What causes skin peeling on glans penis and how to treat it

The peeling of the glans may be related to factors such as fungal infection, eczema, contact dermatitis, balanitis sicca, and psoriasis, which can be improved through drug treatment and daily care.

1. Fungal infection

Candida albicans infection is a common cause, manifesting as glans erythema with white scales and obvious itching. Accompanied by burning sensation or increased discharge during urination. The diagnosis requires fungal microscopy, and you can use miconazole nitrate cream, clotrimazole ointment or bifonazole cream as antifungal treatment as directed by your doctor. Keep the area clean and dry on a daily basis and avoid using irritating lotions.

2. Eczema

People with allergies are prone to it, which manifests as dry and flaky skin on the glans and ill-defined erythema. Severe and recurring itching may be related to contact with detergent or chemical fiber underwear. Desonide cream, hydrocortisone ointment, or tacrolimus ointment is recommended to relieve inflammation. When nursing, you should choose pure cotton underwear to avoid scratching.

3. Contact dermatitis

Caused by contact with allergenic substances such as condoms and disinfectants, it manifests as sudden redness, swelling, papules and peeling. Accompanied by a stinging or burning sensation. In the acute stage, wet compresses with normal saline can be applied, and topical hydrocortisone butyrate cream or compound dexamethasone cream can be used as directed by the doctor. Suspected allergenic items need to be stopped immediately.

4. Balanitis sicca

It is more common in middle-aged and elderly men. The skin on the glans shrinks, becomes thinner, and becomes finely flaked. This may be accompanied by a slight feeling of tightness. It is recommended to use vitamin E cream or urea ointment to moisturize, and in severe cases, apply mometasone furoate cream for a short period of time. Avoid washing with alkaline soap and apply moisturizer promptly after bathing.

5. Psoriasis

A well-defined red patch appears on the glans penis, covered with silvery white scales. It may be related to genetic or immune dysfunction, and the course of the disease is prolonged and repeated. Calcipotriol ointment, tacalcitol ointment, or glucocorticoid ointment can be applied topically. Emotional stress and skin trauma need to be avoided.

It is recommended to wash the glans with warm water every day and dry it gently to avoid friction and over-cleaning. Choose gentle, fragrance-free cleansing products and wear breathable cotton underwear. Sexual life is prohibited during treatment. If there is no improvement after 3 days of observation or if erosion, exudation, etc. occur, you should promptly go to the dermatology or urology department. If necessary, conduct secretion testing or skin biopsy. People with diabetes need to control their blood sugar, and spouses of people with recurring diabetes need simultaneous examination and treatment.