Spots on Penis

What are penis spots?

Worry tends to accompany the discovery of new spots when they’re on the penis. Knowing whether or not they are cause for concern can cause a scare.

Penis spots are areas of discoloration or texture change on the skin of the penis. They can be a sign of a variety of different conditions including Penile melanosis, and it is important to get them evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Some potential causes of penis spots include infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or fungal infections; allergic reactions to products or substances; injury to the penis; and inflammation in the area. In some cases, penis spots may be benign and not require treatment. However, in other cases, they may be a sign of a more serious condition that requires medical attention.

Red Penis Spots

Red penis spots can be a sign of a variety of different conditions affecting the skin of the penis. They may be small or large and may appear as a single spot or multiple spots.  As mentioned earlier, some potential causes of red penis spots include fungal infections, or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These types of infections can cause red penis spots, itching, and discharge, and may require treatment with medications.

In addition to STDs, or STIs, red penis spots can be a sign of an allergic reaction. You could have a reaction to products or substances that come into contact with the skin of the penis. These reactions may cause redness, itching, and swelling, and can be relieved by avoiding contact with the offending substance.

Injury to the penis, such as a cut or scrape, can also cause red penis spots. These injuries may require cleaning and care to prevent infection and promote healing.

Inflammation in the area may also cause red penis spots. This can be caused by a variety of different conditions and may require treatment to resolve.

If you notice any red spots on your penis, it is important to take note of any accompanying symptoms and any factors that may have caused the spots to appear. This information can help you determine the cause of the red spots and take appropriate action. In some cases, home care may be sufficient to resolve the issue. However, in other cases, further action may be necessary to address the cause and prevent more serious complications.  If you suspect that your red penis spot might be an STD, you can easily get tested on our website.  

White Penis Spots

White penis spots may be a sign of different conditions affecting the skin of the penis.

Similar to red spots on the penis, white penis spots can be caused by a few similar things.  

Potential causes of white penis spots include:

• Non-sexual, various infections
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Fungal infections. 
• Allergic reactions to products or substances that come into contact with skin of the penis. 

Certain medical conditions, such as lichen sclerosus and lichen planus, can also cause white spots on the penis. These conditions may require treatment with medications to resolve.  Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition that typically affects the genital and anal areas in males and females. It is characterized by thin, white patches of skin that may appear crinkled or wrinkled. The patches may be itchy and may cause discomfort or pain, particularly during sexual activity or when passing stools.

Fortunately, in some cases, white penis spots may be benign and not require treatment. However, it is important to be aware of any new or unusual spots on the penis, as they may be a sign of a more serious condition that requires further evaluation by a medical professional.

Black Penis Spots

Black spots on the penis may indicate a range of different skin conditions. These spots can vary in size and may appear individually or in clusters.  

Just like other color spots on penis, black penis spots could be a result of an STI/STD, fungal infection, or allergic reaction.  It could be something more serious. 

Medical conditions, such as melanoma and moles, can also cause black penis spots. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can occur on any part of the body, including the penis. Moles are common, benign growths on the skin that may be black, brown, or other colors. While most moles are harmless, it is important to be aware of any changes in size, shape, or color, as this may be a sign of a more serious condition.

If you notice any black spots on your penis, it is important to pay attention to any accompanying symptoms and any factors that may have caused the spots to appear. This information can help you determine the cause of the black spots and take appropriate action. 

Penile melanosis Symptoms & Treatments

Penile melanosis shows as flat, dark spots on your private area. These patches are harmless and usually pain-free. They result from extra pigment in skin cells. While causes may vary, treatments generally aren’t necessary unless for cosmetic reasons.

Identifying Common Symptoms

Look for dark, flat patches on your skin. These spots are the main sign of penile melanosis. Changes in color may come from extra pigment. It’s not clear why this happens; injury might play a part, though. Melanin build-up is often behind color shifts in these areas, a fact worth noting as you check yourself over carefully.

Exploring Potential Causes

Dark patches on your skin may worry you. These spots, or macules, are often just extra melanin. Sometimes they come from other pigments like hemosiderin or lipofuscin too. Your genes might make these spots more likely for you. Injuries can cause them as well, so can some treatments for skin issues not related to STIs. Remember, having penile melanosis means no infection is present. If the look bothers you though there’s options such as surgery and laser therapy available without any risk of spreading a condition because it isn’t contagious at all.

Treatment Options Available

Treatment options for penile melanosis include laser therapy or surgical removal. Laser sessions may lighten, but not always clear, pigmentation. Surgery involves grafting new skin post-removal of pigmented spots. Healing demands time; scars might remain after the procedure. These methods don’t impact sexual health or urination ability.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if spots change in size, shape, or color. If they cause worry or emotional distress, seek help too. A healthcare professional can provide advice and support. Reach out for reassurance that the condition is benign and non-contagious. For cosmetic concerns about penile melanosis spots, consult with a specialist.

Diagnosing the Condition

To diagnose penile melanosis, look for dark spots. These brown or black macules are the key sign. They’re usually under a centimeter and painless. Multiple non-bleeding spots may be present; they don’t change shape or size over time. Diagnosis typically excludes other skin conditions like lichen sclerosus.

Comparing Benign Spots and Lesions

Benign spots like Fordyce spots are harmless sebaceous glands. They appear on the shaft, needing no treatment. Lesions may require biopsy if cancer is suspected. Tell your doctor about any new growths or changes seen. Your health history aids in accurate lesion assessment.

Different types of common penile spots include:

• Warts – Flesh-colored growths that usually appear in groups or clusters. They are not painful but are highly contagious.
• Red ulcers, no pain – An open sore that is essentially a break or hole in the skin, also known as a chancre.
• Blisters or lesions – Red, fluid-filled sacks or spots that appear in groups or clusters. They are painful symptoms of genital herpes. Once they burst, these spots become red and crust over.
• Raised itchy bumps – Mites that can be passed from close contact with an infected individual, including sexual contact. These mites bite, leaving red itchy spots behind on many parts of the body, including the groin and genitals.
• Concave bump – A reddened or shiny flesh-toned spot that is concave or sunken in is a distinctive characteristic of molluscum contagiosum. It can be spread during intimate or sexual contact.
• Hirsutoid papillomas (Pearly penile papules) – Flesh-colored papules that are spiny in shape. They often are found in a ring around the sulcus coronarius (the edge of the head of the penis just above the shaft). They are benign, harmless, and don’t disappear, but are not an STD and are not contagious.

Which STDs cause penis spots?

Syphilis causes a chancre or ulcer at the site of infection that disappears on its own in weeks. However, while the chancre goes away, the bacteria is still inside you and needs to be treated or it will progress into more serious stages of the disease. HPV (human papillomavirus) is the cause of genital warts, which are painless flesh-colored warts that occur in clusters on the penis and in the genital region (the area covered by boxer shorts).

Medically Reviewed by J. Frank Martin JR., MD on April 17, 2024