Dark or Red Bumps on Penis and the Scrotum

If you find any bumps on penis or the scrotum, chances are you are going to panic. Moreover, when it comes to dark or red bumps on penis it is more frustrating and worrisome for most individuals. People are often scared as having cancer or some sort of sexually transmitted disease. We understand how embarrassed you may be feeling because of the bumps you have on your penis, but always remember to get it checked by the doctor. Don’t be scared, your doctor is not going to chop it off, and the earlier you get it diagnosed and treated, the less likely you have chances of having anything serious. In fact, most of the common asymptomatic bumps are totally harmless.

In this article we’ll try to include all the possible common, uncommon or rare causes of black, dark or red bumps on penis and the scrotum. Please remember that self-diagnosis of such bumps on penis might be misleading and can get you in trouble later, so always seek medical advice before you come to some conclusion.

Most common causes of pigmented or red bumps on penis and scrotum

Angiokeratoma of Fordyce

They are small bright red or black blue vascular lesion 1-4mm in diameter commonly appearing in the scrotum, but these lesions can be seen on shaft of penis (labia majora in women), inner thigh and lower abdomen. The over lying surface may be mild scaly, however it is less evident in young individuals. Lesions are usually asymptomatic but may bleed after scratching or intercourse, few people complain of itching and pain. The lesions might look scary bit are harmless.

Melanocytic naevi (Moles) of the penis

Moles are quite common presentation on penis; they can be flat or slightly raised brown to dark color. They are usually harmless and do not requirement any treatment. But you should immediately visit doctor if you see any changes in size, color and texture of the lesion.

Bowenoid papulosis
Bowenoid papulosis are the bumps on penis that are caused by human papilloma virus. Clinically they represent genital warts and look like small skin color or reddish brown bumps that are commonly located on shaft of penis. Although most of the lesion is harmless, few lesions can turn into invasive malignant cancer. They can be treated with local destruction.

Seborrheic keratosis of the penis
Seborrheic keratosis are harmless lesion that are seen commonly seen on sun exposed area, but uncommon cases can be seen on the genital area such as on shaft of penis. Sometimes their location can cause diagnostic error and also can have negative influence on sexual life. Good news is that seborrhoeic keratoses are totally harmless and rarely or never turn into malignant cancer.

Other conditions that can commonly present as pigmented or red bumps on penis and scrotum
Lichen planus
Inflamed viral wart
Inflamed Molluscum contagiosum
Lichen planus
Lichen nitidus
Secondary syphilis
Scabies
Venous varicosities

Other possible causes of pigmented or red bumps on penis and scrotum

Early chancre of primary syphilis
Primary granuloma inguinale (donovanosis)
Primary lymphogranuloma venereum
Dermatofibroma
Syringoma
Insect bite and tick bite
Granuloma annulare
Tuberculide (lichen scrofulosorum)
Sarcoid
Leprosy
Superficial phaeohyphomycosis
Schistosomiasis
Inflamed epidermoid cyst
Acanthosis nigricans
Nevus comedonicus
(Juvenile) xanthogranuloma
Pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma

Other possible disease that should always be ruled out if there is any suspicion

Amyloidosis
Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum
Carcinoma erysipeloids
Kaposi sarcoma
Malignant melanoma
Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Xanthoma disseminatum
Genital metastases

[expand title=”References”]
1. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine
2. Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology
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