Dermatology  (Expert Forum)

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Vitiligo of Penis

Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center Brookline - MA
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MedHelp Member's Question
Vitiligo of Penis
by raycharlesfreak, Mar 05, 2008 12:11AM
Dear Doctor Rockoff,

For the sake of brevity:

1. 61 y/o male

2. Non-smoker; enjoy decent health with no major illnesses or problems so far; in better than average shape.

3.  Discovered pigment changes on penis about two months ago.  


No pain or discomfort associated with the condition, other than some understandable anxiety.  I do realize that vitiligo is considered benign and harmless in a health sense.

4.  Went to primary physician who concurred with my own assessment that I had Vitiligo.  He sent to a Dermo.  Dermo called it Vitiligo as well and prescribed Protopic.  They both deemed it idiopathic.

5.  My concerns center around the following:

     a.  After extensive looking into this condition, I've discovered that it usually presents between ages 20-40.  Further, that it is remarkable when it appears suddenly in a person my age, and in particular arising on the penis is an even rarer occurrence.  

     b.  I've seen some literature that states in light of the above,  the exclusion of a potential melanoma is advisable.  Both my primary and dermo, when asked about this, had little response other than somewhat terse remarks.  The dermo even asked me if was seeing a shrink.  (not a nice thing to say...)  

6.   What is the general procedure one should follow when confronted with this information?  Am I supposed to just let this be and ignore what I've read?  Are there any statistics with regard to the sudden onset of penile vitiligo in a 61 year old man?   How many cases have been attributed to a response to a malignancy?

What do I do, Doctor Rockoff?   Thanks very much.

RCF

Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Mar 05, 2008 06:33AM
To: raycharlesfreak
Vitiligo can certainly start before 20 or after 40.  It is always advisable to exclude melanoma.  Your dermatologist should do a full-body exam to look at all your moles and do so.  I see no reason for you to be concerned beyond that.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff
Related discussions
Member Comments (5)
by raycharlesfreak, Mar 05, 2008 01:32PM
To: Dr. Rockoff
If you would indulge one follow-up here,

1.  Is Protopic safe to use on the penis skin (or anywhere)?

The Dermatologist checked my back only for melanoma.  I'll follow up with a more complete exam per your advice.

Thanks for your help.

RCF

by someone1932, Mar 05, 2008 10:02PM
To: Dr. Rockoff
I have 2 white spots on my penis looks like loss of pigment...im 17 could be anything from syphilis to vitiligo. can i send you a picture?
by raycharlesfreak, Mar 07, 2008 04:02PM
To: ??
No opinion on the Protopic?

rcf
by Dustymom, Mar 12, 2008 09:15AM
To: raycharlesfreak
I have had vitiligo since I was 13, It usually starts in the groin, underarms or joint areas
Mine started in the joints, so my knees were the first to turn. There is a medication that works it is called.. Oxsoralen 10 mg, you take two capsules two hours before sun exposure and then you lay in the sun ( naked ) for 5min. cover up and go on with your day . this is done every other day for a week . you increase the time by 5 min every week until you are up to 20 min each session. you will find that the spots will start to get pigment back in them the fleshy areas fill in more quickly than the knees. The Vitiligo will spread if you are stressed so try to stay relaxed as much as possible. Once the area is filled in you just have to take a maintance dose. There are side effects.you dermatologist can advise you to them .I am 45 now and I have only suffered the odd burn.
Hope this helps
by shy1979, Oct 27, 2009 05:45AM
A related discussion, vitiligo was started.
by azad950, Feb 21, 2010 02:58AM
A related discussion, hiiiii was started.
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