What's the matter with the black spots on the glans?

The appearance of dark spots on the glans may be related to factors such as pigmentation, trauma, post-inflammatory pigmentation, and melanoma. It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly for a clear diagnosis.

1. Pigmentation

Physiological pigmentation is common in middle-aged and elderly men and is related to local skin aging or changes in hormone levels. It usually appears as a light brown patch with clear borders and is asymptomatic. Daily care should be taken to keep the perineum clean and dry to avoid repeated friction and irritation. If the appearance is affected, laser treatment can be considered, but pathological factors must be ruled out before intervention.

2. Changes after trauma

Local impact or friction may cause hemosiderin deposition after subcutaneous bleeding, forming blue-gray plaques. There may be slight tenderness, which usually subsides on its own within a few months. Cold compresses can be used in the acute stage, and hot compresses can be used to promote absorption in the later stages. Repeated trauma may aggravate pigmentation, so it is recommended to wear loose cotton underwear to reduce friction.

3. Post-inflammatory changes

After balanitis heals, brown spots may remain, which is common in chronic inflammation caused by fungal or bacterial infections. It is usually accompanied by a history of local desquamation and pruritus. The diagnosis requires examination of secretions. After treating the primary disease, topical hydrocortisone cream can be used to reduce pigmentation. In severe cases, compound ketoconazole cream needs to be used to control inflammation.

4. Acanthosis nigricans

Skin lesions caused by metabolic abnormalities, manifested as velvety brown patches, often accompanied by insulin resistance or obesity. It may be related to friction in local skin folds. Blood sugar and insulin levels need to be checked. Skin lesions may improve after weight control. Vitamin A acid cream can be applied locally to regulate keratin metabolism.

5. Melanoma

Malignant melanoma may appear as irregular dark spots in the early stage, and may appear uneven in color, blurred borders, or bleeding in the advanced stage. Diagnosis requires dermoscopy and pathological biopsy. Surgical resection is the main treatment method in the early stage, and chemotherapy drugs such as dacarbazine injection are needed in the late stage. The disease progresses rapidly, and you should seek medical attention immediately if you find abnormal pigmented spots.

Daily attention should be paid to observing the changes in dark spots and recording whether symptoms such as enlargement, itching, and ulceration occur. Avoid using corrosive drugs on your own, and use mild, non-irritating bath products when cleaning. An annual urological examination is recommended, especially if there is a family history of skin cancer. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and controlling blood sugar and blood lipid levels can help prevent pathological pigmentation.