Angiokeratomas are a surprisingly common and benign skin disorder characterized by small red marks ranging from a dark red to dark blue in color, resulting from capillary lesions showing signs of hyperkeratosis.
While these lesions often occur in many parts of the human body such as the legs, the lower back, and the buttocks, a localized presence of blood blisters in the scrotum or vulva is usually called the Fordyce type angiokeratoma, named after one John Addison Fordyce who first described them back in 1896.
The appearance of blood blisters around the lower body can be a sign of Fabry's disease, which is an enzyme deficiency leading to improper processing of lipids in the body. The symptoms of Fabrys are varied and can be read up in wiki pedia. A patient showing blood blisters, and also other symptoms, such as pain in the extremities, kidney and heart irregularities, should consider being tested for Fabrys by a doctor.
If Fabrys is not a consideration, due to this common occurrence in the genitals, generally taking on the form of small red or blue papules dispersed in various numbers in the scrotal sac and the penile shaft, they are commonly referred to as scrotum blood blisters. While angiokeratoma of the Fordyce variety are generally harmless, scrotum blood blisters are unattractive and can be a source of embarrassment, making whether or not a patient gets proper assessment a matter of concern. A serious diagnosis is a rare event, but anything doubtful in regards to mens sexual health should be seen by a doctor.
The usual problem that doctors face with angiokeratomas for men's health in general is the common misconception that the condition may be some type of venereal disease. For romantically involved people who are just getting to know each other, this fear can cause discomfort and embarrassment, to say the least. While serious complications for scrotum blood blisters may occur, these are unlikely. Nodular angiokeratoma may often progress into a complication which produces necrotic tissues generating 'valleys' that can subsequently harbor bacteria and fungi. Further complications may also result in a dermal infection, especially by the bacteria staphylococcus, which must be treated.
An infection stemming from scrotum blood blisters may be presumed once pain is felt from the lesions. While the risk of the blisters getting infected is rare, excising the infected lesions, grafting, or treating them with lasers is normal treatment. This makes angiokeratomas a men's sexual health problem that can be treated at most well equipped medical clinics. Treatments are usually done with repeated sessions until the lesions are no longer visible.
The most common methods of removing scrotal blood blisters involve electrocoagulation, cryotherapy, or laser therapy. In the event of more complicated infections, excision or skin grafting may be called for. In relation to men's sexual health, individuals who suffer from infected angiokeratoma may wish to refrain from any form of sexual intercourse as it can exacerbate the infection. After treatment, it is advised that individuals rest and forgo any sexual activity of any kind until fully recovered.
While angiokeratoma can cause embarrassment, especially with a new partner, being open about it educated about it will help to ease any fears, and act as a buffer for further trust and mutual understanding. Also, being aware of the possibility of incidence or infection along with effective treatment will curtail any complications that may arise due to negligence.
Because angiokeratoma is a benign skin condition, there is very little concern for a long term affect on men's sexual health, other than the initial embarrassment of informing your partner. Maintaining good hygiene and being open with your partner will allow you both to fully enjoy each other's company without undue fear of scrotum blood blisters getting in the way!