seeing dry patches on the penis.
Diagnosis #1: Dry Skin
It seems like a too small diagnosis for such a big worry. Most times a doctor will take a look and establish that it’s just what it looks like, dry skin. It’s likely he’ll give out a stronger ointment for healing (ask for samples instead!) and say to come back if it’s not cleared up in a few weeks.
Diagnosis #2: Allergies aka Contact Dermatitis
Those dry patches on the skin could be set off by a foreign agent that rubbed up against or was slathered on the goods. It could be anything from body wash to laundry detergent to a partner’s body lotion. Latex condoms may also be to blame. Twenty percent of sexually active people have an allergic reaction to condoms. If experiencing a runny nose, wheezing, or sneezing, it may be to blame. Wash the penis gently, but thoroughly, apply a very neutral and natural moisturizer appropriate for the penis, and maybe take some Benadryl if the symptoms are too much to handle. Also, think back and figure out what it was that caused the dry patches. See a doctor for an allergy panel if needed.
Diagnosis #3: Jock Itch
If dry patches on the penis are accompanied by a bright red, itchy rash where your legs meet your groin, it’s a possibility it’s Jock itch. It’s highly contagious and can sometimes take a while to clear up on its own. Sometimes a doctor will prescribe a powerful antifungal cream. Switch to regular boxers for a while (no boxer briefs, sorry) to air out the groin, and use a medicated powder, like Gold Bond, to keep the area dry throughout the day.
Diagnosis #4: Psoriasis
If a man sees a dry patch on his penis that may be looking a little yellow and bleeds when scratched, psoriasis may be to blame. He also may notice similar patches on the elbows, knees, belly button, or scalp. Some people suggest that swimming in salt water can clear it up. If he doesn’t have a salt water pool at home or a nearby ocean, usually a hydrocortisone cream will clear it up. If it persists like a champ, get a script for a topical steroid or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory cream.
Diagnosis #5: Skin or Penile Cancer
Admittedly, this is the scariest diagnosis of the five, but is successfully treated if caught early. When dry patches on the penis persist, it’s best to see a doc (or start there). If medicated ointments don’t work (see diagnosis #1), a trip to the dermatologist is usually the next step and they will likely prescribe a stronger cream and a follow up appointment. If the dry patches on the penis stand their ground, it’s time for a biopsy. The results may come back as superficial skin cancer which means it is Stage 0 for penile cancer in most cases unless there is other symptomology. The doctor will determine the treatment plan at that time.
Dry patches on the penis caused by dry skin, allergies, or jock itch can be helped by a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) which provides moisture and antibacterial protection. The best crèmes start with an all-natural base, like Shea butter, that is appropriate for delicate penile skin. They also include vitamins such as A, B, D, and E, which provide healthy cellular function, skin turnover, and shields against foreign invaders like bacteria and fungus.
