Penis Skin: Is Penis Discoloration a Problem?

A man’s penis skin deserves regular attention to ensure that there is nothing strange happening down there. But what happens when a man looks at his penis and realizes the color is a little different than it used to be? Or when he sees the color of another man’s penis and wonders if there might be something wrong with his? Penis discoloration is often not discoloration at all, as every man is different. One man might have very dark skin on his penis, while another has surprisingly light-colored skin, and still another might have a penis that is darker on one end than on the other. This wide variety of color is no indication at all of a problem with penis skin.

The Incredible Color-Changing Penis

However, sometimes a man who has known his penis as a certain color for many years might suddenly notice some penis discoloration. What could cause this?

- Bruises and abrasions. When the penis suffers some sort of injury, bruises and abrasions can result. But the bruises might come from moments that a man might not even realize are causing injury, such as when he grips far too tightly during masturbation, or is enjoying vigorous sex that leaves him quite sore afterward. In the aftermath, he might notice dark bruises on his penis, which will eventually change color as the bruises heal. This penis discoloration should go away within a matter of days; if not, it’s time to see the doctor.

- Masturbation. As mentioned earlier, a man can actually injure himself during masturbation, which can lead to penis discoloration through bruising. However, the changes in penis skin that occur with masturbation can also be quite gradual. The friction that a man subjects his penis to on a daily basis can eventually lead to a slight thickening of the skin, which in turn makes the skin look a little darker. However, this kind of discoloration is so slight, and rarely causes problems for the penis skin, so it is rare that a man notices it.

- Vitiligo. This is an interesting condition in which the skin loses pigmentation. This can happen gradually, with spots that were once of a normal color suddenly appearing to have no color at all. This condition is not painful, and it’s certainly not contagious. Unfortunately, there’s also nothing a man can do about it. The good news is that an understanding partner might see the unusual coloration as a bonus, something that makes the penis rather beautiful, rather than something negative.

- Lichen planus. This itchy rash can appear out of nowhere. It starts out as bumps that are varying shades of purple with white around them or across them. It can appear anywhere, including the penis. The penis skin might look very different, but the penis isn’t always itchy when this rash is present. It’s not contagious and there is no cure, but it often does clear up in a year or so.

- Corticosteroids. These creams are known to be tough on the skin, so it makes sense that using them can lead to penis discoloration over a long period of time. A man should always take care to not use more than recommended, and remember that these are not meant to be used over a long period of time; if itchy penis skin persists, visit the doctor to figure out what the problem might be.

Dealing With Penis Discoloration

When it comes to matters of penis skin and health, don’t hesitate to see the doctor if penis discoloration is a concern. Always take good care of the penis skin through use of a high-quality penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin). An oil with shea butter will keep the skin smooth, while vitamin C can help protect against injury and vitamin E can help heal it.

Penile Melanosis: A Not-So-Serious Penis Discoloration Every Man Should Know About

How many times must a man look at his penis each day? Probably a lot, right? In addition to just being part of everyday function, a man should always be aware of the condition of his mister. This means lumps, bumps, scratches, and yes, changes in coloration. When a man notices he has a discolored penis, meaning one that is no longer in part, the same color, he may get anxious. He may panic and think the worse. While there are many reasons a man may experience penis discoloration, one that is not as well-known is penile melanosis. A harmless condition, penile melanosis, is described as small dark patches of skin on the penis. It is hyperpigmentation, which happens when melanin forms on the surface of the skin. It can also be known as penile lentiginosis. The spots can occur anywhere on the penis, from the head to the shaft. It’s not dangerous or infectious and doesn’t need treatment of any kind.

Symptoms

The dark spots, macules, are the only real symptom of penile melanosis. These macules are black or brown and less than a centimeter in length. They are painless and do not bleed. A man can have just one or many. They can appear on a man at any age.

In some very rare cases, penile melanosis can lead to lichen sclerosus, which is often found on the foreskin of uncircumcised men. Treatment for lichen sclerosus can include topical ointments or surgery.

Risk Factors

While there are no in-stone predictors for this penis discoloration, a man’s race and genetic makeup can play a part in his developing the condition.

Causes

This penis discoloration can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

- Penile injury

- Psoralen and ultraviolet light (PUVA) therapy which is used to treat psoriasis and other skin conditions

- Use of anthralin, a psoriasis medication

Treatment

Like other harmless penis discolorations, treatment is not required. A visit to the doc won’t hurt, however, just to calm one’s nerves and know there is nothing wrong.

That said, some men don’t like the aesthetic effect of penile melanosis. Some men also may feel like they need to explain it to a partner and don’t want to have that conversation continually. For those men, surgical removal of the lesions may be an option. Surgeons would remove the skin layer that has the excess pigment and then skin graft and resurface the skin to mimic the condition of the rest of the skin. Laser therapy, specifically a Q-switched ruby laser, is another option. Both options can leave tiny scars and most likely will be considered elective procedures and not covered by insurance. However, both removal options are safe and do not negatively impact penile health and function. As with all procedures, a man should weigh his risk-benefit before deciding on a procedure.

Penis Discoloration Prevention

Since penile melanosis is such an unpredictable condition, it’s not really possible to prevent it. A man should ask his doctor to keep an ongoing record of macules if he does have this penis discoloration to check for any changes in color, shape, or size over time to be safe. Sometimes a change can signal melanoma, a very serious form of skin cancer.

To keep skin supple and to keep discolorations at a minimum when possible, a man should consider using a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to keep penile skin in good condition. This crème promotes healthy cell turnover and metabolism to keep skin clear and fresh.

Penis Discoloration: 6 Reasons You May Be Sporting a Purple Penis

Penis discoloration is a pretty common issue, but sometimes when things get a little too deep and dark, a man can get worried. However, sometimes, a discolored penis is nothing to worry about. Things like getting an erection can cause the penis to get purple and is nothing to worry about. Other reasons for a purple penis are a little bit more serious. Let’s look at six reasons why a penis may appear purple and what to do when it does.

Penis Discoloration Reason #1: Penis Bruising

Penile bruising occurs when tiny blood vessels under the skin to leak. This can cause the skin to turn purple, green, or even black. Things like bumping your penis, catching your unit in a zipper, or having rough relations can cause a penis bruise. Those men that take blood-thinning medications have a higher risk of penis bruising. Thankfully, mild injuries don’t hurt a lot and will start to fade within a few days. If you experience pain, see your doctor.

Penis Discoloration Reason #2: Broken Penis

While the penis doesn’t have any actual bones, it does have tissue and ligaments that can bend and overstretch. It can lead to extreme bruising, swelling, and a deep purple color. Penile fractures are often referred to as a broken penis. These can happen as a result of a car accident, sex accident, or sports injury. In the absolute worst cases, the penis can look like an eggplant. Get to the doctor immediately if you see this special penis discoloration.

Penis Discoloration Reason #3: Allergic Reaction

Medications can spark allergic reactions that can cause a discolored penis. The most common medications to produce this outcome are antibiotics, anti-seizures, antipsychotics, and pain relievers. They can sometimes cause a purple rash on the skin.

Beware if that rash is painful or causes skin peeling. It could be Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which can be fatal. If you think it may be Stevens-Johnson, head to the emergency room immediately.

Penis Discoloration Reason #4: Purpura

Purpura is depicted by small, purple bumps on the penis, buttocks, lower legs, or elbows. These bumps form when the blood vessels under the skin begin to leak. While the bumps don’t cause pain, they can cause joint pain, pain in the scrotum, or abdominal pain.

Purpura is caused by an autoimmune reaction that triggers inflammation that causes the purple coloring. Anti-inflammatory medications can help clear up the bumps and reduce pain.

Penis Discoloration Reason #5: Sexually Transmitted Infection

Purple sores on your penis could be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection like herpes or syphilis. Herpes sores usually start as a blister that causes firm, round, and painless red or purple sores. Get to a clinic or doctor for testing. If caught early, syphilis can be remedied with antibiotics. Herpes is a chronic condition and cannot be cured, but antiviral medications can control outbreaks and reduce pain and heal sores.

Penis Discoloration Reason #6: Tattoos and Piercings

Things like a penis tattoo or piercing can cause the penis to swell or get bruised. Usually, it should go down in a few days. Watch for an infection, or it could get worse.

Penis Discoloration: Prevention

Obviously, being as careful as possible with the family jewels is among the best ways to keep penis discoloration to a minimum. Having safe sex is also an important way to not only keep a purple penis at bay but to also stay as healthy as possible. Another way to combat penis discoloration is by using a penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) that not only moisturizes but keeps the skin fresh, young, and new. With penis-power vitamins and nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, and D, the skin is gently exfoliated and turns over in a healthy way, renewing the skin and resulting in an aesthetically pleasing, factory-issue looking penis.

Four Reasons to Take Discolored Penile Skin Very Seriously

A penis is a man’s pride and joy, so it’s why when he sees it looking a little off, he doesn’t think it’s a big deal. Maybe it’s a bit blue and achy or red and painful to the touch. There is a world of things that could be causing it. The most common reason for penis discoloration is Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation or mild bruising. However, there are other times when penile skin discoloration is a warning signal of something dangerous that needs medical attention now! Here's four dangerous, and sometimes mortal, reasons for a man to keep a close watch on the rainbow of colors that may affect his penis.

1) Penile Cancer. Yes, cancer is probably one of the scariest words in existence, but trying to ignore it doesn’t make it go away. Discolored penile skin is the first sign of penile cancer. The discoloration can happen anywhere, including under the foreskin, so men who are not circumcised should be sure to retract the foreskin regularly to monitor any skin issues. Other signs of penile cancer include reddish rash, sour-smelling discharge, lumps, pain in the penis, thickening of the penile skin, and flat, bluish-brown growths. See a doctor immediately for a physical exam.

2) Hematomas. A hematoma is a serious bruise that’s gone too far. How can a man tell the difference between a bruise and a hematoma? A bruise is generally a darkening of the skin to a dark purple, blue, or green tint. A hematoma, on the other hand, takes on the same hue, yet becomes lumpy as blood pools below it. This can lead to a very severe loss of blood flow, which is quite dangerous. See a doctor immediately to prevent the rupture of a major penile vein. In the meantime, use icepacks to bring down swelling and ibuprofen to deal with any pain.

3) Stevens-Johnson Syndrome – The disease is a lesser-known, but desperately serious issue. It is technically an allergic reaction to something, usually a based medication such as anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, sulfa-based antibiotics, and even OTC pain relievers like naproxen and ibuprofen. The rash is a very specific purple color. If it progresses to sores and peeling skin, head to the emergency room immediately. This reaction can lead to death if not treated quickly. Expect some time in the hospital as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome requires a full range of professional care, which usually takes place in a burn unit or ICU to give an idea of the severity of the cause. Patients will have to stay in the hospital until they grow new skin, and the infection is completely gone, which can take several weeks or months.

4) Zoon’s Balanitis – Balanitis is a somewhat common issue among men. However, Zoon’s Balanitis is a nonthreatening illness that can last from months to years. Zoon’s mostly affects middle-aged to elderly men with uncircumcised penises. The first sign is a smooth, shiny penile skin discoloration of an orange-to red or reddish-brown patch on the head of the penis. The patch will grow over time if not treated. This can lead to pain, tenderness, issues with foreskin retractions, and the inability to have sex as it is too painful. It is thought to be caused by poor hygiene, smegma stones, excessive rubbing, and, potentially, HPV. Treatment is most often a prescribed high-potency corticosteroid cream or a CO2 laser.

How to Prevent Discolored Penile Skin

Preventing penis discoloration doesn’t have to be hard; it’s quite easy with a few practical steps. First, schedule and attend annual check-ups. Second, conduct a weekly penis self-exam to take note of any irregularities or pain. Third, protect the penis from bumps and bruising that can result from intense sports or rougher sex.

Finally, a comprehensive daily grooming regimen will keep a penis so healthy that any abnormal skin coloration or texture issues will be noticed immediately for fast treatment. Wash the penis regularly with a mild cleanser, giving special attention to all the folds of the genital area. Rinse thoroughly and pat or air dry. Seal the deal with a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to hydrate and nurture the penis. These specifically created crèmes provide vitamins and nutrients like vitamins A, B5, C, D, and E topically to encourage strong skin and cellular function. Amino acids like L-Arginine and L-Carnitine help to safe-guard the penis from nerve damage and promote healthy blood flow. This extra step supports penis vitality and results in exemplary overall penis health.

Some Less-Scary Causes of a Discolored Penis

When a man looks down and sees a rainbow of colors, it’s generally not a happy moment. In fact, it’s usually a pretty scary one. However, while there are a few serious causes of concern, the most common causes are all pretty harmless if just a bit uncomfortable or inconvenient. Thankfully, many of them can be treated easily. Here are eight of the less-scary causes of a discolored penis.

1) The Zipper Incident – Most men experience once or a million times in their lives, especially when going commando. It’s one of the top reasons for discoloration. This accidental catch of the worm can cause a red, blue, or purple penis discoloration and potentially a tear in the skin. Ice it (gently) to reduce inflammation and disinfect if the teeth left a mark.

2) Post-Pleasure Flush – Post lovemaking or loving oneself, the penis can flush red or purple as blood holds there before making its decline back into the body.

3) Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation – During puberty, men and women produce excess hormones, which excites the melanocytes, the skin cells that cause pigmentation. This can result in a darker penis discoloration in the entire genital area for men. While it can be aesthetically undesirable to a man, it poses no health concern. Men who don’t like it can see a doctor for Retinol, laser resurfacing, or even microdermabrasion to reduce the darkness.

4) Lax Hygiene – If a penis isn’t clean and dry most of the time, it is vulnerable to bacteria, infection, and fungus. It shows its displeasure by turning an angry red and can do any of the following: peel, produce excess smegma, get inflamed, and cause other issues like fiery urination and general discomfort. The fix is easy: wash it and wash it well. Use gentle cleanser, warm water, and care. Keep doing that until it goes away. And then keep doing it until the end of time to prevent it from happening again.

5) Just a Bruise – It can happen in sports, hitting the edge of a desk, or from a particularly athletic sex session; the penis can get bruised. Simply treat it tenderly and gently ice it to relieve the swelling. If the bruise starts to pool blood, go to a hospital because it might be a hematoma, which is much more serious.

6) Latex Allergy – A quarter of all adults in the United States are allergic to latex condoms, and a discolored penis is one of the common symptoms. If experiencing penis discoloration and rash-like symptoms, a man should gently, but thoroughly, clean the area and potentially take an antihistamine to help. He should then be sure to follow up with his doctor for an allergy test. Thankfully, there are many alternative kinds of condoms, so safe sex can always be had!

7) Allergic Reaction – Other allergic reactions are also common, especially from things like body wash, lotion, and laundry detergent. If a man hasn’t changed anything on his end, he should check with his partner to see if they have. Relief can be found as mentioned in #6 above.

8) Penile Melanosis – A harmless skin condition, it produces small patches of darkened skin on the shaft or head of the penis. It happens when melanin accumulates in concentrated deposits on the surface of the skin. There’s no treatment necessary for this condition, but a doctor can recommend removal options if a man wants to make a change.

Preventing Penis Discoloration

Treat the penis right and treat it gently! Wear protective gear when playing sports or being athletic. Also, try to avoid any rough rights or lefts when being intimate, as that can cause injury. When engaging in a little self-pleasure, be sure not to invoke a death grip, as it can lead to friction causing discoloration and nerve damage.

In addition to the above, be sure to follow a hygiene regimen to keep the penis spotless, vigorous, and protected. Wash regularly and meticulously with a gentle cleanser, being sure to clean all the folds and crevices and rinsing well. Follow up cleansing with a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to calm and relieve the skin.

5 Serious Causes of Discolored Penile Skin: Identification, Treatment, and Prevention

Most times, a little penis discoloration isn’t too big of a deal. It could be the result of several non-threatening issues. Things like Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (say that fast five times) or mild bruising (both generally due to activities like sex, sports, or umm…behaving a little too rough with oneself) can occur and these small, minor injuries to the penile skin might require a lot of R&R and a little OTC cream and pain reliever to get back to good. However, there are some times that discolored penile skin can be linked to something bigger and scarier. While it can be jarring, it’s important to know what’s out there, preferably before experiencing symptoms, so a man can catch anything serious early and head to the doc post-haste. Here are some of the more serious causes of discolored penile skin, their related symptoms, and an idea of what treatment entails.

1) Zoon’s Balanitis – While it sounds like something from outer space, it is a benign condition that can last from months to years. While benign, it’s staying power landed it on this list. Zoon’s tends to affect middle-aged to elderly men with uncircumcised penises. The condition presents as an orange-red to red-brown patch, generally on the glans, that is smooth and shiny. Over time, the patch can expand without treatment. Researchers have not been able to isolate a known cause, but poor hygiene, rubbing, smegma stones, and potentially, HPV, have been linked. Treatment usually consists of a high-potency corticosteroid cream or a CO2 laser. Medical attention must be sought for this

2) Hematomas – Bruising of the penis after an injury can result in darkening, sometimes to a dark purple, blue, or green hue. However, when that bruise is elevated to a hematoma, it becomes lumpy to the touch as blood from the injury pools beneath the skin. This can cause a very serious, very dangerous loss of blood flow. Men experiencing this should see a doctor immediately. Treatment can range from ice packs and ibuprofen to surgery to prevent the rupture of a major vein in the penis.

3) Stevens-Johnson Syndrome – Allergic reactions are entirely common and can happen on any part of the body, the penis included. However, if the penis turns a very distinguishable purple and stays that way, it’s possible the cause may be a severe allergic reaction to medication resulting in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). If the rash accelerates into peeling skin and sores, get to the emergency room ASAP. This is a very serious illness that can lead to death. There are specific medications which are more likely to cause SJS: sulfa-based antibiotics, ibuprofen, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, naproxen, and antibiotics. Be sure to bring medication to the emergency room. Treatment includes a full-range of professionally-given care and generally takes place in the ICU or burn unit due to the seriousness of the issue. In essence, those who suffer from SJS will need to grow back skin and should expect a hospital stay.

4) STIs – Often the first thing men worry about when noting a discolored penis skin, sexually transmitted infections like genital herpes and syphilis do have links to penis discoloration. Other symptoms to be on the lookout for include fever, itchiness, pain, fatigue, and a burning sensation in the genital area. Get to a doctor or clinic for testing. Treatment varies depending on the STI and the severity of the case.

5) Penile Cancer – No one ever likes to hear the C-word, but unfortunately, discolored penile skin is the first symptom of cancer. It can happen anywhere on the penis, so uncircumcised men should be sure to pull back foreskin for inspection regularly. This discoloration may also be accompanied by other symptoms like a lump, thickening of the penile skin, reddish rash, flat bluish-brown growths, a sour-smelling discharge, a lump in the groin, or unexplained pain in the penis. See a doctor as soon as possible for tests.

Preventing Discolored Penile Skin

First and foremost, practice safe sex. Use protection to prevent STIs and always have an open dialogue about sexual and medical history with partners, even if it sucks the romance out of the room. Be sure to conduct a weekly self-exam of the genital area, noting any differences and pains. Wear appropriate protective gear during group or adventure sports to minimize trauma or injury to the penis.

In addition to the tips above, employ a grooming regimen to keep the penis clean, healthy, and protected. Cleanse regularly and thoroughly with a gentle cleanser, being sure to clean all the folds and crevasses and rinsing well. Follow up cleansing with a specifically formulated penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to hydrate and calm the penis. These specially created crèmes provide vitamins and nutrients like vitamins A, B5, C, D, and E topically to promote healthy skin and cellular function. Amino acids like L-Arginine and L-Carnitine help to protect the penis from nerve damage and promote healthy blood flow. This extra step promotes penis vitality and results in good, overall penis health.

Penis Discoloration: 7 Causes and How to Cope

There’s nothing quite like the confusion a man feels when he looks down at his penis and sees it’s discolored. Not only is it aesthetically jarring, but also can be a cause for anxiety. Whether the penis in question is purple, deep red, spotty, or develops peeling and sores, it’s a cause for concern and quick thinking. Many causes of penis discoloration are not serious and can be easily treated at home; however, there are some that require medical attention. The following are some of the things that men should look out for when penis discoloration becomes noticeable.

1) Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation - If a man has noticed his skin starting to darken, it could be Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, which is just an overproduction of melanin in the penis area. This issue usually follows events like aggressive masturbation or sex or an injury. Most times it can simply be treated with retinol or microdermabrasion and often, it fades with time.

2) Bruising - Bruising of the penis after an injury can cause the skin in the delicate area to darken or to take on a purple, blue or even greenish appearance. While minor bruises shouldn’t cause concern, any sudden blows or impacts to a penis, in sports or sex, could result in a penis fracture and should be treated immediately by a trusted medical professional.

3) STD/STIs - Sorry to say, but if a man is seeing purple sores, it may be genital herpes or syphilis. If he is also suffering from some other symptoms like pain, fever, fatigue, itchiness, and burning in the area, he should get tested and treated immediately. The best way to avoid catching an STD/STI is to practice safe sex or abstinence and have an open dialogue with partners about sexual health.

4) Purpura - Seeing purple or reddish blemishes on the penis? It could be purpura. Purpura is a direct result of an underlying condition that may include a bleeding or clotting issue, medication side effects, blood vessel inflammation or nutritional deficits. See a doctor to get more information.

5) Hematoma - A hematoma is like a bruise taken to the next level, except it happens deep within the tissue of an organ. The bruising is firm or lumpy to the touch as blood from the damaged vessel pools under the skin. Hematomas can cause a loss of blood flow and can also be quite dangerous. It’s advised that a man who thinks he has a hematoma get medical care immediately.

6) Stevens-Johnson Syndrome - Allergic reactions happen all the time and to every part of the body and the penis is no different. However, if the penis discoloration is a persistent purple, it’s possible the man may have had a severe allergic reaction to medication and as a result, developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The syndrome is characterized by a purple or red rash on the penis and can also appear on other parts of the body. If the rash develops into peeling skin and sores, proceed to emergency care as life-endangering complications can happen. There are certain medications who are more likely to cause Stevens-Johnson and they are sulfa-based antibiotics, ibuprofen, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, naproxen, and antibiotics. Anyone who believes he has Stevens-Johnson Syndrome should see a doctor immediately.

7) Eczema or Psoriasis - Men who have psoriasis or eczema on other parts of their bodies may also develop symptoms on the penis. Treating the affected area with vitamins A and E is sometimes helpful in addition to prescription medications.

Soothing the itch and healing the skin

Regardless of the source of the problem, maintaining good penile health is always a step in the right direction for keeping issues causing penis discoloration away. Wash with a gentle soap, being sure to generously clean all parts of the penis, and rinse well.

After cleansing the skin, apply a specially formulated penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) . These specially formulated cremes keep the penis hydrated and healthy. Be sure it contains a natural hydration like Shea butter as a base for luxuriously soft skin. Also, cremes with added ingredients such as vitamins A, C, D, and E, which are noted for their skin-soothing and healing properties are ideal for penis health.

Simple Reasons for Penis Skin Discoloration

Most men are quite familiar with their penis, and as such, can spot problems as soon as they appear. One of the problems that might sneak up on a man, however, is penis discoloration. Even with regular inspection and proper penis care, sometimes penis discoloration can be so gradual that a man doesn’t realize it is happening until one day he suddenly realizes, "Hey…something looks wrong here!"

The good news is that most cases of penis discoloration are caused by very simple reasons.
Remember, the penis skin is sensitive to many things. That includes things a man might take for granted otherwise, as the skin on the rest of the body is so much thicker than the skin on the manhood. Here are some of the most common reasons for penis skin discoloration:

1. Friction burns. Though it sounds awful, most men have actually suffered friction ‘burns’ at some point during their sexual life. A man who gets into any kind of sexual action without proper lubrication is at risk of penis irritation and redness that occurs as a result of the friction that comes from that sexual activity. The friction can lead to a darkening of areas of skin on the penis. This can linger for a few days.

2. Bruises or hematomas. When the penis sustains an injury, it can lead to bruising or in some cases, larger hematomas. Often the first sign of bruising is a change in penis color from the usual to something more green, yellow or even brown or black. In most cases a man is very aware he suffered an injury and is prepared for the bruising. Hematomas are larger and might present as large bumps under the skin. If a man is worried about bruises or hematomas on the penis, it’s a good idea to check with the doctor to make sure all is well.

3. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Known as PIH for short, this condition might occur as the penis heals from an injury, such as a serious friction burn. The penis skin might seem to return to normal, but then it changes color again, usually to a darker shade. This is because the immune response of the body has ramped up production of melanin in that area, which can lead to darker skin tones on the penis. Though it is not a cause for concern and will fade with time, a man who is truly worried can bring it up as his next doctor’s visit.

4. Fungal infections. Some men might experience discoloration of the penis in response to fungal infections. The most common culprit is a yeast infection, which can come with many symptoms, including pain upon urination, a thick discharge from the penis and itching or burning. One of the first signs might be penis discoloration; specifically, a darkening or reddening of the head of the penis. This condition requires the help of a professional to treat.

Though there are other reasons for penis discoloration, most of them are quite rare and would need a doctor’s evaluation to determine the cause and treatment. The good news is that most cases of penis discoloration are very straightforward and remedied with time and good penis care.

One way to help maintain the best penis care possible is through the use of a high-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Look for a crème that enhances blood flow, which brings more oxygen-rich blood to the penis. A crème containing L-arginine for blood vessel health and alpha-lipoic acid to fight against age spots is a great start. The best crèmes will contain nutrients and vitamins in a Shea butter and vitamin E base, which provides the hydration a penis needs to stay smooth, supple and ready for action.

Penis Discoloration –Normal Variations versus Potential Problems

As most men are intimately aware of their penis and alert to any changes, variations in its appearance such as penis discoloration can be a cause for intense worry. Thankfully, in most cases, minor alterations in penis color are considered totally benign. In fact, trying to amend penis color changes like this could do a lot more harm than good. But there are a few situations in which changing color could indicate a more serious condition that merits further attention to penis health, including a trip to the doctor.

The Role of Blood in Penis Color

A quick surge of blood into penile tissues can help a member move from soft to hard, but the blood does more than just make things a bit more firm. This fluid is a thick, deep, red color due to all of the nutrients and oxygen it contains. Since the penis is filled with blood vessels both large and small, when a man is aroused and activity is in progress, the penis can become much, much darker.

There are times, however, when a man may notice that his penis doesn't darken as it once did, even when he's ready for action. It's possible that an underlying heart condition is to blame, as decreased cardiovascular function may reduce blood flow to the area. Men with underlying heart problems should be sure to mention this issue to their health care provider, just to ensure that the changes they're seeing aren't part of a larger problem that should be addressed.

Speckles and Splotches

Color changes due to blood flow tend to be uniform, affecting large areas of a man's penis. The entire head of the penis may turn darker, for example, while the shaft of the penis remains the same. Variations like this tend to be healthy and blood-flow related, but there are some types of penis discoloration that are not so uniform, and they don't come and go with arousal.

Speckles of deep purple, splotches of light pink or changes in penis color that are also mirrored on other parts of the body could be signs of more significant problems, such as:

• Reactions to medications
• Bruising
• Genetic disorders
• Pigmentation disorders
• Skin cancer
• Sexually transmitted diseases

This is a long list, but men who are experiencing penis spots or other color changes should not try to self-diagnose the problem. For guys who have questions or concerns about the appearance of their penis skin, a trip to the doctor can help to clear up the issue.

Men who experience bruising following an injury or who have sores that are accompanied by fever, body aches, or other flu-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Sores that weep, bleed or do not heal on their own should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

DIY Disasters

When faced with penis spots or discoloration, some men are tempted to break out bleaching agents or self-tanning oils. Many of these products are simply not designed for use on intimate skin, and some products can even cause nasty burns that take a long, painful time to heal. If the color variation isn't due to a medical problem, learning to appreciate the natural variation may be the best bet.

Men with all skin types and colors can keep the penis looking attractive by applying a penis health formula (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). A quality penis cream containing natural emollients and vitamins can help soften the skin and remove deadened skin cells that can dull the appearance of the penis. Daily application after a shower, when the skin is most responsive, can leave the skin feeling soft, smooth and supple, as well as responsive to sexual stimulation.