Peeling skin on the penis often results from friction, an allergic reaction, or a skin condition such as psoriasis. However, skin peeling may indicate a yeast infection, genital herpes, or other infections.

Skin peeling may be the only symptom a person experiences, or they may also have itching, burning, or redness.

Most cases of penis skin peeling are not serious and respond well to home remedies. However, a person may need topical or oral medications to treat the underlying issue.

This article discusses the main causes of penis skin peeling and lists possible treatments and home remedies.

Male patient and doctor in discussion in exam roomShare on Pinterest
Thomas Barwick/Getty Images

Irritation from repeated rubbing may cause peeling, flaking skin, pain, and sensitivity.

Common causes of friction in the genital area include:

  • chafing from tight clothing or underwear
  • masturbation without lubrication
  • sex without lubrication

Using a lubricant during intercourse and masturbation can reduce friction and the likelihood of penis skin peeling. Choosing loose, cotton clothing to wear around the genital region will also reduce the occurrence of chafing.

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction to an allergen or irritant. It can affect any area of the body, including the penis.

The symptoms of contact dermatitis include:

  • peeling or cracked skin
  • pain and irritation
  • itching
  • swelling
  • blistering
  • dryness
  • redness

Common causes of contact dermatitis on the penis include:

  • latex condoms, in the case of a latex allergy
  • ingredients in soaps and shower gels
  • laundry detergents

Learn more about contact dermatitis.

A Candida infection, also known as genital thrush, is a common yeast infection that can affect both males and females.

In men, thrush affects the head of the penis and the foreskin.

As well as peeling skin, symptoms include:

  • itching
  • irritation
  • a lumpy discharge under the foreskin
  • pain when urinating
  • painful intercourse
  • redness
  • swelling

People are more likely to develop a Candida infection after using antibiotics or steroid medications. People who have a suppressed immune system or unmanaged diabetes also have a higher risk.

Although a yeast infection is not technically a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it can pass from one person to another during sexual activity.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. It affects more than 18 million adults in the United States, according to the National Eczema Association.

Atopic dermatitis is most common on the hands, face, and elbow creases, but it can affect any body part, including the penis.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include:

  • dry, cracked, peeling, or flaking skin
  • itching
  • red or brown patches on the skin
  • small bumps on the skin that leak and become crusty

The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can come and go, and people with the condition may also experience asthma and seasonal allergies.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), genital herpes is an STI that affects around 12% of 14–49 year olds.

Most of these people are unaware they have the infection because their symptoms are so mild. When herpes symptoms do appear, they include sores on the penis, scrotum, anus, and buttocks. Other symptoms include:

  • peeling skin after the sores burst
  • pain
  • itching
  • tenderness
  • flu-like symptoms

Syphilis is another STI. The CDC states that there were 176,713 new cases of syphilis in 2021.

The condition begins as a painless sore called a chancre on the part of the body where the infection first entered. If the chancre occurs on the penis, it may cause skin peeling in this area.

The chancre typically heals within 3–6 weeks, but a rash appears a few weeks later. The rash begins on the trunk before spreading to cover the whole body. Other symptoms include:

It is important to seek treatment for syphilis as soon as possible. In the early stages, medications can cure the disease. Without treatment, it can cause severe organ damage.

Learn more about syphilis.

Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis and the foreskin. The condition is much more common in those who are uncircumcised, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.

Symptoms include:

  • ulcerated or scaly sores
  • peeling skin on the head of the penis
  • an unpleasant odor from the penis
  • pain
  • itchiness
  • redness
  • swelling
  • painful urination
  • a buildup of fluid around the affected area

Several conditions and factors can contribute to the development of balanitis, including:

Psoriasis is a lifelong autoimmune disorder that causes scaly, red, and peeling skin that is itchy and painful. It can affect the skin on any area of the body. When it affects the genital region, it is called genital psoriasis.

The National Psoriasis Foundation estimate that up to two-thirds of people with psoriasis experience genital psoriasis at some point.

Other psoriasis symptoms include:

  • dry, cracked skin
  • joint swelling and stiffness
  • thick, ridged nails

Sometimes, home treatments can successfully resolve skin peeling or help manage the symptoms of chronic conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. These treatments include:

  • Practicing good hygiene and keeping the penis clean and dry.
  • Switching to natural, hypoallergenic soaps and laundry detergents.
  • Using personal lubricants during sex and masturbation.
  • Using polyurethane condoms instead of latex ones if the person has a latex allergy.
  • Avoiding skin irritants, such as perfumed products.
  • Applying emollient creams or natural oils, such as coconut, to lubricate and moisturize dry skin.
  • Wearing loose, cotton underwear and clothing.
  • Avoiding sharing towels or underwear as this can increase the risk of fungal infections.
  • Using condoms during sex to prevent the transmission of STIs and fungal infections.
  • Considering circumcision in cases of chronic or recurrent balanitis.

The medical treatment options for dry or peeling skin on the penis will depend on its underlying cause.

Sometimes, fungal infections will clear up with home treatment, but at other times, medication is necessary. Both over-the-counter and prescription antifungals are available to treat yeast infections and some types of balanitis.

People who suspect that they have an STI should always seek medical attention to prevent complications and avoid passing the infection to others. The type of treatment they receive will depend on the stage and severity of the infection.

If peeling skin on the penis persists for more than a few days or does not respond to home remedies, it is important to see a doctor for assessment and treatment.

Skin peeling on the penis requires prompt medical attention if it occurs alongside:

  • penile discharge
  • painful urination
  • severe or worsening pain

A person should see a doctor if they think that they have an STI, even if the symptoms seem to disappear, as they could still pass the infection on to other people, and it may cause complications in the future.

Peeling skin on the penis does not usually indicate a serious medical condition. Often, it is a sign of an allergy, a fungal infection, or a skin condition, such as eczema.

Occasionally, however, it may indicate the presence of an STI that requires treatment.

In most cases, the underlying cause of peeling skin will resolve with home remedies or prescription medications.