White patches on glans penis

White patches on the glans may be symptoms caused by pearly penile papules, smegma deposition, or fungal infection. It is recommended to seek medical treatment in time for a clear diagnosis.

1. Pearly penile papules

Pearly penile papules are benign proliferative lesions that appear as small pearly white papules around the coronal sulcus of the glans penis that are painless and itchy. It may be related to poor local hygiene or changes in physiological development. Generally, no treatment is required. If it affects the appearance, laser or cryotherapy may be considered. It is necessary to keep the perineum clean and dry daily to avoid excessive friction and irritation.

2. Smegma deposition

People with excessive foreskin are prone to accumulation of white secretions between the glans and foreskin, which mix with exfoliated epithelial cells to form smegma. There may be an odor or mild redness and swelling. The foreskin needs to be turned over and washed with warm water every day. Circumcision is recommended for those with phimosis. Avoid using harsh lotions and keep the area dry after cleaning.

3. Fungal infection

Candida albicans infection causes white, membranous patches on the glans penis that may be accompanied by itching, burning, or erythema. It is common in people with diabetes, low immunity or long-term use of antibiotics. Antifungal drugs such as clotrimazole cream and miconazole nitrate powder can be used as directed by the doctor. The spouse needs to be treated simultaneously to prevent cross-infection.

4. Lichen planus

A chronic inflammatory skin disease in which white mesh-like or patchy lesions may appear on the glans penis, which may be accompanied by erosion or pain. The cause is related to immune abnormalities and requires dermatological biopsy for diagnosis. Treatment uses glucocorticoid ointment such as hydrocortisone butyrate cream, and severe cases require oral immunosuppressants.

5. Lichen sclerosus

It manifests as porcelain-white atrophic plaques on the glans penis, which may cause urethral meatus stenosis in the later stages. It is a precancerous lesion and requires regular follow-up. Tacrolimus ointment can be applied topically in the early stage. If the disease progresses, surgical resection is required. Avoid scratching irritation and wear loose cotton underwear to reduce friction.

Pay attention to daily cleaning of the perineum and avoid using alkaline lotions. Wash them promptly before and after sex, choose breathable cotton underwear and change them daily. When white patches appear, it is forbidden to self-medicate or pick at them, and observe whether they are accompanied by redness, swelling, ulceration and other symptoms. People with underlying diseases such as diabetes need to actively control blood sugar and regularly review changes in skin lesions. If the plaque continues to enlarge, bleed, or have an irregular shape, you must seek medical attention immediately to rule out malignant lesions.