Red Dots on the Glans: Causes and Concerns

Q: Red Dots on the Glans: Causes and Concerns

Concerned individual： Hello, many infections can present with similar red spots, and further examination is needed. <br>It is generally recommended to visit a laboratory or hospital for blood tests to check for syphilis, HIV, and other conditions. <br>This will provide more peace

Red spots on the glans?

Hello doctor, at the end of December last year, I had protected sexual intercourse, but I withdrew the condom and ejaculated in the woman's mouth.
A few days later, I noticed small red spots on the tip of my glans (near the urethral opening).
They were raised but not painful or itchy, and after a few days, they disappeared.
Recently, these small red spots have reappeared in varying numbers; they disappear on their own and do not have any discharge, just isolated small red spots.
Could you please help me understand this? Thank you.

Danxin de ren, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/02/21

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Concerned individual: Hello, many infections can present with similar red spots, and further examination is needed.
It is generally recommended to visit a laboratory or hospital for blood tests to check for syphilis, HIV, and other conditions.
This will provide more peace of mind.
Best of luck.
Note: Inquiries made online are only suggestions and cannot serve as a basis for diagnosis.
Department of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Director Hsu Wei-Kai.

Reply Date: 2006/02/21

More Info

The appearance of red dots on the glans (the head of the penis) can be concerning, especially when they appear intermittently. Based on your description, these small red dots are raised, painless, and itch-free, which is a positive sign. However, it's essential to consider several potential causes and implications.

1. Irritation or Allergic Reaction: One common cause of red spots on the glans is irritation or an allergic reaction to substances such as latex (from condoms), lubricants, or soaps. If you recently changed any products you use during sexual activity, this could be a potential cause. The fact that the spots appear and disappear suggests that they may be related to transient irritation rather than a persistent condition.

2. Pearly Penile Papules: Another possibility is the presence of pearly penile papules, which are small, harmless bumps that can appear around the glans and are often mistaken for lesions. They are a normal anatomical variant and do not require treatment.

3. Folliculitis: If the red dots are located around hair follicles, they could be a mild case of folliculitis, which is the inflammation of hair follicles. This condition can occur due to friction, shaving, or bacterial infection and typically resolves on its own.

4. Infections: While you mentioned that there are no accompanying symptoms such as pain, itching, or discharge, it’s still important to consider sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as a potential cause. Some STIs can present with mild symptoms or even be asymptomatic. If you have concerns about potential exposure, it would be prudent to get tested.

5. Other Dermatological Conditions: Conditions such as balanitis (inflammation of the glans) or other dermatological issues could also manifest as red spots. These conditions may require topical treatments or further evaluation by a healthcare provider.

Given that the spots are not painful and resolve on their own, it may not be an urgent issue. However, it is crucial to monitor the situation. If the red dots persist, increase in number, or are accompanied by other symptoms (such as pain, itching, or discharge), it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough examination. They may perform a physical examination and possibly recommend tests to rule out infections or other conditions.

In the meantime, practicing good hygiene, avoiding irritants, and using protection during sexual activity can help minimize the risk of irritation or infection. If you have any concerns about your sexual health or the appearance of these spots, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to health matters.

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