Penile skin diseases

Many dermatoses become manifest in the genital region. Some of them are spe cific for this anatomical site; other lesions of the penis are associated w ith systemic dermatological diseases. Medical history, clinical inspection of the whole integument and optional microbiological or histological examin ation of the lesions will lead to a correct diagnosis. Dermatoses of the penis (glans penis and/or prepuce) may be symptoms of gen eral diseases or specific alterations of the genital region. The differenti al diagnoses of penile dermatoses include infections, balanitides, neoplast ic diseases, trauma, papulosqamous or systemic diseases, fixed drug reactio ns, allergic or irritant contact dermatitis and miscellaneous lesions. Sinc e andrologists pay special attention to the inspection and palpation of the male genital region, they should possess knowledge of dermatologically rel evant penile lesions.