Color Changes After Glans Injury: Causes and Solutions - Urology

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The color of the glans may differ after the healing of a laceration?


Hello, Director Hsu: My glans was forcefully rubbed by my girlfriend through my pants, resulting in a small abrasion on the left glans.
It healed after a few days, but...!!!! 1.
The abrasion site is red, which is different from the surrounding area that has a slightly purplish tint (it has been a month).
I think my penis looks quite good, so I cannot accept this flaw.
2.
I am worried about potential pigmentation and scarring, so I bought a scar gel to apply to the healed area.
It has been a month, and it has not returned to its original appearance; it is still a small red line.
Could you please clarify for me: (1) How can I treat this to restore the skin color to its original state? (2) Why is this happening? (3) I have stopped using the scar gel, but did it have any effect? If it was ineffective, what could be the reason? Thank you for taking the time to respond, and I look forward to your answer!

Didi Wanmei Zhuyi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/08/03

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology


Perfectionism in my brother: Hello, basically, all bodily tissues undergo a repair process after injury, which focuses on restoring function rather than returning to their original state.
For example, with external wounds on the skin, scars take some time to heal, but the color is often slightly different, with some degree of variation.
Common scar ointments generally contain some steroid components to inhibit excessive tissue repair, which is more effective for skin hypertrophy, but their effect on color changes is limited.
Response from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2005/08/03

More Info


In response to your question regarding the color changes and healing process after a glans injury, it's important to understand the physiological responses of the skin and underlying tissues to trauma.
1. Understanding Color Changes: After an injury, the body goes through a healing process that can involve inflammation, which often manifests as redness and swelling. The redness you observe at the site of the injury is likely due to increased blood flow as the body sends nutrients and immune cells to the area to facilitate healing. The bluish or purplish hue you mentioned could be a result of bruising, which occurs when small blood vessels break and blood leaks into the surrounding tissues. Over time, as the body reabsorbs this blood, the color may change from red to purple, and eventually to yellow or brown as it heals.

2. Why It Might Not Be Returning to Normal: The persistent redness you are experiencing after a month could be due to several factors. First, the skin in that area is particularly sensitive and may take longer to heal than other parts of the body. Additionally, if there was significant trauma, the underlying tissues may still be in the process of healing, which can prolong the discoloration. Another possibility is that there may be some residual inflammation or irritation, which can keep the area looking red.
3. Managing the Healing Process: To help the area heal and potentially return to its original color, consider the following steps:
- Gentle Care: Avoid any further irritation to the area. This means being cautious with clothing and activities that might cause friction.

- Moisturization: Keeping the area moisturized can help with healing. Consider using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or a healing ointment that is safe for sensitive skin.

- Sun Protection: If the area is exposed to sunlight, use a sunscreen to prevent further discoloration, as UV exposure can darken scars.

- Consult a Dermatologist: If the discoloration persists or worsens, it may be beneficial to consult a dermatologist. They can assess the area and may recommend treatments such as topical steroids to reduce inflammation or other therapies to address pigmentation issues.

4. Regarding the Scar Gel: Scar gels can be effective in minimizing the appearance of scars, but their effectiveness can depend on several factors, including the age of the scar, the type of gel, and how consistently it is applied. If you have stopped using the gel, it may not have had enough time to show results, or it may not have been suitable for your specific type of injury. Some gels work better on newer scars, while others are formulated for older scars.
In summary, the color changes you are experiencing are a normal part of the healing process after an injury. While it can be frustrating to see persistent discoloration, patience is key, as healing can take time. If you have concerns about the appearance of the area or if it does not improve, seeking professional medical advice is always a good step.

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