Marks on the scrotum and testicles are common. These often appear as small dots or bumps. While they can cause concern, many are normal and pose no health risk. Understanding the skin’s characteristics in this area can provide reassurance.
Common Benign Causes
Fordyce spots are a frequent type of dot on the scrotum. These are visible sebaceous (oil-producing) glands without associated hair follicles. They appear as small, painless, white, yellow, or reddish bumps, often 1 to 3 millimeters in diameter. These spots are a normal variation and do not require treatment.
Sebaceous cysts, also known as epidermoid cysts, are another common benign finding. They form when a sebaceous gland’s duct blocks, causing sebum and dead skin cells to build up beneath the surface. They appear as small, flesh-colored or yellowish lumps that are smooth, movable, and painless unless irritated or infected. These cysts grow slowly and do not cause problems.
Normal hair follicles can appear as small dots on the scrotal skin, especially when hairs are short or growing. Hairs can curl back and grow into the skin, resulting in an ingrown hair. This causes a small, red, and sometimes tender bump resembling a pimple. Proper hygiene and gentle exfoliation can help prevent ingrown hairs.
Angiokeratomas are another benign spot that can appear on the scrotum. These are small, dark red to black spots or bumps, representing benign vascular lesions. They form from dilated blood vessels near the skin’s surface. Angiokeratomas are harmless and do not cause symptoms, though they can bleed if scratched or irritated.
When Dots Might Indicate a Problem
Molluscum contagiosum appears as small, firm, pearly or flesh-colored bumps with a central dimple. This condition is caused by a poxvirus and spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. While harmless, these bumps are contagious and can persist for months or years if left untreated.
Genital warts, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), can appear as dots or bumps on the scrotum. Their appearance varies, from flat, flesh-colored lesions to raised, cauliflower-like growths. These warts transmit through intimate skin-to-skin contact and can cause itching or discomfort. Certain HPV types can lead to more serious health concerns.
Folliculitis or infected ingrown hairs appear as red, tender bumps, sometimes filled with pus. Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles inflame, often from bacterial or fungal infection, leading to small, pimple-like lesions. An infected ingrown hair is a specific type of folliculitis where trapped hair causes inflammation and infection. These can be painful and may require topical or oral antibiotics.
Scabies is another condition causing tiny, intensely itchy red bumps or lines on the skin, including the scrotum. This parasitic infestation is caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin’s superficial layer. The itching is often worse at night and can be severe, leading to skin irritation from scratching. Diagnosis typically involves identifying the mites or their burrows.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable if you observe any new dots or changes in existing ones on your scrotum or testicles. This includes any dot that rapidly changes in size, shape, or color, or if it begins to bleed. Persistent changes or a spreading rash warrant medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
You should also seek medical attention if any dots are accompanied by concerning symptoms. These symptoms might include pain, persistent itching, burning sensations, or any unusual discharge from the area. Swelling of the scrotum or the presence of open sores alongside the dots also indicates a need for professional assessment.
Signs of infection around a dot are a clear indicator to contact a doctor. This includes increasing redness, warmth to the touch, tenderness, or the presence of pus. A fever accompanying any of these symptoms further suggests an active infection that requires medical intervention. Prompt treatment can prevent potential complications.
Ultimately, if you are uncertain about the nature of any dots on your scrotum or are experiencing anxiety regarding their appearance, consulting a healthcare provider is always the best course of action. A medical professional can accurately diagnose the condition and provide appropriate reassurance or recommend necessary treatment options.