Brown spots on the penis may be the norm or appear in various pathological conditions. Consulting a doctor requires a situation where the stain appears suddenly, grows rapidly, other symptoms of the disease appear: burning, severe itching, soreness, redness and inflammation, swelling of adjacent tissues, the appearance of ulcers, erosions and vesicles.
Features of scrotum pigmentation
The scrotum is located between the anus and the penis, covered with sparse hair. The scrotum maintains a constant temperature of about 27 degrees so that enzymes are produced for the normal synthesis of sperm. The skin color of the scrotum changes throughout life. Normally, the shade is a few tones darker than the main skin color. Changing the color of the genitals by several tones is not a cause for concern if there are no signs of an inflammatory process. This can occur under the influence of an increase in the level of melanin, injuries, during friction of the outer shells of the body against underwear, skin lesions with chemicals for a long period of time (the rest of the detergent can give such a reaction). Urgently see a doctor if a dark spot appears on the scrotum and it expands, as well as if there are signs of an inflammatory process.
Dark spots without other symptoms
Normally, the penis, scrotum and perianal fold are slightly darker than the main skin tone. This should not bother the man. But individual dark spots on the skin of the penis, as a rule, indicate mechanical damage, trauma, combing or squeezing of the body with uncomfortable underwear, too intense sexual contacts. Darkening may be due to burns or bruises. Bruises are accompanied by edema. The shade of the dark spot can be red, dark green or purple. Light injuries go away on their own within a few days and do not require special treatment. For any disturbing symptoms (atypical discharge, pain, itching and burning, peeling of the skin), you should consult a doctor as soon as possible to find out the cause and undergo appropriate treatment.
Increased Melanin Production
In this case, the rashes are usually significant, but do not pose a danger if the man does not feel discomfort, pain, and the spot itself does not change in appearance and does not increase in size over time. A painless change in pigmentation is called Fordyce spots.
This pathology does not adversely affect human health, but causes a host of other inconveniences, including aesthetic ones. Most often, such a disease is diagnosed in adolescence, when sebum is actively produced by hormones. The lack of therapy will not affect the patient's condition. However, rashes are a cosmetic problem that causes inconvenience and brings psychological discomfort.
Jobless oil will help “whiten” dark spots on the trunk of a penis. After applying this tool, the sebaceous glands externally decrease, and the severity of the spots decreases. It is important that jojoba oil does not help with chronic rashes. Relapse is characteristic of eight out of ten patients, that is, after some time, dark spots on the penis appear again. Often, patients use Retin-A cream and mummy ointments in this case.
Light spots may appear if vitiligo develops. In this case, dark spots are normal areas of the skin that appear to be a pathology against the background of the disease. This is an autoimmune disorder. The disease does not bring any inconvenience (except for the aesthetic problem), but after prolonged contact with ultraviolet rays, a tissue burn develops. Pathology is not treated.
Human papillomavirus
About thirty of the many HPV viruses localize the genital area, anus and rectum. One of the most dangerous is HPV-18, which can cause precancerous diseases in men . A person can be a carrier of the virus, but not get sick. The disease manifests itself with age and with a decrease in immunity. Infection is usually accompanied by some social and medical factors: early onset of sexual activity, many sexual partners, bad habits, the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and inflammatory processes in the urinary tract.
HPV-18 provokes the appearance of dark spots on the penis and, in general, in the genital area of men. This is a precancerous condition. Without treatment, the spots pass into malignant tumors. Numerous spots of red or purple color may appear, plaques that grow slowly and can harden. In addition, symptoms of reduced immunity are always present: a prolonged course of any disease, frequent fungal and catarrhal diseases, gastric ulcer, tuberculosis.
Fungal diseases
Dark spots on the penis in combination with the appearance of plaque, an unpleasant odor, itching, peeling, burning and pain can indicate the fungal nature of the appearance of pigmentation. Spots with a white bloom on the head of the genital organ are a sign of infection with fungi of the genus Candida (thrush). Pigmentation is provoked by hormonal imbalances against the background of prolonged use of antibacterial drugs, steroids or anabolics, intestinal dysbiosis, epidermophytosis or rubrofit. In the last two diseases, dark spots on the penis are accompanied by pigmentation on the inner thighs, on the scrotum and in the perineum.
Allergic reaction
The reaction manifests itself as a result of an allergen entering the body. Dark spots on the head of the penis can cause barrier contraception, intimate lubrication, hygiene products or laundry detergent. Itching most often occurs with balanoposthitis, but may also be characteristic of some other diseases of an allergic nature.
Oncological diseases
Are there dark spots on the penis? This is an occasion to go to the clinic for a medical examination, because such a symptom may indicate the development of cancer. The spots in this case have a black or very dark shade, have clear outlines.
If serious pathology is suspected, the doctor will refer the patient to an ultrasound of the testicles and scrotum. It is imperative to undergo an extraordinary examination with the rapid growth of spots or a change in their shape. It is better to contact an oncologist directly.
Particular attention should be paid to the symptoms of oncological diseases for men after fifty years who are predisposed to cancer. It is important to monitor the condition of patients who have itching and bleeding.
Penile tissue necrosis
Necrosis leads to the death of the tissues of the organ of the reproductive system, followed by amputation. The disease progresses very quickly. For this reason, if a black spot appears on the penis, you should immediately visit a doctor. Necrotic changes occur due to malfunctions in the circulatory system or inflammatory processes complicated by infection.
Ignoring the problem will quickly lead to disastrous consequences: dead tissues rot, the infection is located in nearby areas, there is a general intoxication of the body and septic conditions. In some cases, failures of vital organs begin.
Symptoms of pathology
A dark spot on the head of the penis or trunk of the genital organ, as well as on the scrotum, inner thigh or perineum, is often a sign of a serious illness. As soon as possible, consult a dermatovenerologist or urologist if you have the following symptoms:
- itching, burning, pain in a calm state, with an erection or urination;
- swelling, changes in skin tone, spots grow, their boundaries change;
- atypical discharge, their color, texture or smell changes.
Examination and analysis
If the patient complains of dark spots on the penis, the doctor first conducts an examination, and then gives directions for tests for STDs, fungus, blood for syphilis, checking hormonal status, scrapings (usually taken with suspected psoriasis). If the urologist suspects oncology, then the patient is sent for an ultrasound scan. Further tactics of patient management depend on the causes that caused the appearance of spots on the genitals.
Treatment tactics
Dark spots on the penis can be a sign of many diseases. Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis. In case of injuries, surgical intervention may be indicated, in case of bruises, the patient's body must be provided with rest, STIs and syphilis are treated with antibacterial drugs, mycoses are treated with antifungal drugs orally or injection, and ointments for topical administration are additionally prescribed. Vitiligo is currently not being treated. In genital herpes, the use of Acyclovir, local antiherpetic and anti-inflammatory drugs is indicated. If the patient has eczema or psoriasis, then corticosteroids are prescribed, and with balanoposthitis antibacterial drugs for topical use are indicated.
Preventive actions
The main preventive measure is compliance with hygiene rules and legibility in sexual contacts. In addition, it is important to periodically undergo a medical examination and be sure to consult a doctor at the first alarming symptoms.