What's going on with the white spots on the glans?

White spots on the glans may be related to smegma deposition, balanitis, pearly penile papules, genital warts, vitiligo, etc., and can be intervened through local cleaning, drug treatment, physical therapy, etc. It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly for a clear diagnosis and avoid self-treatment.

1. Smegma deposition

Insufficient cleansing can cause smegma to build up, forming white particles or patches. It appears as painless white spots with a slight odor. Treatment is based on daily care. You need to wash the head of the penis and the inside of the foreskin with warm water every day, and avoid using irritating lotions. If there is a combined infection, topical erythromycin ointment or mupirocin ointment can be used under the guidance of a doctor to prevent inflammation.

2. Balanitis

Fungal or bacterial infection may cause white discharge or punctate ulcers on the glans mucosa, which is often red, swollen and itchy. Miconazole nitrate cream is used for Candida albicans infections, and fusidic acid cream is used for bacterial infections. Keep the affected area dry and avoid scratching.

3. Pearly penile papules

A benign physiological variation manifested by regularly arranged pearly white papules on the coronal sulcus of the glans penis. It is non-infectious. Usually no treatment is required and can be removed by laser or freezing if necessary. It needs to be differentiated from genital warts to avoid misdiagnosis.

4. Genital warts

Caused by human papillomavirus infection, the initial stage is scattered white papules, which may increase in size and become cauliflower-like in the later stage. After diagnosis, local application of podophyllotoxin tincture or liquid nitrogen freezing treatment is required. It is contagious and sexual contact should be avoided until recovery.

5. Vitiligo

In a depigmentation disease of the skin, a well-circumscribed, milky-white patch may appear on the glans. Topical tacrolimus ointment can be used to control the development, and severe cases need to be combined with narrow-band ultraviolet treatment. Pay attention to sun protection and avoid friction and irritation.

You should choose breathable cotton underwear for daily use and avoid excessive washing or use of alkaline bath products. Reduce the intake of spicy and irritating foods and supplement vitamin B appropriately. If the white spots continue to increase, rupture, or are accompanied by exudation, you must see a dermatologist or urologist immediately. It is forbidden to use corrosive drugs or folk remedies on your own to avoid aggravating the condition.