pigmentation changes on scrotum

I am a 48 year old white male. Recently I have noticed a pigmentation change on both sides of my scrotum. I now have irregular shaped white patches of skin on the lateral side of the scrotum. It looks like a total loss of pigmentation in the area. A total of three patches have appeared, one on each side and a smaller region at the base of the penis(approximate size 2"x3" on sides and a quarter size at the base). It does not hurt, burn, or itch. I have not noticed any other symptoms.  I thought it might go away but it has been there for about a year. I have not noticed any changes in the past six months. The size of the patches appear to be normalized and not growing any larger. I have not been tested for STD, but I have been in a monogamous relationship for over fifteen years. Should I have this checked out? Urologist or Dermatologist? Any insight would be appreciated.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think you have vitiligo.  This is a skin condition that has no sexual significance.  It may affect other areas of the body.  Cause is unknown.  Treatment involves using creams like potent topical steroids or a non-steroid called tacrolimus.  You should see a skin doctor for definitive diagnosis.  You can read about this at http://www.dermnetnz.org/colour/vitiligo.html.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[ombhu]

Thank you Dr. Rockoff, I came to that same conclusion after posting the question and review other posts. The literature generally apppears to state very little concern over the disease but can it be a precurssor for skin cancer or melanomas?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Nope.

Dr. Rockoff

[ombhu]

Ok, thanks for the information.  This is a great format for seeking medical information and I appreciate the time you have devoted to helping myself and others. Keep up the good work!

[prachi]

Hi,
My daughter is 2yrs old and she get burn with hot tea when she was 1.4yrs. she burn very badly  so doctor done grafting to her chestand removed her skinlayer from leg to graft the chest part.so now we want to get cure her scars nowadays iam  applying aloe vera and we want some cream which give pigmentation for skin to remove the scars of legand other part which burnt. if u can help us that would be great for us.


thanks,
regards,
ria,

[physio121]

A related discussion, scrotal vitiligo was started.