What causes red spots on the glans penis?

Generally speaking, glans refers to the head of the penis. Red spots on the glans penis may be caused by local friction, poor hygiene, balanitis, urethritis, genital warts, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment under the guidance of a doctor. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Local Friction

Excessively vigorous sexual activity, improper masturbation techniques, or frequent friction from tight clothing may damage the local tissue of the glans penis, causing capillary dilation and resulting in red spots. It is recommended to maintain a moderate frequency of sexual activity in daily life, avoid excessive masturbation and use gentle movements, and choose loose, breathable cotton underwear to reduce local friction.

2. Poor Hygiene

If local hygiene of the penis is neglected, smegma may accumulate continuously, irritating the skin of the glans penis and causing red spots. One should wash the penis daily with warm water, especially retracting the foreskin to thoroughly clean away smegma, keeping the area clean and dry.

3. Balanitis

Balanitis is often caused by infections with bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens. These pathogens proliferate on the glans penis, invading the skin and mucous membranes, causing an inflammatory response that results in red spots on the glans. It is commonly accompanied by symptoms such as itching, pain, and swelling of the glans penis, and severe cases may involve discharge. Patients may apply topical medications such as clotrimazole cream, erythromycin ointment, or mupirocin ointment under the guidance of a doctor.

4. Urethritis

Urethritis mainly results from unhygienic sexual practices, urethral injury, or presence of foreign bodies in the urethra. Pathogens invading the urethra cause inflammation, which may spread to the glans penis, leading to red spots on the glans. Symptoms may also include frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination. Patients should take medications such as levofloxacin tablets, azithromycin tablets, or cefixime capsules as prescribed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.

5. Genital Warts

Genital warts are primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. After infecting the skin and mucous membranes of the glans penis, the virus causes abnormal proliferation of local cells, forming small red papules, which appear as red spots. Typically, the warts may gradually increase in size and number, exhibiting various morphologies such as cauliflower-like or papillary shapes. Patients may use medications such as imiquimod cream, podophyllotoxin tincture, or fluorouracil cream as advised by a doctor.

In daily life, it is important to avoid unhygienic sexual practices, undergo regular medical check-ups, and maintain good living habits to prevent the occurrence of red spots on the glans penis.