Skin conditions of the male genitalia

Skin disorders of the penis are common and cause significant sexual and urinary morbidity. A 'dysfunctional foreskin' is the cause or consequence of most of these problems. Often, they present to doctors in other specialties who are not well-versed in dermatological differential diagnosis and management. Some dermatoses are precancerous or predispose to squamous carcinoma. Penis cancer can be difficult to diagnose early, but if diagnosed late requires mutilating surgery and has a high mortality so it is important to confirm or exclude it. Some common, rare and important conditions are discussed and illustrated in this contribution.