Spots on the penis, in most cases, are not a sign of a serious problem, being a natural change or resulting from an allergy, lack of personal hygiene or a fungal infection, for example.
In very rare cases, the appearance of spots may indicate the development of cancer, and in these cases, the development of small wounds that do not heal is more common. Check out the 7 main symptoms of penile cancer.
However, if the stains remain for more than 2 or 3 days, it is important to consult a urologist to assess whether any treatment is necessary, in addition to adequate hygiene in the intimate area.
Main causes of spots on the penis
The most common causes of spots on the penis include:
1. More hygiene
This is the most common cause of red spots on the glans penis and is generally related to poor hygiene in the intimate area. However, it can also happen in men who do a lot of sport, due to excessive sweat production that facilitates the growth of bacteria.
What to do: it is important to maintain adequate daily hygiene of the intimate area, washing with a neutral pH soap and warm water, and it is recommended to wear cotton underwear to facilitate air circulation in the area. In the case of men with excessive sweat production, it may even be necessary to take two showers a day.
Don’t ignore your symptoms!
The intimate region is a very sensitive part of the body, which can become inflamed due to contact with less natural substances, such as soaps or creams, for example. In these cases, it is common for the glans on the penis to become inflamed, causing redness or red spots of different sizes.
In addition to products that can be used in the intimate area, many men may also be allergic to some types of fabrics, especially when they are synthetic and do not allow the skin to breathe.
What to do: you should avoid using products with a lot of chemicals in the intimate area, as well as preferring to wear cotton underwear, for example.
3. Candidiasis
In addition to poor hygiene and allergies on the penis, candidiasis is another of the main causes of red spots on the penis. Candidiasis is a fungal infection candida albicans which causes the appearance of red, purple or white spots, swelling and intense itching of the penis.
Although it is more common in women, it can also happen in men, especially when the immune system is weakened due to the flu or infection, for example.
What to do: candidiasis needs to be treated with the use of antifungal ointments, such as Fluconazole or Ketoconazole, in addition to adequate hygiene. In more serious cases, you may need to take antifungal tablets. Understand how candidiasis is treated in men.
4. Use of antibiotics or anti-inflammatories
The use of anti-inflammatories, analgesics or antibiotics can have side effects that affect the intimate region. One of these effects is sometimes the development of reddish spots with a gray center on the penis.
In these cases, they may still appear as small bubbles or darker areas.
What to do: if you have started using a new medicine, it is important to report the appearance of the spots to your doctor, to assess the need to change the medicine.
5. Syphilis
Syphilis is a serious sexually transmitted infection that can cause changes to the penis. One of the first changes is the development of a small lump that may be accompanied by a red, brown or dark spot.
Although this lesion may disappear after 4 to 5 weeks, it does not mean that the disease is cured, but rather that it is progressing to a more serious stage, in which it will affect the entire body. Therefore, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible. See more about the evolution of the disease.
What to do: if syphilis is suspected, it is very important to go immediately to a general practitioner or urologist to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment with antibiotics, such as penicillin.
6. Pearly papules
Pearly papules are an inflammation of the Tyson glands that are located below the head of the penis and, although they are more common to cause small white pimples, there are men in whom this change is barely noticeable, and it is only possible to observe a lighter change in color. , being confused with small white spots.
What to do: papules are a benign change that does not require treatment, however, if it significantly alters the aesthetics of the penis, it is possible to discuss with the urologist the use of techniques such as cryotherapy or cauterization, for example. Learn more about the treatment for inflammation of Tyson’s glands.
7. Fordyce granules
The granules can cause small white or yellowish spots or balls to appear on the head or body of the penis.
This change is almost always benign and, therefore, should not be a cause for concern, being more common during adolescence.
What to do: no type of treatment is necessary, however, the urologist can recommend some creams with tretinoin that can eliminate these spots. See more about the treatment of Fordyce granules.
8. Balanite
Balanitis is characterized by inflammation of the glans, also called the head of the penis. This inflammation can occur due to a mild allergic reaction, yeast infection or sexually transmitted infection, causing symptoms such as redness, whitish discharge and swelling of the glans. Check out other symptoms of balanitis.
What to do: In the presence of signs and symptoms indicative of balanitis, it is important that the doctor is consulted so that the cause can be identified and treatment can be initiated, which may involve the use of oral or topical medications.
9. Genital psoriasis
Genital psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin of the genital region, causing the appearance of red, smooth and dry patches in the area, as well as itching, peeling of the skin and irritation in the region.
What to do: In this case, treatment normally involves the use of corticosteroids recommended by the doctor in the form of an ointment that must be applied to the area to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. See more details on the treatment of genital psoriasis.
10. Friction
Friction caused by clothing or sexual intercourse can also cause redness and the appearance of spots on the glans. In addition, itching, a burning sensation and slight swelling are also possible.
What to do: If stains on the penis occur due to friction, it is recommended to clean the genital area well, as this helps to alleviate the irritation. Furthermore, it is recommended to wear cotton underwear and use lubricant during sexual intercourse.
11. Vitiligo on the penis
Vitiligo on the penis can cause the appearance of white spots on the foreskin or shaft of the penis, which do not cause pain or itching, but only depigmentation of the skin, which can also affect the scrotum or other areas of the body such as hands, trunk or around the mouth or eyes. Know how to identify the symptoms of vitiligo.
White spots are not contagious, as they appear due to the destruction of melanocytes, which are cells that produce the pigment that gives the skin its color.
What to do: You should consult a dermatologist who may recommend treatment with corticosteroid or immunosuppressant creams or ointments, in order to prevent the progression of the spots or promote skin repigmentation. See all treatment options for vitiligo.
