The situation when the head of the penis is peeling occurs in approximately 40% of men aged 18 to 40 years around the world. These symptoms can be evidence of a wide variety of diseases - both minor and very dangerous to health.
The process of peeling of the skin on the head of the penis is the main characteristic of the processes of rejection of dead particles of the epidermis - the surface layer of the skin. In patients, this process takes place in different ways - peeling of the skin on the foreskin, on the head or trunk can be observed.
The problem is, when a man’s head is flaky, it occurs quite often for a variety of reasons. This pathological phenomenon cannot be considered exclusively cosmetic, since it is often a symptom of a sexually transmitted or skin disease, or damage to fungal infections. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a specialist to establish the reasons. The head of the penis is flaky not too often, but this phenomenon should not remain without attention.
Predisposing factors
Clinical studies have shown that if a man does not follow the rules of hygiene enough, and also leads an erratic sex life, he may experience a situation where the head of the penis is peeling. To prevent the occurrence of such phenomena in adult men during sexual intercourse, it is worth using a condom. If the patient regularly neglects hygiene procedures, the risk of developing diseases increases significantly. A lubricant that is secreted from the genital tract of a man mixes with elements of urine and covers the mucous membrane. Such a mixture is an environment for the life and growth of harmful microorganisms of various species. Itching, rash and peeling of the skin of the head of the penis suggests that there is any pathological process in the body and this is reflected, therefore, on the male organ. As a result of the vital activity of pathogenic bacteria, the scalp dries and peels, in some cases, redness may be observed.
In situations where bacteria did not provoke the development of diseases, it is not difficult to eliminate such a problem. It is enough to regularly carry out hygienic procedures using antibacterial soaps.
What pathologies provoke peeling of the head?
If the problem did not disappear during intimate hygiene, then it could be caused by some kind of disease. So, the head of the penis is peeling. This symptom manifests itself in the presence of the following diseases:
- psoriasis;
- genital herpes;
- skin diseases;
- thrush;
- allergic reactions;
- avitaminosis.
Dermatological pathology
If a man has psoriasis, the skin on the head of the penis also flakes . Another clear sign of this disease is the formation of pimples, reddened areas of the skin that have clear boundaries.
At the initial stage of genital herpes, the skin of the head of the penis begins to become covered with vesicles that have a bloody or clear liquid inside. Such neoplasms gradually mature and burst, and in the places of their localization, the skin begins to peel and crack. In the absence of appropriate therapy, there is a high risk of an inflammatory process. This disease requires medical treatment with antiviral drugs. Otherwise, the infection can spread to neighboring tissues and provoke a disruption in the functioning of the prostate gland.
If the head of the penis flakes and itches, then these symptoms cause flat lichen, as well as inguinal epidermophytosis. The main signs of such pathological processes are pronounced redness, cracks, rashes, peeling, excessive moisture or dry skin.
It should be noted that these diseases cannot be treated independently. If the first manifestations of the disease occur, you should contact a dermatovenerologist, conduct a full examination.
When is the glans penis still flaking?
Signs of "thrush"
The most common cause of peeling of the head of the penis is considered "thrush." The official name of this pathological phenomenon is candidiasis. In men, it manifests itself in the form of redness of the skin tissue, a feeling of itching, the occurrence of cracks and peeling of the head of the penis, its swelling. With "thrush" there is a characteristic unpleasant and pungent smell of secretions. Among the concomitant signs, one can distinguish the development of problems with an erection, a feeling of discomfort and pain after or during intercourse.
Infection of a man with this fungal disease is possible exclusively through sexual contact, when infectious agents are transmitted to him from a woman suffering from this disease. The “thrush” therapy involves the use of antifungal medications.
Allergic peeling
In patients who are prone to allergies, peeling of the skin of the penis head may occur after contact with certain chemicals. In this case, a condom lubricant, intimate hygiene products, washing powders and other chemical compounds that come into contact with the skin can act as an allergen.
If you are intolerant, allergic reactions can occur when wearing synthetic underwear. To eliminate the problem, it is enough to remove the main irritant.
In some cases, peeling of the skin on the head of the penis can be triggered by vitamin deficiency. Often this symptom manifests itself with a lack of vitamins of group B, A or E. In this case, you need to contact a specialist who will select multivitamins. When treating such a problem, it is recommended to add the necessary amount of apples, carrots, nuts, greens, meat, olive oil, eggs and cottage cheese to your diet.
Candidiasis urethritis
Candidiasis urethritis in men is caused by a fungus that affects the mucous membrane of the urethra and the head of the penis. Symptoms of this disease often resemble gonorrhea and manifest as itching and peeling of the skin on the head, pain during urination, mucus secretion. In this case, urine may have an admixture of blood.
Psoriasis
The appearance of peeling on the head of the penis often causes psoriasis. The lesion foci have clear marked boundaries, peeling is accompanied by the formation of pimples on the penis. The causes of psoriasis are heredity, changes in hormonal levels, genital pathology, stressful situations, decreased immune defense.
As a rule, peeling of the head during psoriasis does not cause a subjective discomfort to a man, however, it can intensify in the winter. Psoriasis on the head of the penis is treated with corticosteroid drugs, vitamin complexes, salt baths, immunomodulators.
Lichen planus
This disease has a chronic fungal nature of occurrence. Causes of the fungus: stressful situations, heredity, decreased immunity, overfatigue, diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal tract diseases, etc. Bright symptoms of the disease are flaking and redness of the skin on the head of the penis and other areas, mucosal lesions in the form of white nodules. Rashes last from three weeks to several months. When treating depriving, antifungal medications are prescribed - Clotrimazole, Lamisil, Terbinox, antiallergic drugs, vitamin complexes, and antibacterial drugs.
Flaky head of the penis in the baby - what to do in this case?
Allergic reactions are the most common cause of peeling of the skin on the head of the penis in infants. In the mother’s womb, the baby is coated with protective grease. After birth, this natural shell is absent, therefore, the skin of an infant is constantly exposed to various irritations. In the first months of life, allergies can be triggered by factors such as poor nutrition, clothing fabric or washing powder. A pediatrician is involved in the treatment of such dermatological defects in an infant.
When the skin on the glans penis peels off, the therapy should be comprehensive.
Disease treatment
It should be remembered that in the absence of proper therapy, there is a risk of this pathology becoming chronic, in which it will be possible to get rid of peeling of the head of the penis only by surgery. Treatment of this deficiency should be combined. A full course is prescribed by a doctor after examination and laboratory tests. If the pathology is provoked by bacterial infections, the pathological site must be treated with special antiseptic agents for intimate use.
With a fungal infection, taking antifungal medications is required. To eliminate the symptoms of dermatological disease (lichen, dermatitis), special ointments are used. In cases of prolonged flaking of the head of the penis with allergies, glucocorticosteroid drugs are recommended. In the presence of redness and inflammation, antibiotics are usually prescribed. Candidiasis can be treated for 1-3 months with such medicines as Lamisil, Nizoral, Clotrimazole (in the form of creams and ointments), as well as tablets of the Nystatin medication, solutions for local washing of Citeal and Candide. .
Prevention of this pathology
The main preventive method to prevent peeling of the head of the penis is regular exercise of genital hygiene. This must be done daily, using special gels or regular soap. In addition, a large role is played by the culture of sexual life - the constancy of the sexual partner and the use of protective equipment.
We found out why the head of the penis is peeling.