When you see red spots on your penis, your mind may jump to worst-case scenarios like an STI. But these spots could actually be a sign of a few different conditions.
Based on your history and images this looks like balanitis an irritated eczema in the groin area. Try using OTC hydrocortisone ointment morning and evening 1 week then daily moisturizer.
Eczema
The itchy, irritated red spots you’re seeing on your penis may be due to eczema. Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes the skin to become inflamed and flaky, leading to itchy and painful areas of red bumps called papules or plaques. The itchiness and dryness can be particularly bad around the genital area due to it being so sensitive. Prolonged rubbing and scratching can lead to blisters. People with a more severe form of eczema may notice these blotches turning into scabs or crusty patches.
Rashes can also be caused by certain medications, especially anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and pain relievers like Tylenol. These can cause a rash known as “fixed drug eruptions” that affect the genital area and appear as red or purplish plaques with a gray center and dark areas once the inflammation subsides.
Another common reason for spots on the penis is herpes simplex. This is a sexually transmitted infection that can also cause itching in the affected area and sores. If you have herpes and see red dots on your groin or scrotum, make an appointment to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. If you’re not comfortable with going to the GP, Pilot has text-based consultations with a GP for quick, confidential herpes treatment that can be repeated automatically every 2 months, saving you awkward GP visits and long waits in the chemist line.
Yeast Infections
Itchy, flaking, itching and red patches on the penis may be due to a yeast infection. This infection can be caused by a variety of things, including unprotected sex, a bacterial infection, a fungal infection or even from the use of unscented shaving cream. These infections are easily treated with oral antifungal medication or a topical solution. Yeast infections can also affect the buttocks, groin and inner thighs.
Yeast infections usually appear as red, pink or skin-colored raised spots that are itchy and painful. They may appear on the glans or the tip of the penis. In some cases, the infection can spread to other areas of the body. This rash is called molloscum contagiosum and is typically found in children, who acquire the virus by touching other children’s bodies. However, this infection can also occur in adults, and it is generally harmless.
Itchy, painful, itchy and red bumps on the penis can be a sign of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The most common STIs to cause these types of lesions are herpes simplex, which develops into blisters, or genital warts, which are painless flesh-colored warts that develop in clusters on the genitals and, in rare cases, on the shaft of the penis. Syphilis can also cause a painless red bump, or chancre, to form on the penis and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. STIs can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, using condoms during sex and avoiding unprotected sex.
Herpes
Red dots on the penis may appear due to an irritation or infection (often sexually transmitted infections). Some conditions, such as herpes simplex type 2, cause tiny blister-like spots that can be painful. Other symptoms include itchiness and a fever. Herpes can be passed between partners during sex and through oral sex. If you have genital herpes, you can have repeated outbreaks over time. Medicines can decrease how long the sores last and how severe they are.
Herpes also causes painless bumps called warts that can appear on the penis shaft, scrotum and under the foreskin. These look like small fleshy pink or brown bumps with a little dimple on top. They can ooze and crust over. These are caused by a herpes virus that can be spread through unprotected sex and contact with other people with herpes.
Continuous friction from wearing tight clothing, sex or masturbation can lead to a rash called balanitis. It is a type of irritated eczema with a red rash on the head of the penis and itchy skin around the glans. It can be aggravated by certain substances such as allergens and heavy perfumes or soaps that dry the skin.
In some cases, red rashes on the penis are a sign of cancer. They can be accompanied by pain, itching and an unusual discharge. If you notice red rashes on your penis that are painful or itchy, it is important to see your doctor right away.
Fordyce Granules
While most people are familiar with pus-filled whiteheads or milia (firmer bumps caused by trapped keratin), red spots on the penis can be more of a mystery. These small red bumps on the foreskin are known as Fordyce spots and usually appear as enlarged oil glands without a hair follicle. Fordyce spots are normal and aren’t a sexually transmitted infection. They can be a little itchy and might become more noticeable during an erection. However, since they can resemble certain STIs and harmful skin conditions, it’s important to have them properly diagnosed by a dermatologist.
Some people may confuse Fordyce spots with genital warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts can grow in areas that Fordyce spots don’t — including inside the anus, on the groin and scrotum, and on the labia of the vagina. Unlike Fordyce spots, HPV warts can cause painful blisters.
If you have Fordyce spots on the foreskin, it’s important to keep them clean and dry. You should use a mild soap and lukewarm water to wash them and avoid rubbing the area. You should also apply a moisturizing cream several times a day and use lubrication during sex. You may also want to see a dermatologist for a minor procedure called micro-punch technique, which involves removing Fordyce spots along with some of the surrounding skin.