There are some parts of the body that have a darker color when compared to other skin. In men, one of the darker body parts is the penis . Why is that?
Moms, it turns out it is caused by sex hormones, the testosterone and estrogen which regulate melanocyte cell activity. The cells are tasked with releasing melanin which is a protein pigment that affects skin color. So according to Dermatologists from New York, United States, Dr. Cameron Rokhsar and Dr. Lindsey Bordone as reported by Mens Health Australia.
Penis illustration. Photo: Shutterstock
Furthermore, Dr. Rokhsar said during puberty, your child will also experience an increase in melanocyte cells. Thus making the boy’s penis and nipples and labia in girls darker.
“Hormones regulate melanocytes to produce their pigments. Their effect on the skin in that area is darker pigments,” explained Dr. Rokhsar.
Then the dark penis can also be caused by various other factors. Call it because of the friction or pressure that makes the skin naturally will thicken to protect itself.
Penis Photo Illustration: Pixabay
In addition, the penis can be dark because of the pubic hair shaving activity. Then, it could also be due to too often rubbing or scratching the penis due to itching or infection.
Well Moms, what your son or husband needs to know, penis skin that goes dark can also be a marker of health problems such as diabetes and obesity. So, make sure you take care of your family’s health condition too, Moms.
“Your skin can become dark in certain areas when sugar is very high and has diabetes,” concludes Dr. Bordone.
