HomeAnswersDermatologypost-inflammatory hyperpigmentationI have a brown spot on the head of my penis. Is this worrisome?

Why do I have a brown spot on the head of my penis?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At March 6, 2022
Reviewed AtSeptember 16, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have a brown spot on the head of my penis and a few six to seven black mole-like spots on the foreskin. I think the brown spot has been there for a couple of years, but I am not sure. Are these a cause for concern?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation mark with penile melanosis. You can get a dermatologist prescription for hyperpigmentation by a telemedicine portal or by direct consultation. I suggest you the following treatment. Apply Candid cream (Clotrimazole 1%) twice daily for three weeks if you have itching or irritation. Wash genital area with Episoft cleanser or Nosoap gentle skin cleanser or Cetaphil cleanser daily. I suggest you to take care of the following. Avoid scratching and rubbing of lesion. Maintain proper genital hygiene. Self-observation for change in size, shape, color, margins, and borders. Biopsy may need to be ordered to rule out malignancy if any symptoms are observed. I would like to know the following. History of fungal infection in the past? Do you have a family history of Melanoma? Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply. There are no other symptoms. I do not have a history of this infection and do not have a family history of melanoma. Is this worrisome?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is a benign penile melanosis or penile mole. No treatment is needed unless there is a cosmetic concern. If you have a cosmetic concern, I suggest that LASER (carbon-dioxide laser) is the treatment of choice. Look for changes in the lesion. Follow-up if any changes are noted. Is it rough to feel? It could be seborrheic keratosis. Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply. It is not rough. Both the black and brown spots are almost flat. I am very scared that it could be melanoma or something serious. I do not have any cosmetic concerns. Can I be assured that it is benign and nothing serious? Are both brown and black spots benign? Regards.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Malignancy if detected early, can be treated quickly with less scarring. Symptoms of malignancy are a non-healing sore that started as a patch or rash, a growth that crust over, change in shape or size of existing marks or discolorations, formation of rough scaly areas, itchy, painful, tender lesion, and a raised area with central lump. Causes are long-term sun exposure, severe sunburn at an early age, repeated exposure to radiation, unusual scars on skin, weak immune system, frequent exposure to certain chemicals, and use of tanning beds. Risk factors are being fair-skinned, exposure to UV rays, certain skin conditions, family history of skin cancer, elderly population, many moles on skin, and dysplastic nevi. I suggest you to take care of the following. Avoid mid-day sun. Avoid tanning booths. Do self-examination of skin to look for changes and detect them early. Get a skin biopsy of suspicious looking lesion on skin. Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply. Are these spots benign? Is a biopsy required immediately? Please let me know if I can be assured that it is not very serious

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is benign penile melanosis. No treatment is needed if the above-mentioned symptoms are not noted. On skin biopsy, a suspicious-looking sore on the skin (tissue is removed from the site) is sent to the laboratory for further examination through a microscope to rule out malignancy. As it is penile melanosis, a benign lesion, you need not worry. Observe and look for changes. If any, do not neglect them and order a biopsy. Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav
Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Venereology

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