[Dermatological diseases of the external male genitalia : Part 2: Infectious and malignant dermatological]

[Skin manifestations of the external male genitals]

The urological examination includes the inspection of the external male genitals. Harmless normal variants, such as heterotopic sebaceous glands and pearly penile papules must be differentiated from malignant and infectious manifestations. Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is a frequent connective tissue disease that can lead to functional impairments and an associated high level of suffering for those affected. Both conservative and invasive treatment options are available. Sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis, are gaining increasing importance in routine clinical and daily practice due to the increasing incidence in recent years. An early diagnosis and treatment of malignant neoplasms, such as Queyrat's erythroplasia can be carried out by routine inspection of the genital skin.

[Dermatological diseases of the male genital tract]

During complete inspection of skin a variety of penile skin alterations may be found. Not all dermatological findings have clinical relevance. Pearly papules and heterotopic sebaceous glands are physiological variations. Most penile melanotic macules, angiokeratoma, fibroma and angioma have not to be treated. However, other more severe diseases such as malignant skin lesions (erythroplasia of Queyrat), infectious disease (human papillomavirus-induced penile warts) or systemic skin diseases (psoriasis) may be detected. Since patients are alarmed by genital skin lesions and their sexuality may be affected, the initiation of adequate therapy is an important task for urologists and dermatologists.