Nothing sends men into a panic like looking down and seeing penis skin peeling off their member. This can cause waves of shock and fear, as well as a feeling of helplessness over what to do next. First, take a breath. Next, use the information below to figure out why peeling penile skin is happening. In most cases, it’s not a serious matter and can be remedied in a few days, leaving a man with the supple, strong, and soft penis skin he’s used to.

1) Friction – Either from wearing too-tight pants or an extra-long (and dry) session of sex or self-gratification, friction can irritate delicate penis skin. Once the afflicted area becomes flaky and irritated, it appears that penis skin is peeling. Take some time off from intimate contact, loosen up the trousers, and keep the area clean and moisturized.

2) Yeast infection – Men are just as likely as women to develop a Candida yeast infection. It can appear on the penis as an itchy flaking red rash that makes it look like the penis skin is peeling. Other symptoms include burning urination, a foul odor, and a cottage-cheese-like discharge. See a doctor for diagnosis and a prescription.

3) Balanitis – This is when the head or the foreskin of the penis swells and gets irritated, and then eventually results in peeling penile skin. Men who are uncircumcised and/or don’t practice good hygiene are most afflicted. Clean up and practice thorough daily hygiene moving forward. If the condition persists, see a doctor.

4) Genital Psoriasis – This non-contagious, autoimmune condition occurs in the genital area and can strike at any age. Genital Psoriasis causes shiny, red patches on the head or shaft of the penis. Rather than having a scaly appearance like most forms of psoriasis, on the penis, it tends to look more like raw, peeling skin. Seek medical care immediately. Usually, a prescription cream will help.

5) Eczema – Another non-contagious skin issue, eczema causes a dry, scaly rash, and often is accompanied by itching and irritation. It has also been known to form fluid-filled blisters which may ooze and scab, causing the appearance of peeling penile skin.

6) Herpes – A life-long STI, herpes’ symptoms include penis skin peeling. What starts as itching and tingling, then morphs into skin ulcers and fluid-filled blisters. The blisters eventually burst and ooze, thus creating the appearance of peeling penile skin. See medical attention for testing and treatment immediately and stop all intimate contact immediately.

7) Syphilis – It’s the disease that brought down Al Capone. When this STI starts, a tiny sore called a chancre may appear at the spot where infection entered the body. So, if it entered through the penile skin, that's where the chancre will appear. While chancres are painless, they do give off the appearance of peeling skin. The second phase of the disease is a full-body rash. See a doctor immediately before it progresses.

Treating Peeling Penis Skin

Regardless of the cause, treat peeling penile skin with extreme care and tenderness. Don’t scratch or use anything but gentle, natural products in the area. Keep the area clean and dry and in loose clothing to promote air-flow.

In addition to cleansing the delicate penile skin, use a natural, specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin). These special crèmes are rooted in deep, natural moisturizers like Shea butter and vitamin E to hydrate and seal in moisture. Other vitamins like A, B5, C, and D3 provide essential nutrients to protect again skin irritants and promote elasticity and healthy cellular function. All the elements work together to increase penile skin wellbeing.