Various health conditions may lead to red spots or patches on penis, penile shaft, penile head or foreskin. Whether painful or not, the spots may require urgent medical attention. Explore pictures, causes, signs and symptoms of red spots on penis. Also, find out how to get rid of them with medical treatment and home remedies
Signs and Symptoms
It is understandable for a man to be anxious when you noticed a strange red spots or patches on your penis. Red spots on your penis might be a private genital issue that can keep you in worries or just annoys you. Also, this spots can really embarrass you to your sex partner.
It is significant to be conversant with signs and symptoms associated with red spots on penis. This can provide a clue about your health issue. The common signs and symptoms of red spots, dots or patches on penis include the following:
- Small red, brown or pink bumps on penile shaft, glans, foreskin, and scrotum
- Large fluid filled red blisters on foreskin, glans, scrotum and on penile shaft
- Hard red, brown or pink granule cysts under the skin on the penis
- Itchy red marks or dots on glans and under the foreskin surface
- Irregular red, pink or brown flat patches on penis
- Hard bumps on penis that are not itchy but they can bleed easily when something touches
The signs and symptoms of red marks on the pens can vary depending on the causal agent. The color of the spots may not be always red but it may also appear as pink, brown or dark red according to your skin tone.
It is also important to know that certain red spots on the penis can be so alarming but they might be quite a harmless condition to you. Occasionally, penile spots can be signs of a more serious health condition that needs medical treatment. If you notice any strange signs and symptom of red spots on your penis, it is advisable not to hide the problem but instead, show it to your doctor.
Red Spots on Penis Picture
We have included descriptive pictures of red spots on penis in various relevant sections of this post. You may use the pictures to get a clue about your health problem. However, you should not use these images for self-diagnosis without the help of the doctor. It is advisable to see a qualified doctor who can offer proper diagnosis and medical treatment for your health problem.
Causes of Red Spots on Penis
May men are more interested to know the causes of red spots or patches on the penis. If you are anxious to know the main cause of red spots on your penis, here are the possible causes of red spots or patches on the penile shaft, glans, and scrotum that include the following:
1. Allergic reaction
Red rashes on the glans and penile shaft can appear due to an allergic reaction. Exposure of the penis to harsh chemicals such spermicide and detergent can lead to tiny red rashes on the penile shaft, glans, and foreskin.
Some people can develop itchy bumps on penis after having a protected anal or vaginal sexual intercourse. This can be attributed to being an allergic reaction that can develop after using a condom that may contain spermicide. Occasionally, the rubber material of the condom itself can also stimulate allergic reaction to occur on the penis.
2. Pearly Penile Papules
Pearly penile papules or hirsutoid papillomas are small raised bumps that typically occur on the penile head. These bumps are skin colored but they can appear as red spots after sexual intercourse or masturbation.
These bumps commonly occur in uncircumcised men. However, they can as well affect circumcised men. The cause of this condition is not clearly defined by medical experts but these bumps are associated with poor sex hygiene practices. Pearly penile papules are harmless bumps and they are not sexually transmitted.
3. Fordyce spots
These are small bumps like pimples that can appear on the shaft of the penis, foreskin, and glans and on the scrotum. Fordyce spots may appear as red, brown or pink depending on the color of your skin. These bumps can look worrisome but they are totally harmless to you.
Fordyce spots can develop on the skin when skin oil accumulates in the sebaceous gland to form a raised bump. An individual with cholesterol disorder is likely to develop red spots on penis due to Fordyce spots. This spots can go away without even treatment.
4. Yeast infection
Penile thrush is a genital condition develops from male candidiasis. This is a fungal or yeast infection that can cause red patches on the penis. Penile thrush can show up on glans, foreskin, and scrotum and on the penile shaft.
Poor sex hygiene and moist environment are the main risk factors that can encourage the growth of yeast infection in male. Male candidiasis is a common problem that affects the foreskin and glans of the uncircumcised men.
5. Folliculitis
Red spots on penis can appear a consequence folliculitis. This is a bacterial infection of the hair roots that can lead to itchy red bumps on the affected area. Folliculitis can affect penile shaft and foreskin to develop bumps like pimples.
Folliculitis cannot be transmitted sexually but it can develop after using wrong shaving techniques to cut pubic hairs. This condition can cause a discomfort but it may not advance into a serious health problem. The infection can take few weeks before going away.
6. Septic spots
Septic spots are painful tiny fluid-filled bumps that can show up on the penis as red dots. Septic spots can develop due to the concentration of harmful bacteria on the skin. This condition can affect foreskin, glans, penile shaft and scrotum sack.
The bacteria that cause septic spots are highly contagious and they can spread to other parts of the skin if you pop the septic spots. It is advisable to seek the help of your doctor in case you are affected by septic spots.
7. Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can result in red spots on penis. This infection is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2. This virus is highly contagious and it can spread from an infected person to another through sexual contact.
8. Genital warts
Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or disease (STD) caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus can lead to hard red bumps on the penile shaft, glans, foreskin, scrotum, and anal area. The infection of human papillomavirus can increase the chances of getting penis cancer.
9. Syphilis
Syphilis is a known sexually transmitted disease that can result in red std rash on genital organ and other skin parts. This infection can affect foreskin, glans, penile shaft and scrotum to develop red or pink fluid-filled blisters or bumps.
10. Cancer of the penis
Cancer of the penis is a rare condition which can lead to red spots on penis. Penis cancer is a chronic condition that causes the development of hard bumps that can bleed easily when something touches. This condition requires special medical treatment for survival.
11. Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that can cause small red pimples on the foreskin. The red bumps may be filled with pus giving it yellow appearance after few days. This infection can be treated when you visit your doctor to give appropriated treatment.
12. Pubic lice
These are parasitic insects that can bite the genital skin to develop red spots. Pubic lice are highly contagious and it can spread from one person to another through sexual contact. Poor body hygiene can also encourage the multiplication of the parasitic insect.
13. Lymphocele
These are bumps that can develop on the penile shaft after sexual intercourse or masturbation. These bumps are usually whitish in color but the may also appear as red dots due to the effect of a blood clot in the affected areas of the penis.
14. Balanitis
This is a condition that can happen in uncircumcised men when bacteria, dead cells, sweat and penile fluids accumulate under the foreskin to cause itchy red rashes on glans and foreskin of the penis.
15. Genital psoriasis
These are deep red shiny patches that can develop on penile shaft and bellend. Genital psoriasis can affect your penis whether circumcised or not.
16. HIV
HIV and AIDs is a known health condition that attacks body immunity system. This can allow the opportunistic skin infection to attack genital part. If you are infected with HIV, it can increase the risk of getting red spots on penis.
17. Ingrown hair cysts
Curling and sideways growth of hairs on under the skin of penile shaft and scrotum can lead to red raised spots or bumps on the skin surface.
Red Spots on Penile Shaft
What are these red spots on my penile shaft? This is a common question that can come into your mind when you notice the development of strange red marks on your penis. This spot can occur with or without engaging in sexual intercourse.
Red spots on the penile shaft that show up to you when you have not involved in sexual intercourse may not be STD’s. These spots can show up due to other factors such as eczema, psoriasis, folliculitis, ingrown hairs and Fordyce spots.
The penile shaft can also develop red marks after sexual intercourse and this might be attributed to being either an allergic reaction or can be one of a sexually transmitted infection. Also, any of the causes of red spots on penis that we have already discussed can be the reason for the development of strange red marks on the penile shaft.
Red Spots on Penile Head
Red spots or patches on the penis can be either itchy or not itchy. Pearly penile papules are common painless red spots that can occur on the bellend of the penis. This spots can appear alarming but they are totally harmless and they cannot interfere with proper functioning of the penis.
Itchy red dots on glans can also occur. The common causes of itchy spots on the penis head include yeast infection, human papillomavirus, syphilis, cancer of the penis, and Balanitis. If your penis has itchy dots on its head it is advisable to seek the help of your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Red Spots on Scrotum
Scrotum sac can also show up strange red marks. These marks can appear as fluid-filled blisters, hard cysts, bumps or flat patches. Red spots on testicles can be either itchy or not itchy. For the case of painless spots on the scrotum, it might be a sign of a harmless condition that can go away without treatment.
However, some spots on scrotum can occur due to a serious health condition that requires medical help. It is advisable not to ignore any strange spots or bumps that may show up on your scrotum sack. In case you notice any strange spots on your scrotum, don’t feel ashamed to visit your doctor.
The common factors that cause red spots on penis can also affect scrotum to develop red marks. These factors include the following:
- Fordyce spots: these are small red, pink, brown, white or dark raised bumps that can develop on the skin of the testicles.
- STD: syphilis, genital wart, and HIV are common sexually transmitted infections which can lead to red dots on the scrotum.
- Folliculitis: the infection of public hair roots by bacteria or fungi can result in red inflammation of the testicles skin.
- Ingrown hair cysts: the curling and sideways growth of hairs under the pubic region can lead to red spots on the scrotum.
Red Spots on Foreskin
The foreskin in uncircumcised men can encourage the development of red spots on penis. The foreskin can allow the accumulation of sweat, bacteria, dead cells and penile fluid under the skin. This can create a suitable environment for the growth of harmful pathogen that may lead to the development of red spots under the foreskin that are ether itchy or not itchy.
Red spots on the surface or under the foreskin can develop from any of the factors that lead to spots on penis. The possible causes of red spots on foreskin are already been discussed but for more emphasis, some of these factors include genital warts, syphilis, Fordyce spots, septic spots, allergic reaction, genital psoriasis, genital eczema, and cancer of the penis.
Home Remedies
Home remedy is one of treatment methods you can use to get rid of mild red spots on penis without the use of technical skills or experience. You can use this method to treat red spots on your penis that cannot develop into serious health condition.
Allergic reactions, penile cysts, septic spots and pearly penile papules are an example of the minor problems that can be treated by simple home remedies. You can try the following home remedies that can help to get rid of red spots or patches on the penis that include:
- Aloe Vera
You can use Aloe Vera as a natural home remedy for the treatment of red spots and patches on the penis. This herb has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to cure itchy rashes and sores on penis.
How to use:
- Use warm water to clean the affected area of the penis and dry it off with a towel
- Apply the Aloe Vera juice, gel or cream on the affected area of the penis
- Allow it to take 30 minutes on your skin before rinsing it off with warm water
- Repeat this procedure twice per day for few weeks
- Coconut oil
Coconut oil has a natural antimicrobial property that can help in the healing of red dots on the penis. Coconut oil can help to soothe itchy red rashes on your penis. The oil can also moisturize the skin and protect it from drying up.
How to use:
- Wash your body with warm water and dry it off with wash towel
- Apply the oil on the affected area of the penis
- Leave it to stay on your skin during the night
- Repeat this treatment process until red marks on the penis go away
- Raw Honey
Raw honey has antiseptic properties that can help to reduce the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria on your skin. Also, it has the ability to soothe itchy spots on penis.
How to use:
- Slightly warm 2 teaspoons of raw honey
- Apply it on the affected area of the penis
- Allow it to stay on your skin during the night before you rinse it next morning
- Repeat this treatment once per day
- Lemon juice
Lemon juice has citric acid that has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to get rid of red spots on penis. The citric acid is also can help to exfoliate red marks on your penis to give a smooth texture.
How to use:
- Extract fresh lemon juice from the lemon fruit
- Apply the juice of the affected area of the skin
- Allow it to stay on your skin for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off
- Repeat this twice per day until red spots or patches go away from your penis
- Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an effective home remedy you can use to get rid of penile spots. The reagent has natural antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to clear way red marks on your penis.
How to use:
- Dilute ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with equal volume of water
- Soak a cotton ball in the solution for few seconds
- Apply the vinegar on the affected parts of the penis
- Allow it to take 10 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water
- Repeat this procedure two times per day.
Treatment
The medical treatment of red spots on penis can be provided by health provider or your doctor. In case you notice any strange red spots or patches on your penis, you can visit your doctor to help in medical treatment.
Your doctor can decide the diagnosis plan and treatment method to use depending on the causes and condition of red spots on your penis. In case you are infected with sexually transmitted infection, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics drugs that can help to cure the condition.
Occasionally, your doctor might use another treatment method such as prescription of steroid creams, use of laser treatment and surgical procedures that can help to get rid of red spots on your penis.
When to See a Doctor
You can see you doctor over red spots on your penis when you notice the following conditions:
- When red spots on your penis has refused to go away after a period of three weeks
- When red spots on penis are accompanied with strange discharge from the meatus
- If red bumps on the penis are hard and can bleed easily if something touches
- When red spots and patches are affecting the proper functioning of the penis during urination and sexual intercourse
- When red marks on the penis have an intense itchiness that causes a discomfort.
Sources and References
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- Red spots, dots, and patches on the penis: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/sexual-health/a12010/spots-on-the-penis/
- Signs and symptoms of red spots or patches on penis: https://www.stdcheck.com/std-symptoms-penis-spots.php
- Cause of red spots and patches on penis: http://www.thebody.com/content/78210/what-could-red-spots-on-the-head-of-your-penis-be.html
- Penile spots causes: http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/itchy-penis/
- Red spots on penile shaft: https://www.steadyhealth.com/topics/flat-red-spots-on-the-penis-shaft
- Red spots on penile head: https://www.zocdoc.com/answers/15134/what-are-these-red-dots-on-the-penile-glans
- Red dots or patches on scrotum: http://www.geniderm.com/dark-or-red-bumps-on-penis-and-the-scrotum/
- Red spots on foreskin: https://www.steadyhealth.com/topics/red-spots-on-head-of-penis-and-under-foreskin
- Treatment of red spots or marks on penis: https://www.healthline.com/health/rash-on-genitals#treatment4
- Home remedies for red spots, dots or patches on the penis: http://redrashpenis.blogspot.co.ke/2010/10/best-remedy-for-spots-on-penis.html [/showhide]