Hello,
Penile melanosis or bowenoid papules do not disappear when light is thrown on them. It does not sound like any penile malignancy or cancer and hence you can wait till May when you can consult your dermatologist and get it examined.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.
So what was ir cause i have the same problem and im really scared
I have the exact same problem im 15 yo my spots dissapear with light too im really scared that it is something serious please tell me what your dermatologist said i would be very grateful
Thank you for your response! The first nurse practitioner I saw prescribed ciclopirox cream, which she said included a steroid component. She mentioned that she thought there was some inflammation around the entire glans, so she thought a steroid was appropriate. The inflammation did go away using the cream but it had no impact on the spots. Would that rule out lichen planus? Also, when the nurse conducted her evaluation she was at first shining a very bright light on the area. With the high-intensity light the spots were not visible at all--it was only after she turned the bright light off that I was able to point them out to her. I don't know if that means anything.
I read up on your suggested possible causes and I just want to reiterate that the spots are not raised or irritated in any way. Would a pigmentation issue like melanosis disappear completely during an erection or when the area is engorged with blood?
I don't question that I should see a dermatologist but I'm without health insurance until I'm done with graduate school in May. In your opinion, does this sound like a condition that can wait to be investigated until then? And, just for the sake of my peace of mind, is there any way this could be cancerous? I wouldn't think that a tumor, for instance, would just become invisible under certain conditions. Again, I know I need to see a dermatologist for an actual diagnosis but my anxiety is sky-high and I would GREATLY appreciate any elaboration you can offer. Thank you again!
Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be lichen planus. Lichen planus is an inflammatory disease that affects the skin and the oral mucosa, and presents itself in the form of papules(flat spots) or rashes. Treatment is available only on prescription and consists mainly of steroids, retinoids, hydroquinone and phototherapy.
The other possibilities are penile melanosis or bowenoid papulosis. In my opinion it would be best to get it confirmed from a dermatologist. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.
I forgot to mention: I'm 33 years old and there is zero chance of this being anything sexually-transmitted (I'm in a long-term monogamous relationship). Thanks again!