Red Bumps and Sudden Darkening on the Penis: What Could It Be?

Red spots on the penis that suddenly turn black?

I noticed three small red spots on my glans about a week ago (they are not painful or itchy).
One of the spots has shrunk, while the other two remain unchanged.
Yesterday, I discovered another similar spot next to the two unchanged ones.
Additionally, I can vaguely see two to three spots under the skin of the glans (the inner foreskin is red, so it's hard to see clearly).
What concerns me the most is that last night I noticed a sudden darkening of the skin from the frenulum down to the base; it’s not the entire area, but a long shape that is also not painful or itchy, resembling a bruise with a hint of red.
Since it’s the weekend, I haven’t been able to see a doctor, and I’ve been very anxious and unable to sleep all night.
I’m unsure what to do.
Could this be a sexually transmitted infection? If so, how can it be treated? Thank you! (Note: I had a safe one-night stand about two to three weeks ago.)

Jia Rong, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/01/19

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology

The itching of the penis and the appearance of small red spots on the glans may be early signs of some skin inflammation.
Since these symptoms were noticed after sexual intercourse, it cannot be ruled out that they are related to sexual activity.
A clinical examination and palpation are necessary to determine the possible causes of the skin changes.
It is recommended to seek evaluation and treatment from a nearby dermatologist or urologist if symptoms persist.
Furthermore, it is advisable to have a consistent sexual partner and to use condoms consistently to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Reply Date: 2013/01/19

More Info

When it comes to the appearance of red bumps and sudden darkening on the penis, there are several potential causes that need to be considered. Based on the symptoms you've described—small red bumps on the glans, the appearance of new bumps, and a sudden darkening of the skin—there are a few possibilities that could explain your condition.

1. Pearly Penile Papules: These are small, harmless bumps that can appear around the glans of the penis. They are often mistaken for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but are completely normal anatomical variations. They typically do not cause pain or discomfort.

2. Folliculitis: This is an inflammation of the hair follicles that can occur anywhere on the body, including the genital area. It can present as small red bumps and may be caused by irritation, infection, or even friction from clothing.

3. Genital Warts: Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts can appear as small, flesh-colored or red bumps. They can be painless and may vary in size. If you have had unprotected sexual contact, this is a possibility that should be considered.

4. Contact Dermatitis: This could be due to an allergic reaction to soaps, lotions, or other products that come into contact with the genital area. This could cause redness and bumps but would typically also be accompanied by itching or irritation.

5. Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections can also lead to the development of red bumps. These infections may not always present with pain or itching, especially in their early stages.

6. Skin Conditions: Conditions such as psoriasis or eczema can also affect the genital area, leading to changes in skin color and texture.

The sudden darkening of the skin, particularly if it resembles a bruise, could be a separate issue. It might be due to a localized injury or trauma, but it could also indicate a more serious condition, such as a vascular issue or a skin infection.

Given that you have experienced these symptoms after a recent sexual encounter, it is crucial to consider the possibility of an STI. While many STIs can present with minimal or no symptoms, it is essential to get tested to rule out any infections.
Recommendations:
- Seek Medical Attention: It is important to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can perform a physical examination and may recommend tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

- Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it is tempting to search for answers online, self-diagnosing can lead to unnecessary anxiety and may delay appropriate treatment.

- Practice Safe Sex: Moving forward, consider using protection during sexual encounters to reduce the risk of STIs.

In conclusion, while there are several benign explanations for your symptoms, the possibility of an STI or other infection cannot be ruled out without a proper medical evaluation. It is essential to address these concerns promptly to ensure your health and peace of mind.

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