might have psoriasis nit sure

For the last 6 months or so i have had raised red spots and dry flaky skin on the head and shaft of my penis. The reason i think it is psoriasis and not eczema is because i have never had eczema. I do not have the means to go get it checked out by a doctor and was hoping there is a way to treat it at home.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This dry and flaky skin can be due to dry skin or xerosis, eczema, psoriasis or if there is any itching, then fungal infections has to be ruled out. Dry skin results when there is not enough water in the stratum corneum for it to function properly. Too much soapy water, exposure to harsh chemicals, the normal aging process and certain types of skin diseases are some of the causes of decreased amounts of protective skin oils which in turn causes dry skin.
Apply good quality moisturizers and use minimal soaps or use soap like dove . If the symptoms persist then please get an examination done from a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.