HomeAnswersAyurveda Specialistcracked skinI noticed flaking skin beneath my foreskin and did not take a shower after sex. Did it become flaky due to the discharge left after sex?

Can a patient have flaking skin beneath the foreskin if he does not clean his penis after sex?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Alka

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At July 1, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 19, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I recently returned from a camping trip and noticed flaking skin underneath my foreskin. I did not take a shower after sex. Did my foreskin get damaged due to the discharge left after sex?

Answered by Dr. Alka

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

From the attached images (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). I can see that you have flaking skin due to friction or moisture because you mentioned that you did not clean your penis after sex. The discharge might have gotten stuck there and caused this type of problem. Sometimes any allergic condition or skin problem might cause flakiness of the skin. However, if you do not have any associated symptoms like redness, swelling, or boils, there are fewer chances of an underlying allergic condition. Clean your penis after intercourse with a soft and clean cloth. Wear comfortable and well-fitted undergarments. Keep this area clean and dry. I suggest you use a gentle moisturizer. Hopefully, it will improve in a couple of days or may take around one week. If the symptoms worsen, you must visit a nearby physician.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

I will keep it clean and dry for a few days and see if it improves. I found that I have irritation in my anus after using toilet paper. It stays itchy for a few days making it difficult for me to go to places that do not have a shower because I cannot use wet wipes. I think I have recurrent hemorrhoids. Is there any solution to prevent it?

Answered by Dr. Alka

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I saw the attached image (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). It looks like hemorrhoids, but you should visit a nearby physician or general surgeon for a complete clinical examination because you can only feel external piles. Using toilet paper and wet wipes might irritate the anus, leading to scratches or allergies. Straining while defecating might lead to hemorrhoids or fissures in the anus. I suggest you avoid using toilet paper or wet wipes for cleaning and use a water spray instead. Fill the tub with lukewarm water and sit in it for ten minutes after passing stools or twice a day. These are only precautionary measures and not the proper management.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

I tried sitting in the tub, but it does help, and sometimes I am not near a shower. I am curious if there are other treatments available. I have noticed that the skin of my glans appears dry and cracked. I read online that it is a fairly common condition, but I am unsure if I can use lotions or oils.

Answered by Dr. Alka

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The glans skin might become dry, but you should not be worried about it. There are many treatment options available for hemorrhoids. So, I suggest you consult your physician about surgical options. However, the initial stages can be managed with medications.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

I have attached an image of my dry skin that I mentioned earlier. What can I use to make it looks better? The cracks and rough texture look worse.

Answered by Dr. Alka

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have seen the attached images (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). It seems that your skin texture is rough. I suggest you use a gentle moisturizer regularly according to your skin type.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Alka
Dr. Alka

Ayurveda Specialist

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