The penis is an organ whose shape, size, and color can vary from one man to another. The skin of the penis is much thinner than that of the rest of the body and contains a higher concentration of melanin, a dark pigment responsible for giving the dermis its color. For this reason, having the skin of the penis darker is a simple fact since, in most cases, it is due to a natural condition and characteristic of the body. In addition, the penis can also present dark spots, which are similar to freckles and do not represent any alarm but are a sign that a more significant number of melanocytes have accumulated in that particular area, the cells that produce melanin.
However, in some less common cases, the skin of the penis may turn dark as a symptom or sign of some diseases or of specific conditions that directly affect the health of this organ. Many men wonder why the skin of the penis is darker, believing that it may be due to a defect or a severe health complication; for this reason, in this FastlyHealarticle, we answer that question that can alarm the male gender so much.
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Why the skin of the penis is darker
The skin of the penis is darker than that of the rest of the body due to a completely normal biological and hormonal process that occurs during puberty. When men begin to develop, their body goes through many changes, among which is a more excellent production of androgenic sex hormones, testosterone, androsterone, and androstenedione, which are responsible for offering the male body-specific common characteristics of masculinity such as the growth of pubic, body and facial hair, as well as a change in the pigmentation of the penis, which will become darker than in childhood. This change in color in the skin of the penis is because androgens respond to melanocytes, responsible for producing melanin, a substance responsible for giving the skin its color.
This process that occurs throughout puberty is normal and occurs in all men; that is, it would be strange or abnormal if the skin of the penis were not darker than that of the rest of the body. However, other factors can alter the color of the penis, especially in the scrotum and groin, but that represents a sudden change as a result of some specific condition of the organ or as a consequence of some disease. Here are other reasons other than puberty that can interfere with penile pigmentation.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease characterized by high levels cause blood sugar because the body does not produce or properly use so the amount of insulin that is produced by the pancreas. When there is a high and constant concentration of sugar in the blood, there can be a change in the pigmentation of the penis, causing the skin to appear a darker color than the natural tone it adopted after puberty.
Controlling diabetes is very important because it can darken the penis and because it can also influence a man’s sexual function. People with uncontrolled diabetes are at higher risk of impotence or erectile dysfunction, which is a much more severe problem than the color of the groin or scrotum. Balancing blood sugar levels can help the skin of the penis regain its typical hue.
Chronic friction
The skin of the penis is much softer and more delicate than that of the rest of the body; for this reason, the constant and extreme friction can produce chronic conflict that modifies the pigmentation of the skin of the penis and makes it darker. The most common cause of this condition is excessive masturbation, very rough masturbation, or penetration with little lubrication that can irritate the skin of the penis.
Chronic friction is not a health problem that needs to be treated with medication. The ideal is to invite the man to be more delicate at the time of masturbation and to use lubricants during sexual intercourse so that the skin of the penis is well moistened and can slide properly during penetration.
Prostate congestion
The prostate is the male gland responsible for producing semen and is located in front of the rectum and behind the bladder. When a blood accumulation occurs in the prostate vessels, it is prostate congestion, a condition that prevents proper blood circulation and, therefore, can darken the skin of the penis.
Prostate congestion is more common in the elderly and may or may not result from inflammation or enlargement of the prostate. This condition usually causes discomfort in the urethra, pain, or discomfort in the area. This condition can find relief and decrease symptoms after masturbation. If the pain and discomfort persist, it is best to visit the urologist.
Hormonal imbalance
As we already explained, male sex hormones are responsible for giving the skin of the penis that characteristic tone that makes it look darker. Therefore, when there is a hormonal disorder in the male organism and the production of androgens and testosterone is considerably increased, it is common for the skin of the penis to darken.
If you notice that your penis has suddenly changed color and becomes very dark, and you also have alterations in your sexual function, it may be necessary to visit an endocrinologist. This specialist is responsible for finding the cause of hormonal modifications in the body, treating them, preventing them, and offering relief from the symptoms and consequences that any variation in the levels of male sex hormones can cause.
Bumps or bruises
The skin’s more sensitive, the more prone to bruising after a blow or injury. Some men may notice that the skin of their penis darkens in certain areas after some trauma to that organ. In general, as it happens in any part of the body when we find a bruise, the color of the skin will return to its normality with the passage of days when the concentrated blood has spread in the body.
In the penis, the appearance of lentigos can also occur, hyperpigmentation of the skin that occurs in areas and manifests itself through dark or purple spots grouped. This condition is benign and does not deserve to be treated since it is not associated with skin cancer.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why the skin on the penis is darker, we recommend that you enter our Sexuality category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.