Black spots on the testicles: causes and how to deal with them

Testicles are one of the most important assets for men, so it's natural for men to worry when they have problems with their testicles. The reason is, the testes play an important role in producing sperm and male sex hormones. One testicular disorder that often causes anxiety is the appearance of black spots on the testicles which are often mistaken for tumors or cancer. So, is this really dangerous? Come on, find out through the following reviews.

Actually, what are black spots on the testicles?

Black spots on the testicular sac (scrotum) are generally caused by Forcyde-type angiokeratoma. This condition occurs when the blood vessels in the testicles widen and protrude to the surface of the skin, making the skin appear blackish in color.

These black spots are generally small, which is about 1-8 millimeters. The amount also varies. There are men who only experience one black spot, others have more than 100 black spots on the testicular sac at one time.

In fact, the spots on the testicles are not really solid black in color, but tend to be purplish or dark red. When touched, the black spots on the testicles will feel rough and protruding. Apart from the testicles, these black spots can also appear on the penis to around the inner thighs.

What are the causes of black spots on the testicles?

Apart from the Forcyde type angiokeratoma, black spots on the testicles can also be caused by various other things, including:

1. Acne on the testicles

Acne can not only grow on the face, but can also grow on the testicles. These minor skin problems are generally caused by an infection or blocked scrotal pores.

The good news is, testicular acne tends to be harmless. In fact, this condition can be overcome with simple treatments such as warm compresses and maintaining the cleanliness of the intimate organs properly.

2. Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation occurs when certain areas of the skin produce more pigment, resulting in a darker skin tone than the surrounding skin. These lesions can appear in various forms, ranging from freckles, moles, to the appearance of sunburns, to stretch marks .

A study conducted in 2013 reported that as many as 85.6 percent of men aged 3 to 91 years experienced hyperpigmentation of their genitals. However, this condition is not dangerous and is only limited to discoloration of the skin.

3. Genital warts

Genital warts are caused by the HPV virus which infects the genitals. Apart from the male's vital organs, genital warts can also grow on the inner thighs or the area around the groin.

Symptoms of genital warts are generally characterized by the appearance of white bumps on the testicles or penis. However, some may include dark spots or warts.

4. Scrotal dermatitis

Black spots on the testicles can also be caused by scrotal dermatitis. Scrotal dermatitis itself is a chronic inflammation that occurs in the scrotal skin caused by exposure to chemicals or allergens.

This condition often causes itching in the testicular area. If you scratch it, it can irritate the blood vessels near the surface of the skin and cause dark spots on the genitals.

Are dark spots on the testicles dangerous?

The good news is, dark spots on the testicles are not always dangerous, as long as they are not accompanied by other symptoms. This condition is also not a sign of a sexually transmitted infection in men or a tumor or cancer, as has been feared.

However, if black spots appear accompanied by symptoms such as:

Sharp pain in the feet and hands, especially after strenuous activity or sports
Rarely or never sweating (hypohidrosis)
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Foggy eyes
Diarrhea or constipation

So immediately consult a doctor for further examination. The doctor will carry out a series of medical examinations to determine the cause of the black spots on your testicles, from imaging tests (CT scans and X-rays), urine tests, blood tests, to biopsy.

How to deal with dark spots on the testicles?

Because the symptoms are mild and harmless, dark spots on the testicles don't really need special treatment. The type of treatment also depends on the cause of the black spot itself.

In general, dark spots on the testicles can be treated with periodic warm compresses. Warm temperatures can help constrict dilated blood vessels and help shrink dark spots on the testicles.

In addition, make sure to always keep your intimate organs clean so that they are dry and not damp. If the black spots on the testicles are caused by hyperpigmentation or angiokeratoma, the doctor may order a biopsy and laser therapy to remove the lesions.