Can a Male Yeast Infection Cause Skin Peeling?

Most people think a yeast infection is primarily a women’s health problem. The condition may be less common in males, but men can also get yeast infections. The fungus candidiasis causes yeast infections, and it’s one of the most common types of fungal infections.  

Yeast infections can develop anywhere on the skin, but the fungus prefers areas where moisture can accumulate. Common places for yeast infections include the genital area, skin folds, the belly button, the mouth, and the throat.

This article discusses male yeast infection and skin peeling in detail.

Symptoms of a Male Yeast Infection

The first sign of a male yeast infection is an itchy rash on the penis. The rash sometimes appears as white and shiny patches.

The skin may feel more moist than usual. In addition, a thick, white, cottage cheese–like substance may appear between folds of skin, like at the foreskin or testicles.

You may also notice redness, itching, and pain around the penis and testicles.

Other Conditions That Can Cause Skin Peeling

Yeast infections aren’t the only cause of skin peeling on the penis or the area around it. Other conditions that may cause skin peeling include:

Eczema

Eczema—also called atopic dermatitis—is a chronic skin condition causing itchy, red, dry, cracked, and peeling skin. People with eczema often have dry, itchy skin and are more likely to develop skin infections.

Since people with eczema have a more reactive immune response, their skin tends to be more sensitive to products like soap or laundry detergent.

Chafing

Chafing occurs when the skin becomes irritated by skin rubbing against other skin, clothing, or shoes. The outer layers of the skin break down and cause irritation.

Mild chafing leads to symptoms on affected areas, such as:

• Redness
• Bumps
• Stinging

Severe chafing may cause the skin to be hot to the touch, blister, bleed, and peel.

Allergies

An allergic reaction is an immune response to a substance that is usually not harmful. An allergic reaction can be caused by anything. A few substances that could affect the penis include:

• Latex from condoms
• Bodywash
• Lubricant
• Laundry detergent

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

• Swelling
• Itching
• Redness
• Pain
• Cracked or peeling skin

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition in which cells are created quickly and build up on the skin. It often affects the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Still, patches can appear on any area of the body, including the penis.

Symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Dryness
• Faking
• Peeling
• Small bumps
• Thick patches
• Redness
• Itching

Herpes

Genital herpes is a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. A herpes infection goes through periods in which it is dormant (no active symptoms) and periods of active infection, when symptoms are present. The virus is more likely to spread when there are visible symptoms.

Symptoms of genital herpes include:

• Pain
• Itching
• Small red bumps
• Tiny white blisters
• Ulcers
• Scabs
• Peeling skin

Syphilis

Syphilis is an STI caused by bacteria.

The first symptom of syphilis typically is a painless sore on the affected area. Other symptoms include:

• Rash
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Hair loss
• Weight loss
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Sore throat

The rash and sore are typically not itchy or painful.

Diagnosing Skin Conditions

Your primary care provider or urologist can diagnose most skin conditions affecting the penis. To diagnose your skin condition, a healthcare provider may:

• Examine the affected areas
• Ask questions about your health history
• Take a small sample of skin or fluid from the affected area

The diagnosis will help your healthcare provider create a treatment plan for your condition.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

A rash and peeling skin on the penis may be a sign of only a mild condition, or there could be a more serious reason. Visiting a healthcare provider will help determine what is causing the rash and peeling skin.

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice the following symptoms:

• Bleeding
• A rash that’s spreading to other areas of your body quickly
• Skin that feels warm, swells, is painful, develops redness, or crusts over
• Rash that oozes green or yellow fluid
• Blisters and sores that appear
• Fever

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of your infection. Yeast infections can easily be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications. If it’s your first yeast infection, visit your healthcare provider for a diagnosis since the symptoms of a yeast infection can mock other conditions.

Antifungal medications are available as creams, ointments, tablets, and suppositories. The oral tablets require a prescription. Creams and ointments are available over the counter to treat male yeast infections. Common types include Monistat (miconazole) and Terazol (terconazole).  

If your condition is caused by a bacterial infection, like syphilis, it would need to be treated with antibiotics.

Viruses like herpes can’t be cured. Still, the number and severity of symptoms can be reduced with antiviral medications.

Avoiding irritating products can prevent reactions from allergies and reduce the number of psoriasis symptoms.

Chafing can be prevented by wearing breathable clothing, changing out of damp clothing as soon as possible, and using products to reduce friction on the skin.

Summary

Yeast infections can develop in men and can affect the penis and the area around it. Symptoms include an itchy rash that may be red, white, and/or shiny, sometimes with increased moistness or a cottage cheese-like substance.

Other conditions that could cause penis skin peeling include psoriasis, eczema, chafing, and bacterial infections. Many of these have similar symptoms, so it’s best to visit a healthcare provider instead of trying to self-diagnose. Whatever the cause of your symptoms, there are treatments to help manage them.