Red Dots on the Glans: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help

There are red spots on the glans?

Hello, about three months ago, I experienced itching on the glans, and then I noticed a small red patch on the glans and the inner side of the foreskin.
However, after a few days, the redness subsided, and it turned into many small red spots on the glans.
Normally, the red spots are not very noticeable; they become more apparent under light or during an erection.
The spots appear slightly raised, but there is no granular sensation upon touch.
After a few days, the red spots enlarged and ulcerated, so I consulted a urologist.
After examination, the doctor thought it resembled herpes blisters that had burst, and prescribed an ointment and oral antibiotics.
A few weeks later, the ulcer had healed, but the numerous small red spots on the glans had not disappeared.
Upon re-examination, the doctor said it did not appear to be herpes, so he prescribed a topical cream called "Siyiyu" to apply for about ten days.
After that, I felt no significant change in symptoms, so I sought medical advice again.
The doctor examined me and mentioned that I have phimosis, which is a common phenomenon, and advised me to maintain good hygiene or consider circumcision.
No further treatment was provided.
During this consultation, I had two urine tests, both of which were normal.
I do not experience discomfort during urination, and there is no discharge from the urethra.
I do not have diabetes, but sometimes I still feel pain on the left side of the glans, especially noticeable when retracting the foreskin.
I often feel discomfort in the left groin area, and sometimes the uncomfortable sensation radiates to the inner thigh.

I would like to ask:
1.
I am unsure if these pain sensations are related to the red spots on the glans?
2.
Besides circumcision, are there any other treatment options? Or, as the doctor said, is it sufficient to just maintain good hygiene?
3.
Are there other potential infectious causes that require further examination?

Xiao Jie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/10

Dr. Cai Zhuorong reply Urology

If symptoms persist without improvement, it is important to consider other rare conditions.
It is recommended that you also visit a dermatologist at a hospital.

Reply Date: 2020/12/10

More Info

When dealing with red dots on the glans (the head of the penis), it is essential to understand the potential causes, treatment options, and when to seek further medical help. Based on your description, it seems you have experienced a series of symptoms that began with itching and progressed to red spots, which later developed into ulcers. After consulting with a urologist, you were prescribed medications, and while the ulcers healed, the red dots persisted.

Causes of Red Dots on the Glans
1. Infections: Common infections that can cause red spots include sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like herpes, fungal infections, or bacterial infections. The initial symptoms you described, including itching and the appearance of red spots, could suggest an infectious process.

2. Inflammation: Conditions such as balanitis (inflammation of the glans) can lead to redness and irritation. This can be exacerbated by poor hygiene, irritants, or underlying skin conditions.

3. Dermatological Conditions: Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema can also manifest as red spots on the glans. These conditions may not necessarily be infectious but can cause discomfort and require different management strategies.

4. Phimosis: As your doctor mentioned, if you have a tight foreskin (phimosis), it can lead to irritation and inflammation, contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing.

Treatment Options
1. Maintaining Hygiene: Keeping the area clean is crucial. Regular washing with mild soap and water can help prevent irritation and infections.

2. Topical Treatments: If the red spots are due to inflammation or irritation, topical corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation. However, this should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

3. Antibiotics or Antifungals: If an infection is suspected, your doctor may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics or antifungal medications.

4. Circumcision: If phimosis is contributing to your symptoms, circumcision may be recommended as a definitive treatment. This procedure can alleviate recurrent infections and inflammation.

5. Follow-up Care: Since the red dots have not resolved, it is advisable to follow up with your urologist or a dermatologist. They may recommend further evaluations, such as a biopsy or cultures, to rule out other conditions.

When to Seek Help
You should seek medical attention if:
- The red spots worsen or spread.

- You experience increased pain or discomfort.

- There are changes in urination, such as burning or difficulty urinating.

- You notice any discharge from the urethra.

- Symptoms persist despite treatment.

Conclusion
In summary, while maintaining good hygiene is essential, it is also crucial to monitor your symptoms closely. If the red dots on the glans continue to be a concern or if you experience any new symptoms, further evaluation by a healthcare professional is warranted. They can provide a more accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan based on your specific condition. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

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