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What Causes Whitish Discoloration Of Skin On Genitals?

Posted on Thu, 18 Dec 2014

Question: Hi there, I have recently noticed that on the skin above my genitals the skin is going white (it looks like vitiligo)... I know what it looks like as my father has it on his hands and arms (he is in his late fifties). I have noticed however, that my male partner has also started developing vitiligo on his scrotum. I find it odd that we both seem to have developed this condition at similar times in similar areas of the body. I am concerned that this might be signs of something more sinister ie: HIV etc........

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Vitiligo not related to HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query.I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.
Hope you are sure of diagnosis of vitiligo in both.
Vitiligo is not transmitted by touch or sexual contact. So you can allay fears of transmission.
Vitiligo is not related to HIV. You can allay fears of HIV from this angle. You can send clear photos of your lesion and partner lesions. Else both get examined by doctor
But if either of partners have more than 1 partner and have unprotected intercourse there are chances of STDs.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venereologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (3 minutes later)

Hi, I am just making the assumption that it is vitiligo, it looks like it to me and given my father has it I thought it made sense this may have been the case. What STD Conditions could cause the skin on the scrotum and around the genitals to turn white?

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Vitiligo, fungal infection, dermatitis etc.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
It need not be STDs causing hypopigmentation.
It may be Vitiligo, fungal infection, scrotal dermatitis, post inflammatory hypo pigmentation , contact/ allergic dermatitis etc .
STDs as a routine needs to be investigated if either of partners has multiple partners.
Please get back with clear photos of lesions of both or consult doctor for examination and investigation.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh Basti

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju