Small Ulcers on the Penis: Causes and Concerns

Q: Small Ulcers on the Penis: Causes and Concerns

Hello： I have a small ulcer on my penis. <br>Here’s what happened： seven days ago, I suddenly felt a sharp stabbing pain while rinsing with a handheld showerhead, but I didn’t pay much attention to it at the time. <br>The next day, I checked the area where I felt the pain, and I

There is a small ulcer on the penis?

Hello, Dr.
Du.
I have a small ulcer on my penis.
Here’s what happened: seven days ago, I suddenly felt a sharp pain while rinsing with the showerhead, but I didn’t pay much attention to it at the time.
The next day, I checked the area where I felt the pain, and I was unsure if it was a fresh abrasion or a small ulcer.
It measures about 2mm in diameter and is painful when pressed.
After seven days, its appearance resembles that of an oral ulcer, with a diameter of about 2mm, a circular white center, and a red halo around it.
It causes slight pain when pressed, when the foreskin is pulled back, or if it is accidentally rubbed.
There is no hardness or elevation.
What could this situation be? I often experience peeling due to balanitis, but I haven’t had a case like this before with a circular white area surrounded by redness.

MAX, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/08

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: I have a small ulcer on my penis.
Here’s what happened: seven days ago, I suddenly felt a sharp stabbing pain while rinsing with a handheld showerhead, but I didn’t pay much attention to it at the time.
The next day, I checked the area where I felt the pain, and I couldn’t determine if it was a fresh abrasion or a small ulcer.
It measures about 2mm in diameter and is painful when pressed.
After seven days, its appearance resembles that of an oral ulcer, with a diameter of about 2mm, a circular white center, and a red halo around it.
It causes slight pain when pressed or when the foreskin is pulled back or accidentally rubbed against it.
There is no hardness or elevation.
What could this be? ---> There are many possible causes, including trauma or sexually transmitted infections.
Of course, if there has been no sexual activity, a sexually transmitted infection is unlikely.
I often experience peeling due to balanitis, but I haven’t had a situation like this before with a circular white area surrounded by redness.
---> I personally recommend seeking medical treatment.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2024/04/08

More Info

The presence of a small ulcer on the penis, especially one that has developed after an episode of sharp pain, can be concerning and warrants careful consideration. Based on your description, it appears that you are experiencing a small ulcer that resembles an oral ulcer, characterized by a white center and a red halo. This type of lesion can arise from various causes, and understanding these can help in addressing your concerns effectively.

Possible Causes
1. Trauma or Irritation: The initial sharp pain you experienced while using the showerhead may have caused a minor injury to the skin. This could lead to a localized ulceration, especially if there was friction or pressure applied to the area.

2. Infection: Ulcers can also be caused by infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) or syphilis. Herpes typically presents with painful vesicles that can ulcerate, while syphilis may present as a painless ulcer (chancre). Given your history of balanitis (inflammation of the glans), it is also possible that a secondary infection could have developed.

3. Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions such as lichen planus or Behçet's disease can cause ulcerations in the genital area. These conditions are often associated with other systemic symptoms and may require a dermatologist's evaluation.

4. Allergic Reactions: Contact dermatitis from soaps, lotions, or other irritants can lead to localized inflammation and ulceration. If you have recently changed any products used in the genital area, this could be a contributing factor.

Recommendations
1. Avoid Irritation: Until you have a clearer understanding of the cause, it is advisable to avoid any activities that may irritate the area, such as vigorous washing or sexual activity.

2. Maintain Hygiene: Keep the area clean and dry. Use mild, unscented soap and avoid any harsh chemicals that could exacerbate irritation.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the ulcer. If it begins to change in appearance, increases in size, or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever, swelling, or discharge, seek medical attention promptly.

4. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given the duration and characteristics of the ulcer, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider, preferably a urologist or dermatologist. They can perform a physical examination, possibly conduct tests (like swabs for STIs), and provide a definitive diagnosis.

5. Consider STI Testing: If you are sexually active, especially with new or multiple partners, it may be prudent to undergo STI testing to rule out infections that could present with similar symptoms.

Conclusion
While small ulcers on the penis can arise from various benign causes, they can also indicate underlying infections or other medical conditions that require attention. It is crucial to approach this situation with caution and seek professional medical advice to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help prevent complications and provide peace of mind.

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