Regardless of how much attention men pay to the condition of their skin in general, the penis is almost always a cause for concern; the average man could draw a map of his package with his eyes closed. As a result, it is not surprising that the appearance of something unusual, from dryness to bumps, red spots or acne, can become a source of anxiety.
While a discolored penis is generally not a cause for concern, there are a variety of problems that can change the appearance of the penis skin. Understanding the possible causes of penile discoloration can ease men’s concerns about minor variations in pigmentation and knowing when to seek medical attention for the health of their penis.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
It is not uncommon for men, especially those with darker skin, to have some color variations; in fact, for men of all races, it is normal for the penis to be slightly different in color from the skin on the rest of the body. When darker skin seems to appear suddenly or in a short period of time, it is natural for men to be concerned. One possible explanation for the appearance of darker skin is a condition known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is simply an overproduction of melanin in the affected area.
This condition generally follows an injury to the skin; irritation from aggressive masturbation or sex is a likely cause of PIH of the penis. A PIH affected penis may have dark brown, bluish, or gray areas of skin. While this can cause some social embarrassment, it is not contagious and usually goes away over time. Retinol (vitamin A) treatment, laser resurfacing, or microdermabrasion can be helpful in reducing discoloration.
Bruises
Bruising on the penis after an injury can cause the skin in the affected area to darken or turn purple, blue, or even greenish. A minor injury to the penis followed by bruising may not be a cause for concern, but a sudden blow to the limb or an impact during intercourse could result in a penile fracture and should be treated immediately to prevent long-term complications.
Hematoma
A red appearance, with spots or blood vessels visible under the surface of the skin can also result from an injury to the penis. The discoloration will usually fade as the injury heals, but any discomfort or pain that accompanies these symptoms is a sign that medical attention may be needed.
Penile vitiligo
In some people, skin areas on the body, including the penis, may lose color over time until they become almost completely white. The cause of this is not yet known, but it is not a cause for concern, except as a cosmetic problem.
When to seek help for discolored penile skin
Men who experience any of the following symptoms along with discolored penile skin should seek professional medical opinion:
- Bread;
- Bleeding;
- Itching or burning;
- Scaly skin, with unusual patches or sores;
- Download.
Even when there is nothing to worry about, consulting a qualified urologist or dermatologist can help alleviate men’s concerns about their penis. While it may be uncomfortable for some men to talk to a doctor about these issues, trained medical professionals have seen it all before and are there to help.
Personal care for men with discolored penis skin
Establishing a daily penis care regimen can also help rejuvenate the skin of the penis and improve its overall appearance. Washing with a mild cleanser and rinsing well can help remove dead skin cells and accumulated body fluids that increase the risk of irritation and infection; and apply a nourishing cream for the totally natural penis (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) which is enriched with vitamins, antioxidants and moisturizers can help remove dead skin cells and allow the growth of new, healthy skin.
