Red Spots On The Glans: Why Do They Appear?

To avoid having red spots on the glans penis, the main thing is to practice good intimate hygiene to help prevent infections. Why can this problem appear? Here we detail it. Red spots on the glans penis are a relatively common symptom that can appear in multiple ways and for various reasons. They are usually transient and resolve independently since they are due to some blow or erosion during sexual intercourse. However, it is logical that any man is scared when observing them. The idea is to always consult a doctor since they can be a symptom of some important pathology or a contagious disease. The glans are the final part of the penis, a little thicker and pink in color. It is a very sensitive area that tends to get irritated easily and is susceptible to many pathologies. Most of the problems in this area are related to hygiene. In this article, we explain other common reasons why red spots appear on the glans penis and what you should do to fix it.

Red spots on the glans due to poor hygiene

As we well know, maintaining adequate hygiene is the first measure to avoid many infectious diseases. This is even more important when it comes to the genitals, as it is an area that facilitates the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. Red spots on the glans are related to poor hygiene, mainly because this situation often leads to infection by Candida or bacteria such as streptococci. In the case of yeast infection, the red spots are often accompanied by a stinging and burning sensation. Similarly, having sex becomes painful, and the penis is often more swollen and red. However, it is important to know that candidiasis can also appear for other reasons unrelated to hygiene. For example, it is normal to occur when having sex without condoms or after having undergone antibiotic treatment. According to an article published in BJU International, bacterial infections are common and usually accompanied by specific symptoms, such as a strong bad odor. In addition, there may be discharge from the urethra, which varies depending on the bacteria that caused it.

What can be done to improve hygiene?

Maintaining daily hygiene with soap and warm water is essential to prevent infections. If you sweat a lot, doing it twice a day is even recommended. And, of course, the idea is to use a condom when having sex to avoid any possible contagion.

Other causes of red spots on the glans

The red spots on the glans also appear quite frequently due to sex. As mentioned, the glans are sensitive, and the skin can erode due to friction. Although most people see it as strange, it is an area where there may be bruises. These little bruises can be caused by using certain sex toys, for example. The normal thing is that they disappear after a few days and cause limited pain. On the other hand, red spots can be a symptom of an allergic reaction, as in any other part of the body. Many men are allergic to certain substances present in gels or soaps. It may even be due to the fabric of the underwear. According to experts, when it comes to allergies, red spots on the glans are generally accompanied by itching in the area. They disappear as soon as you stop having contact with the substance to which you are allergic. In addition to the causes already mentioned, other reasons are the product of contagion by intimate contact or by certain genetic conditions such as herpes, contagious molluscum, scabies, contact dermatitis, balanitis, jock itch, psoriasis, and genital eczema, among others.

Red spots on the glans penis due to severe causes

Although less frequent, these spots can be a symptom of more serious pathology, such as cancer. It is important to suspect it in cases where there has not been close sexual intercourse or there are no other symptoms such as stinging or itching. Numerous studies affirm that squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent cancer of the penis. This type of cancer is often expressed as red spots on the glans, and it is necessary to detect it early to make the treatment more effective. An early form of cancer is very characteristic of this area called Queyrat erythroplasia. Medical and surgical treatments are available, but the most important thing is to see a specialist early for a diagnosis requiring a biopsy. Another condition that may present with one or more reddish or brown lesions is syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection. Although it has treatment and specific tests to detect it, sometimes it goes unnoticed in the first phase because those spots or lesions can disappear independently. But the disease runs its course and will continue to cause symptoms over time that are best not ignored to avoid complications. This is especially important due to the increase in its incidence in some areas. According to a report by the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network (Spain), the incidence has increased considerably in recent years. In 2019, 5,822 cases were registered, representing a rate of 13.29 per 100,000 inhabitants.

One of the most common genital herpes

Genital herpes is a chronic infection with periodic reactivation, representing a serious public health problem. Friction, friction, exposure to the sun or cold, nervous tension, drinks, and foods such as coffee, chocolate, and nuts are among the factors that reactivate it. As well as the common cold, menstruation, and aesthetic treatments such as dermabrasion and laser.

Causes and symptoms

It is caused by the Herpes simplex virus type II (HSV 2) through frequent sexual transmission from oral labial or genital lesions. However, there are also non-infectious causes of genital ulcers due to trauma, tumors, allergies, or immunology. In most cases, it is symptomatic and, to a lesser degree, without reporting symptoms, but it is always contagious. In addition to the glans, the lesions will be located on the pubis, buttocks, scrotum, or mouth if transmitted through oral sex. It begins with small erythema (redness) on the skin or mucous membrane, where cysts with a bright red halo burst and are sometimes painful. Treatments seek to reduce symptoms, aid healing, and reduce viral load to decrease transmissibility and recurrences.

When to see a doctor?

The red spots on the glans penis are usually benign and appear due to minor trauma or infections caused by inadequate hygiene. However, the ideal is to always consult the doctor so that he is the one who establishes a correct diagnosis. Some general recommendations you can follow while attending the urologist are the following: wear cotton underwear, and the soap is neutral; they are special so as not to alter the natural pH of the area. And if the cause of the red spots is due to fungus and it’s making you very itchy, you can try over-the-counter antifungal ointments.