I have a red scaly painless spot on glans penis. What could it be?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have a red, painless, itch-free spot on the glans penis. It is shiny and slightly scaly, and I had it for a month. No sexual intercourse in the last six months and I am on Citalopram 20 mg and Trazodone 100 mg.

Answered by Dr. Sugreev Singh

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for attaching the pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity), and I completely understand your concern.

In most cases, such lesions are seen due to sexually transmitted infections like candida and gonorrhea. But as you mentioned, you have not been involved in any intercourse for six months. It can be due to candida only as it is a common fungal infection seen in most cases.

I am prescribing you five days medications and will see after that. Take tablet Cefixime 200 mg twice a day after meal for five days, tablet Cetirizine 10 mg once a day after meal for five days. Apply Beclomethasone Clotrimazole cream on the affected area three times a day after cleaning.

Do you have any history of herpes or any lesions on the lips? Please answer so that I can prescribe further treatment.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I was getting worried as I was browsing the internet regarding penile cancer. Hope that is not likely. A few more answers to help you get some more insight.

This happened around a year ago again and disappeared on its own. No itchiness nor pain. My partner (we are apart due to COVID-19) has had HPV. I have a recurring jock itch in my thigh area, but the one on the penis is itch-free. No history of herpes and lesion on lips. But I am under very heavy domestic and work stress. A thin layer of skin exactly the shape of the large red spot peeled off a few days back.

Answered by Dr. Sugreev Singh

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, it is not likely to be penile cancer. It is a fungal infection only. I suspect it to be candida, so use that cream and take tablets. Then after five days, on follow-up, we will see what progress we get. If not, we will prescribe further medicines or tests if needed.

Keep general hygiene. Clean frequently, and use fresh undergarments and washed towels only.

Do not worry. I hope everything will be alright.

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Answered by Dr. Sugreev Singh

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.

October 2, 2020

November 25, 2025

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Companion

Penile Red Scaly Spot Companion

How it works

A red, scaly, painless spot on the glans penis can be concerning. Here's what you should know about its characteristics, potential causes, and general care.

Spot
Understanding

Potential
Causes

Symptoms
Presentation

Doctor's
Approach

Treatment
Approaches

Hygiene
Prevention

Important Medication Information

Medications should be taken after consulting a physician. The dosages will be prescribed by the physician. Do not alter, start, or stop medications without consulting a healthcare professional.

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.