Penis skin tone or color can vary significantly from one man to the next: a man with very light may have a red penis (even when it is flaccid), while a man whose skin is dark-hued may possess a penis that is somewhat lighter in tone. Most men will also notice a variation in their penis skin tone, whether temporary or permanent. Changes in penile color are not usually worrisome, but on some occasions they do indicate that some additional attention needs to be paid to ensure continued penis health.
Erection-related variations
Men with light-hued skins will often experience a significant change in color when a penis goes from soft to hard. This is, of course, due to the fact that the penis erection is a result of blood rushing to the penis and causing it to swell. When erect, the penis of a man with light complexion will tend to be reddish or purplish.
“Normal” differences between body and penis tones
It’s also not at all unusual for a man to notice that his penis when at rest is a different shade than the skin that covers the majority of his body. It is also normal for the penis to have several different shades of color. For example, in some men, the skin is darker near the shaft, lighter in the middle and dark again on the glans. In other men, the skin tone is more consistently hued. Neither is cause for concern.
What about spots?
In many men, the penis is prone to spotting or blotching. There can be any number of variations and any number of causes, including:
- Dark patches. If a man has had dark patches on his penis since puberty, and if they do not noticeably change shape or size, it most likely is just the result of uneven pigmentation and does not need attention; however, if patches appear suddenly, or if they change in appearance, it’s a good idea to point them out to a doctor. Uneven pigmentation may still be the cause, but it may also be a sign of a skin irritant.
- White splotches. Again, these can be due to uneven pigmentation, but this “de-pigmentized” skin may be caused by vitiligo. No need to panic: vitiligo sounds worse than it is. It is an autoimmune disorder, but its main effect is to cause white blotches; however, though it carries no physical risk, it can spread, so a man is advised to consult a dermatologist for treatment if he suspects he has vitiligo on his penis or elsewhere.
- Little white bumps. Technically, these go beyond the topic of skin tone, but many men have pearly penile papules, little white bumps which tend to appear in a ring around the ridge of the glans. They are harmless, but many men become concerned when they encounter them.
- Non-erectile redness. When a man’s penis is red due to issues other than blood flow, it usually means he needs to spend some extra time attending to his penis health. This is especially true if the redness is accompanied by abnormal tenderness, roughness of skin or swelling. In some cases, this may be a sign of inflammation or infection, and a doctor may be needed.
A sore red penis that is not due to inflammation or infection may be the result of overaggressive handling, an allergic reaction or exposure to harsh cleansers or rough clothing. One of the best things a man can do to soothe an aching red penis is to implement the regular use of a high end penis vitamin formula (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil). Utilizing a formula with a superior emollient, such as shea butter, and with the hydrating relief of vitamin E is essential. The smart man makes sure the formula of choice also includes acetyl L carnitine, a supplement that has neuroprotective properties, necessary for maintaining proper penis sensitivity.
