What Causes Light Brown Ring Around The Shaft Of Penis?

Posted on Sat, 10 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 10 May 2014 Answered on

Mon, 26 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a thirty year old male. I am not currently sexually active Last week I developed a light brown ring around the shaft of my penis. The brown circle is not raised from the surface and is smooth. There is no real pain but there is perhaps a slight discomfort but this might be part mental because I see the brown ring. It does not hurt when I urinate. I have also noticed a decrease in having an erection when I wake up in the morning. Do you think I made have internal damage to the penis?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your concern and I have looked at the pictures.

I could see that you are a circumcised male. I could see a light brown/hyperpigmented ring encircling the shaft just below where your thumb is pointing.

I would like to gather some more information from you in order to be able to help you better.

-Since how long do you notice this?
-What is the discomfort like?Is it itching?Or is it something else?
-When your penis is erect does it feel like a constriction?
-Is the skin overlying it is dry?

regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (22 minutes later)

Hi Dr. Kakkar,

Thank you very much for your help.

I have noticed this for one week. The skin overlying it is not dry and I cannot notice any real difference in the texture of the skin when I pass my finger over it compared to the rest of the penis. It does not itch at all. I would describe the discomfort as more as if having a very soft prick from a needle. The discomfort is not constant, only occasional, maybe three times a day. When I have an erection the brown line is actually much harder to see and does not feel like a constriction. I have avoided masturbation since seeing this occur but as I have said I have noticed a decrease in having an erection in the morning since noticing this.

I hope this information is helpful.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of Lichen Planus Pigmentosus

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for the additional information

I would like to keep a possibility of Lichen planus pigmentosus(LPP). This is characterized by hyperpigmented, dark-brown macules in sun-exposed areas and flexural folds. This is a rare variant of lichen planus. The patches/macules of LPP are asypmtomatic or may have a slight itching/tingling

If I was the treating doctor I would have asked you to apply a topical moderately potent topical steroid once daily, at night e.g mometasone furoate cream (Elocon cream) for 2-3 weeks.

regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar