Temporary White mark on head of penis

[mvo7386]

I am a sexually active 23 year old male.  In the last 6 months or so I noticed that when I take my penis out of my pants after it has not been touched in several hours that there is a pale white mark (about 1/8 of an inch across) in the center of the head  of my penis.  If I touch the mark it goes away immediatly, as if as soon as I touch it blood rushes back to the spot and it is pinkish red again like normal.  I cannont feel anything beneath the skin like a bump or anything, but am just curious what this white mark is and why it goes away as soon as it is touched.  Could it be a type of hpv that doesnt raise up but lives beneath the skin and is blocking the blood from freely flowing to that one spot.  I am concerned because I do not want to pass this to a partner in the future although I have been good about using condoms in recent years.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since it has been quite some time since the white mark is present, it needs to be evaluated from a dermatologist. It can be due to fungal infections, vitiligo mark or even flat genital wart.
Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body.

I sincerely suggest you to consult a dermatologist. I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[mvo7386]

Also I am circumcised.. I am not sure if this makes a difference.

[mvo7386]

Hello I posted a comment a few months ago regarding temporary white mark on my glans that seems to go away when it is touched.  I actually just saw your response just now because I forgot I posted it on here, but I thankyou for responding so quickly.  The white mark is still there and behaving in the same way.  However now when I have an erection I feel like there may be a slight bump in the same spot, but Im not sure if it was always there.  I just happen to be paying attention now.  You said you thought you could rule out a yeast infection or fungal infection but then said that I should look into using lotrimin which is an anti fungal medication.  If I do choose to use an antifungal do you expect it to cause irritation?  I dont want to seriously dry out my glans.  Should I send you a picture?  I really want to get this taken care of and am worried it may be a flat wart.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms that this white mark goes away with touch, the possibility of fungal infection or yeast infection needs to be ruled out. Oral course of antibiotics is needed. In addition, please don’t use any cosmetics on the penis, instead use some topical antimicrobials like Bacitracin or Lotrimin. Also corticosteroids and topical immunosuppressants can be used but they are available under prescription. Also retract the foreskin daily and soak in warm water to clean penis and foreskin. In case the symptoms persist then please consult a urologist/dermatologist for evaluation and antimicrobials and steroids prescription.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.