Penile lentiginosis, also known as penile melanosis, is a rare condition that causes darker brown spots on the head or shaft of the penis. It’s not serious or harmful, and there’s no risk of passing it on to someone else.
Let’s explore what you need to know about penile melanosis, including its causes, symptoms, and possible treatments.
Penile melanosis is characterized by excessive hyperpigmentation, such as macules and dark spots, but it doesn’t have other major health indicators. In some cases, it may be linked to lichen sclerosus, a condition that causes the skin to thin and develop white streaks. This is thought to be due to hormone imbalances or an immune response issue. Lichen sclerosus can be treated with topical medications, but these don’t change the pigmentation caused by penile melanosis. It’s more common in uncircumcised males and can be treated with circumcision.
The exact cause of penile melanosis is unknown, but it’s believed to result from hyperpigmentation or high melanin levels in the skin, similar to other body areas. It might be triggered by pigmentary agents like lipofuscin, hemosiderin, and ferrous sulfate. Some scientists suggest that race or genetics may predispose men to this condition. Other risk factors include penile injury, the drug anthralin (used for psoriasis), or PUVA therapy, which treats skin issues like eczema and psoriasis.
It’s important not to confuse penile melanosis with a sexually transmitted infection, as it’s not infectious and doesn’t show signs of infection. It doesn’t require urgent medical care since it’s just an accumulation of melanin and other pigmentary cells.
If your partner is uncomfortable with the appearance, you might consider cosmetic procedures to lighten or remove the dark spots. Surgical options involve removing the hyperpigmented skin layer and applying a graft to smooth the skin. Laser therapy, using Q-switched lasers, is another option, but it requires multiple sessions. These procedures may leave small marks, but they won’t affect the penis’s health or function.
Before deciding on treatment, discuss the benefits, risks, and drawbacks with your doctor to make an informed choice.
Preventing penile melanosis isn’t possible, but if you develop it, you and your doctor should monitor the patches for any changes, as this could indicate an underlying skin cancer like melanoma. While the spots might affect your self-esteem or cause stress, penile melanosis doesn’t lead to physical problems.
If the condition impacts your relationship, consider treatment to reduce or remove the spots. If you’re in Canada and looking for a patient-focused healthcare system to help with penile melanosis, support is available.
