Dry flaky skin

I have dry skin on my penis and through my research on STDs came across several other cases that are similar to mine but are not STDs. There is no pain or oozing. It doesn't itch or burn. It is just like dry skin on your face or any other part of your body. Now I do have patches of dry skin on and around my nose as well and have for years and my scalp is dry as well. But this dry skin on my penis is something new, within the last few months. It washes off when I shower and then stays gone for several days or weeks. Then it comes back and washes off again. What could this be?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For such dry skin, apply plenty of non perfumed good quality moisturizer. Soap should be used minimally. Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day. You can also use a topical cortisone (steroid) cream or ointment like dermacort(hydrocortisone). Adding a humidifier to the central heating system of your home or using a humidifier also helps.

If still the symptoms persist then possibility of eczema or atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis need to be ruled out.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.