Penile melanosis is a rare condition that causes discolored areas of skin on the head and shaft of the penis.
These patches are dark brown and may be slightly or significantly darker than the surrounding skin on the penis.
Penile melanosis does not cause any other symptoms. The condition is not infectious or contagious, and there is no way to pass it on to other people. However, the exact cause is still unknown.
Penile melanosis is generally harmless and does not require treatment. Some people may choose to have cosmetic procedures to remove the spots, though.
In this article, learn more about penile melanosis, including the causes, associated conditions, and treatment options.
What is penile melanosis?
Doctors do not know what causes penile melanosis.
Penile melanosis refers to patches of brown or dark brown skin on the penis. These spots are typically large and flat, with each one appearing alone.
Melanin is one of the main pigments in the skin, and people with more melanin have a darker skin tone. Melanosis refers to a buildup of melanin.
Penile melanosis may also involve other pigment compounds in the skin, such as:
hemosiderin
lipofuscin
ferrous sulfate
As these pigment compounds build up, they can cause a noticeable change in the skin’s color. This hyperpigmentation appears in patches on the penis, rather than affecting the entire penis.
Causes
Doctors are not sure why some people develop penile melanosis. It is simply a buildup of pigment cells within the skin, which can occur in other locations as well.
However, possible risk factors that may increase a person’s chances of developing penile melanosis include:
Age: While penile melanosis can affect people of any age, it mostly appears between the ages of 15 and 72 years.
Genetics: There may be a genetic component to penile melanosis.
Injuries: Previous injury to the penis may play a role, as the formation of scar tissue can lead to hyperpigmentation.
Certain skin treatments: Treatment with certain drugs, such as anthralin or PUVA therapy, may increase the risk of penile melanosis.
Penile melanosis and lichen sclerosus
Penile melanosis may also have a link to another uncommon skin condition called lichen sclerosus.
Lichen sclerosus causes thin, pale patches of skin, usually in the genitals or hands. A 2017 case study of an older man found an association between the penile melanosis and lichen sclerosus on his penis.
However, this does not mean that one of these conditions causes the other. It simply suggests that there may be a link between them.
Penile melanosis and cancer
Some people may worry that discolorations such as these will lead to melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Penile melanoma is very rare.
Penile melanoma may cause darker spots of skin similar to those of penile melanosis, but typically just on the head of the penis. These may grow, change color, and bleed.
When a doctor diagnoses penile melanosis, they will be sure to rule out the possibility of the lesions being cancerous. Therefore, once they have confirmed their diagnosis, this means that the lesions are not putting the person at risk of cancer.
A person may see a dermatologist at set intervals to monitor the condition and ensure that there are no signs of melanoma. There is no direct evidence that penile melanosis will lead to cancer, however.
