Hyperpigmented genitalia

What it means

Localized or generalized increased genital pigmentation.

This is an assessment of the relative pigmentation of the genitalia compared to the overall pigmentation of the individual. Hyperpigmentation can affect other parts of the body or be restricted to the genitalia. Genital hyperpigmentation can be generalized or localized. Localized areas of hyperpigmentation of the glans of the penis are especially common. This should be differentiated from Freckled genitalia in which one or more small, focal areas of hyperpigmentation are present. Localized hyperpigmentation can be objectively determined due to the difference from the immediate surrounding tissue color, while generalized hyperpigmentation may be more difficult to determine and is therefore a subjective manifestation. If the finding is localized, the description should be appended with a description of the affected part(s).

Rare diseases that can present with this1

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Penile melanosis