white patches on the side of mouth and penis

[WillyBok]

I have white patches on the outside of my mouth. There are very noticeable if I open my mouth, causing the skin to stretch. When I went to a dermatologist, he didn't know, and hypothesized that it could be from whitening toothpaste, due to the fact I was kind of a sloppy brusher. But I've been conscience to keep the fluid in my mouth when I brush for months, and there has been no improvement. Also, I have noticed white patches on my penis. I seem to remember them there for a while, but now they might be getting worse, that, or Im getting more paranoid. They don't hurt, and they are not raised or blistered in anyway, just looks like white skin. But the amount of patches seems to have grown slightly. Im at a loss, and would like to figure this out because it is becoming increasingly more embarrassing.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Are these stark white patches? Would you say that the patches have well delineated borders?

I suggest that you have this assessed by a dermatologist. White skin patches may have fungal infections, pityriasis alba and vitiligo as differentials. These are differentials that you may need to consider for any hypopigmented areas on the skin.

Is there any scaling involved?

[WillyBok]

Hey, thanks for responding. I've been reading as many things as possible and pictures of vitiligo seem comparable. I wasn't overjoyed to see that, but maybe Im at least closer to understanding. There is no scaling, just white skin patches. What do you know of vitiligo?

[WillyBok]

Most sites say vitiligo is not curable, but there are some therapies that have been successful, any insight? Also, I find it very strange that in the coarse of one year, I've been diagnosed with rosacea and melasma. I an otherwise healthy guy, goes to the gym, eats right, wtf is happening. Why all the skin problems?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Vitiligo is definitely a differential here. I do not want to cause you further worries. However, it is best to have this assessed by a specialist early on.

Vitiligo may be autoimmune or genetic in origin . These factors seem to play a role in vitiligo. Vitiligo is associated with melanocyte loss. Melanocytes are cells responsible for pigmentation. They may occur as stark white patches of skin which usually have well demarcated borders. They may occur bilaterally and symmetrically , that is affecting both sides of the body. Treatment for vitiligo lasts for months and there should be a lot of patience involved here. Steroids and phototherapy have been utilized .The latter have been shown to be effective.

[WillyBok]

Do you believe that the white spots on the corners or my mouth (outside) correlate to the white patches on my penis? And do you have any idea why at midlife I am diagnosed with 3 different skin diseases? I feel something is breaking down, and I am becoming increasingly nervous about something bigger. Or can they all be isolated and its just bad luck?

[WillyBok]

If you have any suggestions to the questions above, that would be great, but regardless, thank you so much for your time and help

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

I truly understand your concern here. This is something I can not give a definite answer to. However  ,the cause of rosacea which you also have is yet vague. There seems to be no definite cause for this. Genetic factors may be involved here. Our bodies seem to have its own software which may encounter problems at a certain point. This is an analogy that I can think of for possible genetic and autoimmune conditions.

The white patch near the mouth and genitals may be related. Have you been under a lot of stress lately? Any change in your diet , medications, lifestyle? Any other members of the family with similar skin conditions?

You are on the right track now. Just continue close follow up with your doctors. Have the white patches assessed so the right management will be given you .