What Does A Red Discoloration On The Penis Head Suggest?

Posted on Sun, 13 Sep 2015

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

Sun, 13 Sep 2015 Answered on

Thu, 8 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a red discoloration (like a birthmark) that appeared on there head of my penis a couple of months ago, there is no pain, itching, or discharge associated with it, the skin on parts of it will occasionally appear to shed. It has maintained the same size and original pattern since appearing. When the penis is completely flaccid it is barely noticeable, but when the penis is somewhat engorged it is a more bright red. I had been sexually active a couple of months prior to it appearing. The best my general practitioner could say upon seeing it was, "interesting," which I didn't appreciate.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Upload photograph

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
welcome to healthcaremagic
I would recommend you to upload a picture ot the red mark so that I can make a proper diagnosis and guide you in a better way.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

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

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (30 minutes later)

Yes, I will do that.

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Ok

Detailed Answer:
Ok... Waiting for the picture.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (39 hours later)

Hi Doctor,

I haven't heard from you, did you get the photo?

I will send it again right now.

XXXX
Hi, I sent the photo again, but it does look like it went through the first time.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Few possibilities are there either psoriasis or wart infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi!!

I have just received your photograph. According to me there are two possibilities either psoriasis or viral wart infection which is a sexually transmitted disease. I would like to ask whether the similar lesions are present on any other part and whether your sexual partner had similar complaint. In both the situations you will have to consult a dermatologist for further evaluation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (39 minutes later)

I don't know if my last partner had any similar condition.

I don't have it anywhere else on my body.

I'm traveling now, what happens with this condition if I do nothing for the time being whether it is a viral wart or psoriasis?

What would cause the psoriasis?

And what can be done in regard to either condition?

Thanks,

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Details below

Detailed Answer:
Genital warts have a tendency to spread whereas psoriasis has an unpredictable course. Psoriasis is a chronic disease which has no external cause. Its occurence is related to genetic and immune mechanisms. Viral warts are normally removed by cauterisation either chemical or electric. Psoriasis of this site responds to topical steroids. I hope to have answered the queries. I will be happy to answer any further queries. Wish you good luck.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (4 hours later)

When I get home I will go to a dermatologist, I tend to agree that it is psoriasis.

I believe it may have been brought about by a reaction to some lotion I might have used on my penis.

I feel you are a very confident doctor and I appreciate your time, I will let you know what becomes of it after I visit my doctor here.

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Surely you can inform me

Detailed Answer:
Surely you can inform me. Good luck.

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. Yogesh D