discoloration

[blob121]

im 19 years old and have not had sex.  my penis is a lighter color on the head and upper shaft part of my penis.  then the lower part is a darker color. im really scared i dont know if is gonna go away. i have used different things as lubricants. there is no pain and it did get raw. i dont know if i permanently damaged it or what.  please teell me if it will heal and how long or what i could do to help it get back to one color. please help!!!

[Dr Santos]

A dermatologist will help. They specialize in skin conditions  like in your case.  You can wait and observe for 1-2 weeks to see if it resolves. However, if  it persists or if other symptoms arise, you can set an appointment with your dermatologist.  Direct clinical examination is important for the diagnosis.

Take care and do keep us posted.

[blob121]

it has been this way since the beginning of this year i dont remember when it started to change color

[blob121]

i go to a dermatologist for acne help he should be able to help me right?
thank you so much for your help!!!

[Dr Santos]

1) This will depend on the underlying cause. If it is just hormone-related, hypopigmentation,  or caused by infection, it will eventually return to its natural color.  For proper diagnosis, a complete medical history ( some points to clarify- was it gradual or sudden in color change, history of fungal infection, etc) and direct clinical examination is important.

2) If it persists, I recommend that you tell your parents about it.

3/4) Treatment will also depend if the underlying cause is known. Again, if it is hormone related, you do not need any medication. You just wait and observe for a 1 to 2  weeks. If it persists, have this evaluated further by your doctor.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask if you have more questions or doubts regarding the matter.

[blob121]

the head and the top half is a pink color and the bottom is a tan. there are no spots anywhere. there are a few things i would like to know:
1) will it return to natural color

2) should i tell my parents

3) is there any medicine to help it regain natural color

4) what is your estimated time for natural color to fully return

thank you

[Dr Santos]

Other differential is leucoderma or vitiligo, a common, acquired, sometimes familial melanocytopenic disorder with depigmentation of the skin. This occurs due to destruction of melanocytes.  The hair that grows on areas affected by vitiligo sometimes turns white.  The diagnosis of vitiligo is made based on a physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. A biopsy of the affected skin may be obtained and examined under a microscope to check for presence or absence of melanocytes. Current treatment options for vitiligo include medical, surgical, and adjunctive therapies. Have this evaluated further by your dermatologist for proper diagnosis and management suited for you.

[Dr Santos]

If the white area occurs as spots, this could be tinea versicolor which is a common chronic, noninflammatory and usually symptomless disorder. It is characterized by the occurrence of multiple patches of all sizes and shapes, and varying in pigmentation. This condition is produced by the proliferation of the lipophilic yeast, Malassezia furfur which is part of the normal flora of human skin. It can occur at any age but is most commonly seen in young adults.  

[blob121]

and no other symptoms. no itching, burning nothing.

[blob121]

refers to the whole area

[blob121]

is there any medicine that can help it and what is your estimated time on healing?

[Dr Santos]

This means that the upper part is lighter in color or hypopigmented?  Hypopigmented refers to decreased melanocytes. Can you elaborate on the lighter part?  Does the lighter part comes in patches or it refers to the whole area? And are there other symptoms present?

[blob121]

but the bottom color is the orginal color

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

This could be due to hyperpigmentation wherein there is an increased melanocytes in the lower part. Try to avoid application of lubricants or creams. This usually resolves on its own. At your age, this is more likely due to hormonal causes.

Take care and keep us posted.