My glans appears wrinkled and red. What could the issue be?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 29-year-old male. I have abnormal appearing glans of the penis. The glans started to change several years ago, becoming very wrinkled and having a redder appearance than before. The meatus started to change at about the same time.

I have not had any sores on the head, but I had friction bumps that would come and go after sex. I have previously had multiple partners but have been with the same partner for four and a half years. I have previously had a full panel STD test, and everything came back negative.

I am seeking a dermatologist's opinion as to what the issue could be and the possible treatments for it.

Please help.

Thank you for your guidance.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

As all your investigations regarding sexually transmitted diseases are normal and you are not having any other symptoms (except wrinkling), you need not worry about the appearance.

Try to apply proper lubricant like petroleum jelly or Vaseline two to three times a day and avoid rubbing or friction. Sometimes, it is a normal variant. Having pimples is folliculitis, which appears in these areas and they eventually heal. So your main treatment is reassurance, and you have to follow up after six months in order to see any other pathological change.

Hope it helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Absolutely not. HPV lesions are never like this. The reason you were not investigated for HPV (human papillomavirus) is that, most commonly, it is diagnosed clinically from its general appearance.

If lesions are not clear, only then is it investigated. So, just relax about HPV. But remember to seek medical advice when your sex partner changes or after every six months.

I hope this addresses your concerns.

Please feel free to follow up if you need any additional clarification.

Thank you.