What causes cracks on my foreskin?

In most instances, cracked skin may just be triggered by pre-existing skin conditions of the foreskin. Dry skin and cracks on the foreskin are generally not a cause for concern and can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) and home treatments. Refrain from all sexual activity for proper healing. Cracks and dryness on the foreskin may be caused by the following
- Clothing: Tight clothes and underwear can cause chafing and rubbing around the genital area, resulting in dryness. In uncircumcised men, tight underwear can lead to a buildup of moisture and fungus under the foreskin, resulting in dryness and infection. Opt for supportive cotton underwear and looser clothing in general or y-cuts briefs.
- Dry body wash, soaps or shampoos: These harsh cleansers often have a drying effect on the penis. Wash the penis only with warm water and mild soaps, baby shampoo, or other products for sensitive skin. Rinse thoroughly after washing to remove any traces of the product. Just do not have sex or masturbate for a few days. In the meantime, apply some good lotion so that the skin gets some moisture.
- Dry sex: Prolonged sexual activity without proper lubrication can dry the skin of the penis, eventually leading to itching, flaking, and peeling. It is recommended to choose organic and paraben- or glycerin-free lubricants/oil to avoid irritation. Doctors usually recommend water-based lubricant if a patient has sensitive skin.
- Allergies: Dryness accompanied by sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, and/or watery eyes is often due to an allergic reaction to personal deodorants or latex condoms with spermicides. A red, itchy rash and swollen penis may be from latex allergy. Symptoms usually appear 48 hours after coming in contact with an allergen. If a person is allergic to latex, they may switch to polyurethane or silicone condoms that are not treated with spermicide. They can also try applying specialized moisturizing penis creams after bathing or showering to lock in moisture and prevent dryness. Allergy symptoms should always be referred to a urologist without delay.
- Yeast infection: Genital yeast infections are particularly common in uncircumcised men or those with poor genital hygiene. Other symptoms include white patches and peeling skin; a thick, uneven discharge under the foreskin; swelling or irritation around the penis head, and painful sex and urination. Apply an OTC antifungal cream to the head of the penis and under the foreskin (for uncircumcised men) for 10 days. Moreover, abstain from sex until the infection clears up because yeast infections are contagious.
- Eczema: Dryness accompanied by intense itching, peeling skin, and fluid-filled blisters that may ooze and scab could be a sign of eczema. A definitive medical diagnosis is required before any treatment. Low-strength topical (applied over the skin) corticosteroids could be applied by carefully following instructions.
- Psoriasis: This is a skin condition that may cause penile dryness. It is also accompanied by small, red, and shiny patches. Low-strength topical corticosteroids are usually prescribed as the treatment.
- Balanitis: This is the swelling of the head (glans) of the penis. It's usually caused by poor hygiene or infection. Red spots, swelling, and itching are common symptoms. Balanitis can be resolved by practicing good hygiene. Consultation with a doctor is usually required in severe cases.
- Other conditions may be due to a fungal or bacterial infection, and they are not always sexually transmitted. A patient might have had a small tear and then the wound became infected. Fungal or antibacterial creams or pills are usually recommended by a doctor after a thorough examination.
Persistent cracks on the foreskin depict severe changes in that part of the skin. The cracks heal with fibrosis, making the foreskin tight to slide back on the glans when retracted. Cracks may reappear because the tight foreskin stretches over the glans. Also, the vicious cycle continues. Some severe diseases may require a biopsy of the skin. Both of these may be dealt addressed by performing circumcision and subjecting the removed foreskin to pathological examination.
How do I prevent cracks on my foreskin?
Below are a few tips to prevent cracks and dryness on the foreskin
- Urologists generally recommend a properly balanced diet to prevent dryness and cracks on the foreskin. Drink plenty of water daily. Include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Cereals, eggs, blueberries, bananas, onions, celery, ginger, lettuce, honey, and milk should be included in the diet. Blueberries and cereals help improve the blood circulation of the genital area, thus helping maintain an erection.
- Massaging the body, especially the genital area, with herbal oils can keep penile skin healthy.
- Don't use harsh soap or cleansers on sensitive areas.
- Deep breathing exercises also help.
- Diet modification by avoiding fried, junk, processed, canned, and denatured foods are recommended.
- Patients with diabetes should maintain good glycemic control to prevent complications.
Is circumcision a bad idea?

When it comes to routine circumcision, many people have conflicting opinions.
For some parents, the decision is clear since it is based on cultural beliefs or religious practices. Moreover, children who are born with conditions such as phimosis (where the foreskin is too tight and cannot be pulled back) may need to be circumcised because of medical necessity.
However, other parents may feel that removing or changing what is natural isn’t necessary or recommended, and that any procedure that alters the appearance of the body must be made when the child is old enough to make that choice for himself.
Before you make a decision, it’s important to understand what’s involved in the procedure, as well as the associated pros and cons.

SLIDESHOW
Sex-Drive Killers: The Causes of Low Libido See SlideshowWhat is circumcision?
Circumcision removes the foreskin covering the head of the penis. Generally, the procedure is performed in the hospital within the first 10 days of birth and takes no longer than 10-15 minutes. During this procedure:
- The baby is laid on the operating table.
- Penis and foreskin are cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- Topical numbing medicine or injectable anesthetics are administered so the baby does not feel pain. Pain relief medication such as acetaminophen may also be given.
- The foreskin is separated from the head of the penis and removed with a scalpel.
- Antiseptic cream and gauze dressing are applied.
After the procedure, the doctor may advise taking special care of the operated site, such as clearing the area gently with warm water and patting it dry. Every time the baby’s diaper is changed, a new bandage with antiseptic ointment must be applied.
Minor swelling or redness with some bleeding may occur in the first 1-2 days. If the baby’s swelling increases or experiences fever, rash, pus discharge, or inability to urinate within 12 hours of the procedure, parents must seek medical help.
Latest Men's Health News
Daily Health News
What are the potential benefits of circumcision?
Circumcision may have several health benefits, including:
- Better genital hygiene, since because a circumcised penis is easier to clean
- Reduced risk of urinary tract infection (UTI), especially during the first year of life
- Lower risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Reduced risk of penile cancer
Contrary to a popular belief, circumcision does not affect (enhance or reduce) fertility or sexual pleasure.
What are the potential complications of circumcision?
Although circumcision is a minor surgical procedure, in rare cases it can cause complications such as:
- Bleeding
- Infections
- Swelling
- Pain
- Hematoma (collection of blood in the tissues under the skin)
- Injuries or scarring
- Allergic reactions to anesthesia
- Irritation
- Urethritis (inflammation of the opening at the tip of the penis)
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the benefits of circumcision outweigh the potential risks associated with it.
Nonetheless, due to the lack of enough scientific evidence, the AAP does not recommend circumcision as a routine procedure. Therefore, parents must make an informed decision in consultation with their doctor about whether they want their newborn son to undergo circumcision.

QUESTION
Testosterone is a chemical found only in men. See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
International Journal of General Medicine
Top What Causes Cracks on My Foreskin Related Articles
Balanitis (Inflammation of the Head of the Penis)
Balanitis is a condition in which the skin of the head of the penis becomes inflamed. If the foreskin is also inflamed, it is referred to as balanoposthitis. Balanitis usually occurs in uncircumcised males with symptoms of pain, swelling, and redness at the head of the penis. Often, balanitis is caused by poor hygiene or some medical conditions such as diabetes, and yeast infections. Treatment for balanitis is directed at the cause of the condition and may include creams or other medications.
Balanitis is not an STD; however, it may have similar symptoms.
Dry Skin
Dry skin (xeroderma) may be caused by external factors, like cold temperatures, low humidity, harsh soaps, and certain medications, or internal factors, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, psoriasis, or Sjogren's syndrome. Symptoms and signs of dry skin include itching and red, cracked or flaky skin. The main treatment for dry skin is frequent, daily lubrication of the skin.Dry Skin Quiz
Dry, itching, flaky skin? Take the Dry Skin Quiz to learn what's causing your dry skin and what you can do about it beyond lotions and creams.Eczema
Eczema refers to skin inflammation. There are many different types of eczema that produce symptoms and signs that range from oozing blisters to crusty plaques of skin. Treatment varies depending upon the type of eczema the person has.Is a Yeast Infection Contagious?
Yeast are a fungi that has many types. A type of yeast that can cause infection in humans is called Candida. Candida can infect the mouth, vagina, penis, or other areas of the body. Symptoms of yeast infections depend on the area infected, however, may include itching, bumps on the skin, a reddish rash, or patches of skin that ooze a clear or yellow liquid. Most yeast infections are not contagious even though they are caused by a fungus.Is Balanitis Contagious?
Balanitis is a condition in which the head of the penis and/or foreskin that surrounds the head of an uncircumcised penis becomes inflamed. Balanitis is contagious if it is caused by certain bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Risk factors for balanitis are congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, morbid obesity, poor personal hygiene, diabetes, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).Signs and symptoms of balanitis are itching, swelling, redness, and tenderness around the head of the penis and the surrounding foreskin.
Penis Disorders
Penis disorders (male reproductive problems) include priapism, Peyronie's disease, balanitis, phimosis, paraphimosis, and penile cancer. Read on for causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. These disorders can affect a man's fertility and sexual functioning. A variety of treatments are available for these disorders.Penis Picture
The penis is the male sex organ, reaching its full size during puberty. See a picture of the Penis and learn more about the health topic.Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that may cause large plaques of red, raised skin, flakes of dry skin, and skin scales. There are several types of psoriasis, including psoriasis vulgaris, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis. Symptoms vary depending on the type of psoriasis the patient has. Treatment of psoriasis may include creams, lotions, oral medications, injections and infusions of biologics, and light therapy. There is no cure for psoriasis.Types of Penis Disorders
Penis disorders may affect men’s sexual life, fertility and overall well-being. Some are minor and don’t cause many issues. However, some may lead to serious emergencies. There are many different types of penis disorders.What Triggers Balanitis and How Long Does It Last?
Yeast Infection Quiz
How much do you know about vaginal yeast infections? Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments of a yeast infection with the Vaginal Yeast Infection Quiz.