Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disorder that causes loss of pigmentation from certain areas of the skin resulting in white patches. The most commonly affected areas include the face, hands, fingers, feet, and knees though it can affect any part of the body. Vitiligo is seen in high percentages on genitals in both men and women on different sites like the penis, scrotum, vulva, anus, and vagina.
White patches on the scrotum resulting from other conditions can be often confused with vitiligo. In this post, we try to understand how vitiligo on the scrotum can be diagnosed and what are the possible causes and cures.
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Vitiligo On Scrotum – UPDATED 2021 – A Complete Guide For Vitiligo Vaginal
The appearance of white patches on the scrotum can result from several causes ranging from completely harmless and curable to some more serious health conditions. Though these spots or patches are not a cause of concern, treating them in the first place can avoid further complications. Such spots can sometimes be a sign of sexually transmitted diseases as well.
When you notice any white spots on the scrotum or other parts of the body, it is best to visit a dermatologist to rule out the possibilities with a physical examination. Considering the sensitive nature of the area, vitiligo on the scrotum should be treated with caution and care. The treatment should focus on slowing down the progression of vitiligo to other areas. The best thing about vitiligo on the scrotum is that it is much easier to treat because genitals respond to a wide range of treatment methods.
Pigmentation Loss On Scrotum? Here’s What To Do
Loss of pigmentation on the scrotum can happen for a variety of reasons and each of them requires a different approach for treatment. One of the most common conditions resulting in pigmentation loss on genitals is whiteheads or acne occurring when pores under the skin get clogged with oil and debris. This is called vitiligo vaginal.
Such blockages cause inflammation and lump formation that results in whiteheads. They are generally harmless and cause no other symptoms. While they go away on their own, you can resort to over-the-counter medications if you experience irritation of the skin.
Another common condition resulting in pigmentation loss on the scrotum is ingrown hair that occurs when trimmed or shaved hairs grow backward into the skin, causing irritation and infection. Such a condition produces pus-filled spots that look like vitiligo spots. These spots are generally short-lived and may cause itchiness.
They resolve on their own but you may use an exfoliant to remove any dead skin for quicker healing. Sometimes, pigmentation loss on the scrotum can also happen from jock itch, a fungal overgrowth around genitals, or folliculitis, the infection of follicles, both of which can be treated easily.
Pigmentation loss on genital areas like the scrotum is not always a cause of concern. Any white spots or patches from the conditions discussed above would generally disappear on their own. However, if the condition lasts longer than a few weeks, you should consult a doctor for a diagnosis to identify the exact treatment method.
What Causes Vitiligo On Scrotum?
Vitiligo on the scrotum is a common condition with most people affected with vitiligo of any type experiencing white patches on their genitals at some point in their life. Up to 25-40 percent of people with vitiligo would complain of patches on the scrotum and other sensitive parts. It can have serious effects on the social and sexual lives of most people and hurt their self-esteem.
Though the exact cause of vitiligo on the scrotum is not known, it can occur due to the same reasons as general vitiligo or hypopigmentation. White patches start showing up when your skin doesn’t produce melanin in some areas. Experts believe it to be an autoimmune condition whereby the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Vitiligo is also associated with heredity, skin trauma, and stress.
Vitiligo On Scrotum Cure & Treatments
Though there is no effective cure for vitiligo, there are some treatment methods that help deal with the symptoms, improving the appearance of skin and repigmenting the affected areas. However, genitals are receptive to various treatments, making it easy to manage and control the condition. Topical creams and ointments may help reduce the appearance of vitiligo on the scrotum. These are generally anti-inflammatory corticosteroid substances that work by affecting the body’s immune response.
However, it is worth noting that the use of corticosteroid creams is not recommended for prolonged periods on the scrotum considering the side effects from high concentration. Local calcineurin inhibitors should also not be used for long periods in these areas.
Ointments containing tacrolimus or pimecrolimus are more effective at inducing repigmentation with lesser adverse effects. Light therapy with the use of ultraviolet A and B may help restore pigment on the skin of the scrotum but too much exposure to ultraviolet light can be dangerous looking at the sensitive nature of the area.
STD That Looks Like Vitiligo – What You Should Know?
White spots or patches on genital areas can result from several conditions and are often mistaken for vitiligo. Sexually transmitted diseases like HPV spreading through unprotected sex can cause genital warts resembling white bumps around the scrotum and nearby areas. Warts don’t cause long-term complications and can be treated with topical medication in most cases.
Herpes is another STD with symptoms resembling vitiligo. It is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. One of the most common signs of herpes is genital warts looking like white bumps. They are generally uncomfortable and itchy and can spread to the anus.
This condition is treatable with antiviral drugs. A sexually transmitted bacterial infection Syphilis also looks like vitiligo as it causes white sores on the penis and scrotum. While it is easily treated with antibiotics, it can pose a serious health risk if left untreated.
Conclusion
Any change in the appearance of your scrotum skin can make you uncomfortable. However, it is important to understand the exact cause of the pigmentation loss on your genitals to be able to treat it.
Vitiligo of the scrotum can also be treated in its early stages using medications, topicals, therapies, and home remedies. Consulting a doctor for any such changes helps you identify an STD that may look like vitiligo and treat it on time to avoid further complications.