Penile redness

[kaldzzz]

Hello Doc.

I've had this problem for over 7 months now. I have tiny veins that are branching off a major vein on my penis shaft. these small veins when penis is flaccid make skin look red. upon spreading skin the redness fades and i see those tiny veins. because theres so many of them right next to each other when skin is flaccid, the veins do not appear like veins but a red spot. I've seen doctors and no one really tells me what caused these small veins to appear or if they can be treated. they only say don't worry. its really bothering me and i would like some answers. Please help
Could they be spider veins?????

[Dr Smitha Mathews]

Hi,

The condition that should be ruled out here is a disorder called balanitis xerosis obliterans. This is a precancerous lesion and needs appropriate diagnosis and management.

Another possibility is that you have developed telangiectasia of the skin over the penis.
This can occur due to genetic factors when the telangiectasia is widespread but can occur due to indiscriminate steroid ointment use locally.

Did you notice any triggering event prior to the onset of these symptoms?
Any pain associated with the appearance of the veins.

Do post a few more details.
Regards

[kaldzzz]

Yes. Telangiectasia of the skin is more likely. I was using all these anti biotic creams and anti fungus on my own at the same location i have these tiny veins now being concerned of a fungus infection. after these tiny veins developed went to a doctor told me it was ringworm which was ruled out later by him again but caused me to use another cream called ketoderm. so i have used many creams prior of small veins being developed and after, trying to eliminate them with hydrocortisone cream. Please reply back to me regarding my message today. Very appreciated  

[kaldzzz]

Sorry I forgot to answer your last question. No there isn't any pain. just small veins that are very tiny, parallel to each other and very close to one another that form a pink spot upon spreading i see the tiny veins that are all branching off the same one purple vein or blue one.

[Dr Smitha Mathews]

Hi,

Prolonged use of steroid creams over inflamed areas can cause dilatation of the blood vessels in the skin and in underlying structures.
This is part of the skin atrophy that occurs with steroid exposure.

Discontinuation of steroid cream use will not result in restoration of previous skin appearance nor in disappearance of the telangiectasia.

There are medical measures that can help suppress and minimize the appearance and you can discuss these further with your dermatologist.

Surgical measures include laser ablation of the vessels, but this can only be decided upon after a detailed examination.

Regards

[kaldzzz]

If laser therapy was not an option due to sensitive area. Are there any other measures that can be done to overcome telangiectasia? Thank you for your quick response

[Dr Smitha Mathews]

Hi,

There are several measures that can help treat telangiectasia to minimize the appearance.
1.  Stop use of steroid cream on the affected area.

Medical treatment has been tried with agents such as ketoconazole, but without very promising results.

Sclerotherapy has been found to be succesful in treating telangiectasia of the venous vessels, but does not have such a good result with capillary (arterial) telangiectasia.

Another option is electrocautery.

Even though the location of the lesion is over a sensitive area, any intervention would be undertaken under appropriate anesthesia.

Do consult a dermatologist regarding intervention at the earliest. Due care at the appropriate time is warranted in view of the fact that the telangiectasia could become permanent in a short while after discontinuation of the steroid cream use.

Regards