Red Mark on Penis

i am not sure what this is...but every once in a while, i get this red mark on my penis head, its like someone took a sharpie and made a mark.  it seems to come after erection..so, after sex...masturbation...sometimes in the morning..its not raised, it is smooth..doesn't hurt..no burning when urinating..i've been tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia (both negative)...it just comes and goes...any ideas?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the STD forum.

No STD behaves this way or looks like you describe, so definitely no worries there.

It seems the spot is most prominent at times of maximum blood flow to the penile skin, as occurs during sexual arousal, or in the morning following a nocturnal erection.  This strongly suggests something related to the blood vessels in your skin.  My guess is you have a hemangioma, sometimes considered a kind of mole.  Hemangiomas are entirely harmless, really just a normal variation in the skin.  But to be certain, see a health care provider, preferably a dermatologist.  Even when you are not aroused, a hemangioma probably would be apparent to a dermatologist on careful examination.  In the meantime, don't worry about it, and stop getting tested for STDs.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[dougie123]

i checked what hemangioma was and from the pics online its raised and typically on the skin..are you saying that if i have this that eventually it will grow??

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

No online doctor can make a specific diagnosis and I am not saying that is what you have, only that it sounds possible.  If so, it is harmless and probably will not grow.  But you need to see a health care provider personally to know what you have.

[dougie123]

thanks for your help..i just wanted some peace of mind..i am going to see a doctor next week for a normal checkup and will ask about it then..