Small red marks on penis without discharge. Cause?

Resolved question:
Hi, I am a 40 year old male and I have these small red marks on the end of my penis (see attached photos). I have always had them since I was about 18. Sometimes they look very dark like they do in the photos I have attached. Other times, they are much lighter in colour and do not stand out quite as much. I think they are generally darker after a recent erection and/or sexual activity, then they will fade in colour. The marks are very slightly raised above the rest of the foreskin, suggesting something pushing the skin outward. To my knowledge, there has never been any discharge or bleeding from these marks, nor do I experience any pain, or any other obvious symptoms. When I was about 18, I had a General Practitioner check it out and they said that they believed it was just blood vessels too close to the surface of the skin and that there was nothing to worry about in terms of me having an STD or anything. I have been sexually active throughout the past 20 years and never been aware of passing on anything to anyone else from this condition. I have been in a monogamous relationship since 1999 and am basically healthy otherwise. I would like to know two things. First, is there any risk this is some kind of infection or disease I need to get treated? Second, what can I do to get rid of these marks once and for all?

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Dermatologist

Expert:  Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar replied 4 Days.

Hello,
Thanks for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I have gone through your pictures. They appear hemangioma to me which is a cluster of small blood vessels/capillaries under the skin. This is a harmless condition and does not require any treatment. Still if you want to remove it, dermatologist can get rid of them using cryosurgery of lasers (IPL)
Hope it helps,
Feel free to discuss further
Thanks

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Patient replied :

Thank you for your advice. If I were to get laser cryosurgery, are there any side-effects caused by this process? Also, how long would this cryosurgery process take? Would it just be a couple of sessions or something?


Expert:  Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar replied 3 Days.

Hello,
Yes, there are some possible side effects, however, it depends on the experience of the doctor performing it, and also the incidence is low,

  • blisters
  • damage to nearby healthy tissue
  • infection
  • loss of sensation if nerves are affected
  • pain
  • scarring
  • sexual dysfunction
  • ulcers
  • white skin where applied

These are the possible side-effects, but, I would like to stress the chances are low,
It can be done in one sitting seeing your condition.
Regards.

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