All About Penile Melanosis - Symptoms, Causes & Best Treatment Options
Penile melanosis is a rare condition that causes discoloured skin on the penile head and shaft. These patches of dark brown skin on the penis may be slightly or significantly darker than the surrounding skin.
There are no other symptoms of penile melanosis. The condition is not infectious or contagious and cannot be passed on to others. However, the precise cause remains unknown. It is generally not harmful and does not necessitate treatment. However, some people may opt for cosmetic procedures to remove the spots. Learn more about penile melanosis, including its causes, associated conditions, and treatment options, in this article.
What is Penile Melanosis?
Penile melanosis is a condition characterised by the presence of dark pigmented spots or patches on the skin of the penis. These spots or patches may be flat or slightly raised and can range in colour from light brown to almost black.
Penile melanosis may also involve other pigment compounds in the skin, such as:
- hemosiderin
- lipofuscin
- ferrous sulfate
The pigment compounds build up in the skin, causing a noticeable change in colour. Instead of affecting the whole penis, this hyperpigmentation appears in patches.
Penile Melanosis Treatment
Here are some potential treatment options for penile melanosis that could be further elaborated on:
1. Topical Medications
Topical creams or ointments may be prescribed to help reduce the appearance of penile melanosis, depending on the extent of the pigmentation. Topical retinoids or bleaching agents may be included in these medications.
2. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can be an effective treatment option for penile melanosis. This treatment involves using a laser to target and break up the excess pigmentation in the affected areas.
3. Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze the affected areas of the skin, which can help remove excess pigmentation.
4. Surgical Removal
In some cases, surgical removal of affected skin areas may be required to treat penile melanosis. This is usually reserved for cases where other treatments have failed.
5. Phototherapy
Phototherapy uses light therapy to target and breaks up excess pigmentation in affected skin areas.
6. Observation
In cases where the penile melanosis is not causing any discomfort or cosmetic concern, a healthcare provider may advise simply monitoring the condition to ensure that it does not worsen.
How to Get Rid of Dark Spots on Foreskin?
1. Maintain Good Hygiene
Keeping the foreskin clean and dry can help prevent the development of dark spots. Regular washing with warm water and mild soap can help remove excess dirt and oil that may contribute to the development of dark spots.
2. Topical Medications
Depending on the cause of the dark spots, topical medications may be prescribed to help reduce their appearance. These may include topical retinoids, corticosteroids, or bleaching agents.
3. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can be an effective treatment option for dark spots on the foreskin. This treatment involves using a laser to target and break up excess pigmentation in the affected areas.
4. Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze the affected areas of the skin, which can help remove excess pigmentation.
5. Surgical Removal
In some cases, surgical removal of the affected areas of the skin may be necessary to treat dark spots on the foreskin. This is typically reserved for cases where other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Penile Melanosis Symptoms
As far as health symptoms are concerned, penile melanosis only causes dark spots (also referred to as macules). The main signs are macules that are:
- Brown or black in colour
- Approximately one centimetre long
- They can appear at any age between the ages of 15 and 72
- It is painless and unlikely to bleed or change over time
This condition can cause single or multiple dark spots. There is no way to predict how many macules you will have, if any.
Penile melanosis is occasionally associated with lichen sclerosis. It is characterised by penis skin thinning and the presence of whitish spots on the penis head or foreskin.
Topical medications are sometimes sufficient to treat lichen sclerosis, which is thought to be caused by a hormonal imbalance or an abnormal immune response.
However, topical steroids and other medications have no effect on the pigment changes caused by penile melanosis. Uncircumcised males frequently have lichen sclerosis on their foreskin. It is sometimes necessary to remove the foreskin in order to treat it.
Penile Melanosis Causes
Doctors are baffled as to why some men develop penile melanosis. It is simply a buildup of pigment cells within the skin, which can also happen in other places.
While the exact cause of penile melanosis is not known, here are some factors that may contribute to its development:
1. Sun Exposure
Like other parts of the body, prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays can lead to the development of melanosis on the penis.
2. Trauma
Any form of trauma or injury to the penis can lead to the development of penile melanosis.
3. Age
While penile melanosis can affect people of any age, it mostly appears between the ages of 15 and 72 years.
4. Genetics
There may be a genetic component to penile melanosis.
5. Certain skin treatments
Certain medications, such as anthralin or PUVA therapy, may increase the risk of developing penile melanosis.
Is There a Way to Prevent Penile Melanosis?
There is no way to prevent penile melanosis. It’s an unpredictable condition. However, your doctor should keep a photographic record of the macules to monitor any changes in shape or size over time. Although unlikely, such changes could indicate melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.
Summing Up on Penile Melanosis
Penile melanosis is a condition that can cause dark pigmentation on the penis. Although the exact cause is unknown, factors such as genetics, sun exposure, ageing, trauma, and hormonal changes may contribute to its development. Symptoms of penile melanosis include dark spots or patches on the penis, which may be flat or raised.
Treatment options for penile melanosis vary depending on the severity and extent of the condition and may include topical creams, laser therapy, or surgical removal. Men need to maintain good hygiene, protect their skin from the sun, and get regular check-ups to help prevent and detect penile melanosis.
FAQs
Does Penile Melanosis Go Away?
Penile melanosis is a condition where dark spots or patches appear on the skin of the penis. In most cases, penile melanosis is harmless and requires no treatment. However, in rare cases, it may progress to penile melanoma, a type of skin cancer. If you notice any changes in the appearance of your penis or any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding, pain, or discharge, you should consult a healthcare professional.
Is It Normal to Have Penile Melanosis?
Penile melanosis is not uncommon and is considered a benign condition. It typically affects middle-aged and older men and is more common in individuals with darker skin types. While the cause of penile melanosis is not fully understood, it is believed to be related to sun exposure and age. If you notice any changes in the appearance of your penis, it is always a good idea to have it checked by a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying health concerns.
Is There a Cream for Penile Melanosis?
While there is no specific cream or medication for penile melanosis, certain topical treatments may help improve the appearance of the skin. These may include bleaching creams or retinoids, which can help lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. However, it is important to note that these treatments should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they may have potential side effects.
How Many People Have Penile Melanoma?
Penile melanoma is a rare form of skin cancer that affects the penis. According to the American Cancer Society, penile melanoma accounts for less than 1% of all cases of melanoma. It is more common in older men and those with a history of genital warts or other sexually transmitted infections. The best way to prevent penile melanoma is to practice safe sex, regularly inspect the skin for any changes or abnormalities, and seek medical attention if you notice any unusual symptoms or changes.
References
Penis & scrotum - https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/penscrotumlentiginousmel.html
Georgi Tchernev, August 2017; Penile Melanosis Associated with Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus: First Description in the Medical Literature - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5591605/
Andres Guevara Jabiles, April 2017; Penile melanoma: a 20-Year analysis of six patients at the National Cancer Institute of Peru, Lima - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5406220/
Melanoma in situ of penis a very rare entity: A case report and review of the literature - https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2017/09080/Melanoma_in_situ_of_penis___a_very_rare_entityA.6.aspx