what is dry cracked skin on a penis from?

[soppy]

My partner has recently got a dry and cracked foreskin on his penis which splits and bleeds a bit we are quite sexually active but its maked sex impossible its not an sti or std i was wondering if it could be excema or something else and what creams or ideas we could try to get rid of it???

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination,confirming a diagnosis is tough but the various possibilities for your partner’s symptoms are contact dermatitis,sweat dermatitis,eczema,psoriasis and balanitis xerotica obliterans.

Eczema is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash) and can cause dryness of the skin and rashes.Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema. Lichen sclerosis appears as white,dry plaques on the glans, foreskin or shaft of the penis.Balanitis xerotica is a severe form of lichen sclerosis.Psoraisis (psoriasis) can also cause dry ,itchy skin rashes.

In my opinion a clinical examination by a dermatologist will help in confirming a diagnosis as treatment depends on the same.Pls get it done.Till then he should apply hypoallergenic moisturizers liberally and avoid any cosmetic cream on the site.Application of corticosteroid cream will also help.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how your partner is doing and what the dermatologist says.