What Are The Red Spots On My Testicles And Penis?

Posted on Sat, 28 Apr 2012

Question: Hi, I am 27 and weigh about 190 lbs. I have had no serious medical problems, but am sexually active.
About a month ago my inner thighs started to itch and were red then it seemed to move a couple of weeks ago to my testicles and penis. There are now red spots (not raised) on my thighs, head of penis and it seems this week more have started to appear on my stomach. The areas affected itch terribly, especially late at night and they are waking me up early in the morning (around 6-7). The spots don't hurt to touch. They are red and kind of shiny and a few of them look like the center is flaking off (a very small white flake on a couple on the penis head) I find showering with colder water helps and if i sleep on my stomach the itching seems better. But this has been going on for over a month now and more spots just keep appearing and I have no idea! I am sexually active and worry it could be an STD, but it doesn't seem to match up exactly with herpes which is what I was most worried about.

Answered by Dr. Kiran Kumar (1 hour later)

Hi,

Thanks for the query.

Your symptoms are suggestive of skin infection. Since you have mentioned that you are sexually active, it can be one of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Herpes usually presents as vesicles which comes and goes and usually subside within a weeks time. Also they are not usually so extensive. So its less likely.

There are many other conditions which can present as reddish lesions over the genitalia and lower abdomen.
1. Secondary Sphilitic Lesion
2. Molluscum Contagiosum
3. Scabies
4. Fungal Infection - Tinea

Only if, I can have a look at the lesion, I would be able to come to a conclusion.
It will be useful for me to give you a definitive answer if you could send some photos of your lesions.
You can mail me at YYYY@YYYY with Subject ATTN: Dr Kiran Kumar. Please do confirm by writing here about mailing the photos, so as to reply you back at the earliest.

In the mean time,
1. Apply Antifungal Ointments like Candid (Clotrimazole) Ointment.
2. Apply calamine lotion twice a day. This will reduce the itching.

You will need further evaluation with blood tests if the lesion persists. Do consult your Dermatologist.

Please send me the photos of the lesion so as this would help me in suggesting you better.

Awaiting your reply.

Thanks and Regards,

Dr Kiran.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Kiran Kumar (1 hour later)

Hi, thank you for the reply. I have sent you some pictures as requested. Hope that helps

Answered by Dr. Kiran Kumar (12 hours later)

Hi,
Thanks for the query,

You lesions are papular and reddish.
They can be seen in Molluscum, Herpes, Scabies or H. Ducrei.

You must consult a Dermatologist and get yourself evaluated clinically with blood tests and skin tests.

It is required as the lesions may improve with time. However, the differentiation is necessary to advice you regarding the future outcome.

Hope this answers your query.

Thanks and Regards,

Dr Kiran

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Radhika