What is this bruise like mark

Hi Danny

There is no need to be embarrassed about seeing a DR. Please go to a GUM clinic ASAP while symptoms are still present or just take pictures if it is no longer there by the time you go there.

Please refrain from involving in sexual activities unless you know that you are clear as it is against the law to put other intimate people at risk of infection.

I would advise you to ask the DR to do a test for IGG and IGM HSV1 and HSV 2 as well.

Do you by any chance had any itching or burning or tingling sensation?

Have you had any flu like /cold like symptoms in the last month or so?

Dear Danny

Even a GUM clinic doctor will not be able to get 100% diagnosis unless he takes some tests.

It could be many things but a test can confirm.

It could be Balanitis which can stem from a number of conditions.

Infection with Candida albicans is the most common cause. Candida is the fungus that causes thrush.

Other infections that can cause balanitis include:

Bacteria: These can multiply rapidly in the moist and warm conditions under the foreskinSexually transmitted infections (STIs): Examples include Herpes simplex virus, Chlamydia, and syphilis.Skin conditions can also trigger the condition.

Examples include:

Lichen planus, a skin disease with small, itchy, pink, or purple spots on the arms or legsEczema, a chronic, or long-term, skin condition that can lead to itchy, reddened, cracked, and dry skinPsoriasis, a dry, scaly skin disorderDermatitis, an inflammation of the skin, due to direct contact with an irritant or an allergic reaction

In very rare cases, balanitis has been linked to skin cancer.

Irritation of the skin of the glans can lead to inflammation.

Irritants include:

Chemicals used in condoms, lubricants, and spermicidesDetergents or washing powders and fabric conditioners that are not completely rinsedPerfumed soaps and shower gels

Washing daily and drying the penis carefully so no moisture remains under the foreskin helps reduce the risk, although excessive genital washing with soap may aggravate the condition.

Diabetes increases the risk of infections, especially if blood sugar levels are poorly controlled. If glucose is present in urine, some of it may remain on the foreskin. Glucose helps bacteria multiply more quickly.

Phimosis is when the foreskin is too tight, and it is difficult or impossible to retract it, or pull it back, fully over the glans. Sweat, urine, and other substances can accumulate under the foreskin, causing irritation and allowing germs to multiply. Phimosis is rare in teenage and adult males.

Unprotected sex, poor hygiene, and having a urinary catheter also increase the risk. A woman who has vaginal thrush can infect a man, increasing the risk of developing balanitis.

It might be it might not be as you only had this recently so it might be something else.

I meant you had Phimoisis for 8 years but never had these red patches so it might be something else. Yes pls google your nearest GUM clinic and please update

Have a lovely Sunday

this is essentially a damaged cluster of vascular like structures. not much to be worried about but if you want to get it removed they usually use a lazer. it's more cosmetic than medicine. either way it doesnt seem to be damaging yourself. I would recommend stretching the skin out so you dont have phimosis- this can be used with a product off of Amazon called "novaglans" or it can be done at home, inserting a finger into each side of the foreskin and pulling away very slowly. you should feel pressure but no pain. do this every day, several times a day and hold the pressure on there for as long as your schedule can tolerate. I would recommend 10 minutes minimum each time but everyone has their own life and with this method it depends on how devoted you are to getting rid of your phimosis. make sure your hands are cleaned before you you touch your penis. if you have any questions message me with a link to the post or a picture as I get quite busy and cant check all of my notifications.

urologist here