What is the cause of penile discoloration with green, blue, orange, and purple pigmentation?

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Last updated: May 8, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

A normal penis is not green and blue with orange stripes and purple polka dots, and such dramatic discoloration could indicate a serious medical emergency requiring immediate attention. If someone's penis has unusual coloration like this, it would be a serious medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention. Such dramatic discoloration could indicate severe circulation problems, infection, or tissue death. Normal penis coloration typically ranges from the same tone as the person's skin to slightly darker, with possible variations in pigmentation that are natural. Any sudden or unusual changes in penis color, especially dramatic multicolored patterns, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider immediately as this could indicate a medical emergency.

According to the guidelines for the management of skin and soft tissue infections 1, Fournier gangrene is a type of necrotizing soft tissue infection that can involve the scrotum and penis, and can have an insidious or explosive onset. The infection can begin with a discrete area of necrosis in the perineum that progresses rapidly over 1–2 days with advancing skin necrosis. The guidelines recommend aggressive surgical debridement, and appropriate antibiotics for the treatment of Fournier gangrene.

The British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of lichen sclerosus 1 state that a biopsy must always be considered in patients with a suspicion of neoplastic change, or if the disease fails to respond to adequate treatment. The guidelines also recommend that circumcision be performed, and the foreskin sent for histology to exclude penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN) and confirm the diagnosis.

In terms of penile cancer, the ESMO clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up 1 state that squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for more than 95% of cases of penile cancer. The guidelines recommend a thorough history and physical, followed by a biopsy of the primary lesion to establish a pathologic diagnosis. Accurate clinical staging allows for a comprehensive treatment approach to be devised, thus optimizing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing treatment-related morbidity.

If someone is experiencing unusual coloration of the penis, they should go to the emergency room right away rather than seeking advice online, as this could indicate a medical emergency. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is not directly related to the question, but the guidelines for the management of skin and soft tissue infections 1 and penile cancer 1 emphasize the importance of prompt medical attention for any unusual changes in penis color or symptoms.

Some key points to consider include:

  • Normal penis coloration typically ranges from the same tone as the person's skin to slightly darker, with possible variations in pigmentation that are natural.
  • Any sudden or unusual changes in penis color, especially dramatic multicolored patterns, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider immediately.
  • Fournier gangrene is a type of necrotizing soft tissue infection that can involve the scrotum and penis, and can have an insidious or explosive onset.
  • Lichen sclerosus is a condition that can cause skin changes and increase the risk of penile cancer.
  • Penile cancer is a disease that mandates prompt medical/surgical intervention and patient compliance to obtain the most favorable outcomes.

From the Research

Penis Coloration

  • There is no evidence to suggest that a penis can be green and blue with orange stripes and purple polka dots.
  • The provided studies do not discuss penis coloration or any related topics 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The studies focus on various medical topics such as managing medically unexplained symptoms, allergic reactions, sepsis, antihistamines, and encephalopathy, but none of them mention penis coloration.
  • It appears that there are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as the provided studies do not address the topic of penis coloration.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Sepsis: Current Definition, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management.

Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 2017

Research

Evidence-based use of antihistamines for treatment of allergic conditions.

Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, 2023

Research

A Clinical Approach to Diagnosing Encephalopathy.

The American journal of medicine, 2019

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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