What is the reason for the skin peeling off the glans?

Skin peeling on the glans may be related to factors such as balanitis, contact dermatitis, fungal infection, balanitis sicca or psoriasis. Skin peeling on the glans usually manifests as local scaling, redness, swelling or itching, and requires targeted treatment based on the specific cause.

1. Balanitis

Balanitis is mostly caused by bacterial or fungal infection, which may be related to poor hygiene or excessive foreskin. Patients often experience redness, swelling, scaling or increased secretions on the glans penis. Treatment requires keeping the area clean and using erythromycin ointment, clotrimazole cream or compound ketoconazole cream as directed by the doctor. Avoid using irritating lotions on a daily basis, and circumcision may be considered for those with excessive foreskin.

2. Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is usually caused by contact of the glans penis with allergens or chemical irritants, such as condoms, detergents, etc. It manifests as dry and flaky skin on the glans penis with itching. Treatment requires immediate discontinuation of allergenic products and topical hydrocortisone cream or tacrolimus ointment as directed by your doctor. Choose fragrance-free toiletries every day to avoid repeated scratching.

3. Fungal infection

Fungal infection is common in candidal balanitis and is often related to low immunity or diabetes. It is characterized by erythema on the glans penis with white scaling and burning sensation. Treatment requires the use of miconazole nitrate powder, bifonazole cream or fluconazole capsules as directed by your doctor. Keep the affected area dry and breathable, and your partner should treat it simultaneously to prevent cross-infection.

4. Balanitis sicca

Balanitis sicca is a chronic inflammation, and the cause may be related to damage to the local skin barrier. Typical symptoms include dry, chapped skin on the glans penis and repeated scaling. For treatment, vitamin E cream or weak glucocorticoid ointment can be used as directed by your doctor. Avoid excessive washing on a daily basis and apply moisturizer promptly after bathing.

5. Psoriasis

When psoriasis involves the glans, well-defined red patches with silvery-white scaling will appear, which may be related to genetic or immune abnormalities. Treatment requires the use of calcipotriol ointment, tacalcitol ointment or narrow-band UVB therapy as directed by your doctor. Be careful to avoid triggering factors such as trauma or mental stress.

If the glans skin peels, you should wash it with warm water every day and keep it dry. Avoid scratching or using alkaline soap. Choose pure cotton breathable underwear and change it daily, and suspend sexual activity until symptoms subside. If the desquamation lasts for more than 1 week or is accompanied by ulcers or exudation, you need to go to a dermatology or urology department in time. Pay daily attention to observe whether you are allergic to condom materials and control blood sugar to reduce the risk of fungal infection.