What Does A Pale Patch Of Skin Near Penis Shaft Suggest?

Posted on Thu, 11 Jun 2015

Question: I just noticed a small pale patch of skin on the side of my penis shaft. It does not itch it just appears to be dry skin. Some has flaked off and even peeled off while taking a bath. I don't have any type of discharge or painful urination. I did think it was a in-grown as a result of me shaving a week or 2 ago.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I need few answers and photos

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HCM...

I can understand your concern for lesion on the shaft of penis. You said you have dry mildly scaly patch on shaft of penis. ..this is not sufficient to come to some conclusion.Please answer following queries...

- duration of disease?
- It is not itchy,but do you get burning or pain on lesion?
-skin lesions elsewhere?
- any other skin disease or systemic disease?
- history of any medicine?
- past history of any disease or medicine or surgery?
- family history of any disease?
- history of use of condom for sex?
- history of application on penis like oil or cream for sex?
- history of extramarital sex?

Please answer above questions and upload the photos of affected part which is needed for the diagnosis.

Awaiting your reply with photos.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (7 hours later)

I noticed it on saturday for the first time
It does not burn or give pain
None anywhere else on my body
No other skin problems ever
Blood pressure meds: amilodipine
Appendix removed november 2006/ sinus surgrey polyps removed january 2012 and XXXXXXX 2014
No family history of diseaes
Latex condoms & spmercides have irritated me in past
Astro glide lube during sex
Monogamas relationship for 4 yrs, no history of problem between me & my partner

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Lichen planus most probably

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HCM...

Thanks for answer and clear photos. After reading history and seeing photos, I could conclude that most probably you might have developed a lesion of skin disease called lichen planus. It may be an abnormal immune response to unknown factor. Exact cause is not known. You seem to have asymptomatic single flat elevated violaceous papule on the shaft of penis. The disease is totally benign and might vanish in few weeks with mild treatment. Stress, condom, cream...etc might trigger or exacerbate the disease. You consult dermatologist for firm diagnosis and perfect treatment.

Still, I would suggest as follow..

- tacrolimus oint 0.03% oint application twice a day on lesion
- short and tappering course of oral steroid 1 to 2 weeks only
- avoidance of exhaustive intercourse
- avoidance of oil or cream and condom for sex
- avoidance of stress

I think above hints would be helpful in eliminating your skin problem, still you want to ask, you may.

Wishing you healthy life.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (2 hours later)

I did have anal & vaginal sex about 3 or 4 day before i actually noticed my dry patch and i only notice it by site, so could they be factors or would you not even consider it an "STD" or related because i've not had any types of dischard, puss, pain from the dry patch or during urination prior to seeing it or after?

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is not an STD

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back...

I can understand your worry about lesion on the shaft of penis. As I said it is a benign skin condition lichen planus. Minor trauma during exaustive sex might have lead to such lesion of lichen planus. It is not an STD.So, be free of worries.

And as I said in previous post, you may take treatment under guidance of dermatologist.

I hope my answer would have reduced your worry about your problem...

Thanks..

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

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. Neel Kudchadkar