What Causes Reddish Brown Stripe On Penis?

Posted on Fri, 21 Nov 2014

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

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 Answered on

Tue, 16 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a reddish brown stripe that goes from the base of my penis and goes up to where i was circumsised. I noticed it when i was 22 and saw a doctor who said it was discoloration. I had never had it before that age but it continues from the brown line on my scrotum and goes up my penis being wider at the base and tapering off to where i was circumsised. Another doctor said it was nothing to worry about but couldnt tell me why it changed color. Is this normal?

Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes ,its Normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I understand your concern.Your anxiety regarding it, is perfectly understandable.I would assure you it is nothing abnormal.

If you are having no other symptoms along with this in your body,which is bothering you,then I would suggest you not to panic.It is considered as a normal and I would say it it changed color just with your age as a normal skin turnover.

Do not worry.Feel free to ask more.
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (18 hours later)

Thank you for your answer doctor. Several years ago i searched the internet and came across the term "median raphe" and as i understand it is the line that goes up the middle of the scrotum as a seam and can also extend up the underside of the penis. But i have never heard a doctor use the term. Is that what it is? Because what i have sounds alot like what others have described. But when the line gets to my penis it is not as uniform as on the scrotum and at the base it gets wider and it curves a bit up the shaft ending at the circumcision. It doesnt hurt or itch and it is not irritated or dry. It is persistent and unchanging over 5 years. As i said it is reddish brown. I am a caucasian male. Thank you for your input.

Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,

Welcome back!

I do understand your worry regarding it.But since it is not hurting ,itching or irritating you,do not get bothered by it.The color of the line varie according to the skin color.Median raphe is a kind of cyst which occurs in genital area, I do not think there is any relation of it in this.

Hope I have answered you.If you have no further clarifications,please rate this answer and close this discussion.Thank You!
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T