Like the skin everywhere else on your body, penile skin isn’t guaranteed to be totally even or free of discoloration. But a penis that’s darker for no apparent reason may be a sign of a more serious health issue.
It’s completely normal for your dick and balls to look blueish or purple during sexual arousal—the result of blood rushing to the area to fuel that hard-on. But a permanent change in color requires medical attention.
Causes
As with most other parts of the body, penises (or dicks) have a tendency to change color. Most often, this happens during puberty, when sex hormones cause the dick to darken as blood vessels and glands react to arousal. The change isn’t typically painful, but it can be unsightly and embarrassing.
In some cases, a man’s penis might develop dark spots that look like bruises but aren’t caused by any external trauma. These spots, called macular hyperpigmentation, are caused by an internal condition that affects melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation. They’re more common in men with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, and can also be triggered by certain treatments, such as steroids or retinoids.
Another common cause of penile discoloration is a condition called hemata. Hemata is a collection of burst blood vessels that leak blood into the surrounding tissue, which can appear purple or blue. Hemata is a serious condition that needs medical attention as soon as it’s noticed, as a delay can lead to a blood clot in the penis.
Any time a man notices an unexplained color change in the head or shaft of his penis, he should seek a urologist’s diagnosis. A urologist specializes in the urinary tract and male reproductive system, so they’ll be best equipped to determine whether a color change is nothing to worry about or if it’s a sign of a more serious problem.
Symptoms
Men whose penises have suddenly turned a deeper shade of purple or blue may be concerned that it’s a sign of a serious health problem. However, it’s important to understand that the color change is completely normal in most cases. In fact, the penis is often a reddish or purple color when people are aroused because of the spike in blood flow to the glands and vessels in that area.
It’s also common for the dick and balls to become darker during puberty as hormone levels fluctuate. While this isn’t a cause for concern, it is a good idea to let your doctor know about any significant changes in the skin tone and texture of the genitals so they can assess for other potential issues.
Bruising in the penis isn’t uncommon, but it’s usually not dangerous unless it is sudden or spreads quickly. Dark purple or blue bruising that doesn’t go away should be evaluated by a doctor as it could indicate a condition called lichen sclerosus, which is an inflammatory ailment that causes skin thinning and can affect the ability to have an erection. Blemishes that are accompanied by pain or itching should be seen as well because they could be a sign of an STI. Those who are uncircumcised are more prone to this type of issue.
Treatment
As with most other parts of the body, a man’s penis (also called a dick) changes color throughout his life. Most of the time, this is harmless and a result of normal events like puberty or sex. However, a purple or blue penis can be a sign of something serious. If the change in color is accompanied by pain or other symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor.
Blisters and sores can also occur on the head of a penis and should be treated like any other blister or sore, including with ointments and oral medication. Blisters on the head of a penis that are surrounded by blue or black skin may be a symptom of a condition called balanitis, which causes the foreskin to retract and become painful and itchy. If left untreated, this can lead to a painful condition known as paraphimosis.
Other conditions that can cause a purple hue to the penis include syphilis and genital herpes. These conditions are typically accompanied by pain, itching, and burning. If the symptom is accompanied by pus, it’s an indication of a bacterial infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms of syphilis, which can also include purple sores on the penis and other parts of the body, are usually curable with a combination of medication and safe sex. Viruses and infections such as hepatitis, herpes, and HIV can also cause purple sores on the penis, but they are generally treatable with medications, especially if a man practice safe sex.
Prevention
Men should regularly check their dicks, colloquially known as dicks or balls, for signs of problems. They should also be able to speak openly with their doctors and should let them know if they notice any changes in the colour of the skin.
The colour of the dick can change for a number of reasons and it’s important to know that this is generally harmless. It can be caused by a variety of things including bruising, which causes blood vessels to rupture under the skin and cause it to turn a purple or red hue. It can also be caused by sexual activity, such as minor pinching or overenthusiastic fucking, masturbation or getting the penis caught in a zipper. It is also possible to have an allergic reaction to certain medications or spermicides and this can often be prevented by limiting the amount of these that are used and only taking those that have been prescribed.
If the discolouration of the dick is accompanied by pain or tenderness it should be seen by a doctor immediately. They will perform a physical exam and run some tests to find the source of the problem. It’s also a good idea to avoid any activities that can cause the penis to rub against clothing or other surfaces as this can lead to the formation of red, purple or blue marks on the skin.