What Are Red Spots on a Penis Head? Causes & Treatment

Key takeaways:

• Red spots on the penis can have numerous causes and are not always due to sexually transmitted infections.
• Your condition may be spreadable even if it is not a sexually transmitted infection.
• You should see a doctor if you are experiencing this symptom.

Red spots on the head of the penis can be a frightening and painful experience for patients. The list of causes for this symptom is long, and it is important to visit with your doctor about your symptoms.

It is normal for patients to feel embarrassed when discussing such matters, but the best way to begin feeling better is to bring it up with a doctor you trust.

Common causes of red spots on the penis head

Patients are frequently concerned that their symptoms are due to a sexually transmitted infection (STI). While this is one cause, there are many others, and evaluation by a doctor is important.

Balanitis

Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis. Balanitits presents with pain or itching of the head of the penis and associated redness.

This is usually due to fungal overgrowth from poor hygiene, though bacteria and viruses can also cause this condition. While not an STI, it can be spread by genital contact.

Sexually transmitted infection

There are numerous causes of penile redness due to sexually transmitted infections. Some of the more common include herpes, syphilis, and chlamydia.

Dermatitis

There is a long list of skin conditions that lead to red spots on the penis. Often there are other skin-related symptoms, though there are exceptions to this.

Contact dermatitis or drug reaction can both lead to red spots that are seen only on the penis. This is in response to substances or medications that come into contact with the head of the penis, leading to inflammation.

Penile intraepithelial neoplasia

Penile intraepithelial neoplasia is a precancerous condition of the skin of the penis that if left untreated can progress to invasive cancer.

This is often due to infection with a virus known as Human papillomavirus (HPV) but there are other causes.

Read our full guide on rashes and rash types for more.

Other symptoms associated with red spots on the penis head

While some diseases can begin with isolated red spots on the penis, there are often other symptoms. It is important to tell your doctor about other symptoms you may be experiencing as they can be useful clues in determining the cause.

Pain

Painful lesions on the head of the penis can indicate any number of conditions, including balanitis, a sexually transmitted infection, or dermatitis.

A painless ulcer is worrisome for syphilis and some other less common STIs. It is also important to note if it is the skin of the penis itself that is painful, or if you are having pain while urinating.

Discharge

The presence of discharge can indicate the presence of bacteria or viruses that lead to infections of the urinary tract.

Fever

Fever most frequently indicates that the cause of symptoms is either viral or bacterial infection. If you have a fever, your doctor may want to examine the lymph nodes in your groin as well.

Single red spot

A single and painless red spot on the penis can indicate syphilis though there are other rare causes of this finding.

Multiple red spots

Herpes infection often causes multiple spots all over the penis and even the skin of the groin and thigh. These frequently will look like blisters that break open spontaneously.

Common treatment options for red spots on the penis head

Treatment of red spots on the penis is influenced by the cause. It is important to see your doctor and discuss your symptoms before attempting any home remedies and before resuming sexual activity.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are prescribed when your symptoms are determined to be caused by a bacterial infection.

It is important to take every dose of your antibiotics and not stop, even if you feel better or if the spots disappear. Your doctor may want to give you a dose in the form of a shot or as pills, depending on the exact infection.

Antivirals

This class of medication is prescribed to combat viral infection. Typically this is given to patients with herpes simplex infection, a common sexually transmitted infection.

Antifungals

Your doctor may determine that the cause of your red spots is fungal. They may then prescribe a topical cream or pills.

Topical medications

For certain bacterial or fungal infections, a cream or gel applied to the skin is used for treatment.

This can be used by itself or in addition to pills. Further, in conditions such as penile intraepithelial neoplasia, various topical medications are used.

Home remedies

Sometimes your doctor may want you to bathe in a saline (salt-containing) solution once or twice daily. This alone can result in symptom improvement without the need for other medications.

How to prevent red spots on the penis head

There are steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing red spots on your penis. They are simple and have other health benefits as well.

Hygiene

It is important to practice regular hygiene, especially around your genitals.

If you are not circumcised, gently retract your foreskin every day and clean the head of your penis with a soft washcloth and warm water. Be careful to avoid leaving soap underneath your foreskin as it can cause irritation.

Safe sexual practice

If you are sexually active, especially with multiple partners, use a condom as barrier protection.

This effectively prevents numerous sexually transmitted infections and protects both you and your partner(s). If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted infection, do not participate in sexual activity of any kind until your doctor has cleared you.

Managing other conditions

Some conditions are more likely to affect patients who have diabetes or are overweight.

It is important to take good care of yourself by following the diabetes treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. If you are overweight, any weight loss you can achieve will reduce your risks of developing weight-related conditions.

When to see a doctor about red spots on the penis head

Red spots on the head of the penis are indicative of a more serious underlying matter. This should always be evaluated by a doctor.

You should see a doctor if:

• You have a painful or painless spot on your penis, regardless of size or number.
• You are experiencing discharge from your penis.
• You think you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You are experiencing severe pain.
• You are unable to urinate due to pain.
• You feel fever and chills or have noticed swelling in your groin or genitals.
• If you cannot pull back the foreskin from the head of your penis.

Questions to ask your doctor about red spots on the penis head

• What is the cause of these spots?
• Are they contagious?
• How long do you expect them to last?
• What can I do to prevent this from coming back?

Read our full guide on when to worry about a rash for more.

Frequently asked questions: red spots on the penis head

It is common and natural to have questions and to feel anxious after noticing spots on your penis.

Be assured, there are many possible causes of this symptom and many are treatable. You must discuss your symptoms honestly with your doctor so that they are best able to assist you.

What if the red spots appear after sexual intercourse?

While sexually transmitted infection is always a concern in this situation, it is not the only cause of this symptom. Be sure to practice safe sex by using a condom, especially if you have more than one partner.

What if there are red spots on the penis head and under the foreskin?

This can be caused by any number of conditions. You should know that uncircumcised men are more likely to develop balanitis, as discussed above.

Last thoughts

Red spots on the penis are naturally a source of worry for patients. The causes are many and diverse, however, an evaluation by your doctor is important. It can be difficult to discuss such intimate matters with others but try to remember that your doctor has your best interests in mind, and wants to help you feel better.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

Sources

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CDC. “About Syphilis.” Syphilis, 7 May 2024, www.cdc.gov/syphilis/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/stdfact-syphilis.htm.

Garcia, Michael Ray, and Anton A. Wray. “Sexually Transmitted Infections.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560808/.

Usatine, Richard P., and Marcela Riojas. “Diagnosis and Management of Contact Dermatitis.” American Family Physician, vol. 82, no. 3, 1 Aug. 2010, pp. 249–255, www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/0801/p249.html.

Al Aboud, Daifallah M., et al. “Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reaction (CADR).” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK533000/.

Engelsgjerd, Joshua S, and Chad A LaGrange. “Penile Cancer.” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 25 July 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499930/.

“Genital Herpes.” Www.acog.org, www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/genital-herpes.

Mohseni, Michael, et al. “Chlamydia.” National Library of Medicine, StatPearls Publishing, 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537286/.