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Hi, the last few months I've been having an issue with skin peeling on and under the head of my penis beneath my foreskin. It appears as small white pieces/strips that usually peel off/become more extended when drying after a shower. Most of the time, it doesn't cause significant discomfort, but on occasion, it can cause some sharp pain/irritation, especially after masturbation once or twice over the past few months. The areas where the skin peels often look worryingly red, but are rarely sore to the touch and there has been no bleeding. I am not currently sexual active and certainly have not been within any time close to when this issue started so there's zero chance it's STD-related. Some days it appears as if the problem is abating, but other days it looks a lot worse, and I'm concerned of potential discomfort/pain and/or off-putting physical appearance in the future. The problem is only beneath the foreskin and not anywhere else on the penis. I'm an extremely hygienic and healthy individual who watches what I eat and washes and exercises regularly. It might be notable that I do also suffer with psoriasis on my head which, as per doctor's advise, I have to regularly treat with cocois ointment and betnovate scalp application or else I get a thick, itchy build up of scaly patches on top of my head. I'm not sure if this could be related to the penis skin issue, and the penis skin issue is certainly nowhere near as bad as what I get on my head, but I thought it might be worth mentioning, just in case. I'd be most grateful for any advise/potential solutions anyone can offer me because I'd prefer not to have to go to the doctor about this unless absolutely necessary. Thanks.
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Wee_Dugie user8472
Posted
The ONLY way to be sure of what is going on is to visit a Medical Professional who can diagnose what you have. So, either a GP / Family Doctor, or, you can go to a specialist Sexual Health Service such as a GUM Clinic if you are in the UK. If you are currently seeing a Dermatologist you could make an appointment to have this checked with them.
What you may have is Lichen Sclerosis [LS] (not sexually transmitted) as your Autoimmune System is already compromised with the psoriasis, this is quite a possibility. What you describe is something similar to what I experienced, and my LS - known as BXO in men - was diagnosed 7+ years ago.
In the mean time here is what to do with penile hygiene:
> wash with water only - gently rub the head / glans and foreskin fully pulled-bask with the palm of your hand AND ensure you are 100% dry straight afterwards
> EVERY time you urinate, are sexually aroused and have pre-ejaculate on the head / foreskin of your penis, or you have actually ejaculated, this needs to be removed as soon as possible. Either wash, remove with a tissue / toilet paper - or for during / after masturbation remove fluids straight away. I use a toweling face cloth, or towel that only I use for this purpose
> keep ALL chemical based applications such as Baby Oil, Skin Lotions of any type, soap, shower gel, anti-antiperspirant / deodorant, or Lubes well-away from your penis.
> if symptoms persist, you may need to consider using Natural Soap Flakes to wash ALL your underwear, sports clothing and towels and anything that may contact your penis. You can get liquid soap flakes to use in any washing machine, so it does not mean having to do endless hand-washing of your stuff.
I was also a very active person and often showered twice a day, and did not pay sufficient attention to ensure my penis and entire groin region was completely dry. If you happen to be a regular cyclist and sweat considerably, this too could be contributing to exacerbating the problem - again, think about what you wash your sports / any active clothing with.
Essentially, get the issue formally diagnosed. Implement what I state immediately above for penile hygeine. Good Luck ........