Penile papules are also referred to as “pearly penile papules” and “hirsutoid papillomas. They are small bumps that form around the head of the penis. They are raised, skin-colored growths that resemble a pimple. However, there is no pus produced from the penile papules. They often occur after puberty and are most common in those who are uncircumcised. They affect roughly 30% of men. Pearly penile papules are not contagious and are not painful. Below you will find more information on the causes of the condition and what treatment is available.
Causes of Penile Papules
Most often penile papules are thought to be a sexually transmitted disease. Or the result of poor hygiene. Research has suggested that the papules may be leftover from post-embryonic development in the womb. However, the exact cause is unknown. Experts all agree that the condition is not the result of an infection, nor does it have any underlying cause. They are considered to be a normal anatomic condition despite their unappealing appearance.
Symptoms of Penile Papules
You will not notice any symptoms outside of the physical appearance of the penile papules. Penile papules are smooth and are between 1 and 4 millimeters in diameter. They look like tiny bumps, but some are longer and look like threads. They often come in rows of one or two near the base of the penis head. The condition is neither painful nor contagious, and once they appear, they do not spread or change in size or shape.
Men often report that their penile papules become more noticeable when they have an erection. Because the penis gets larger with an erection, in addition to the increased blood flow to the area, the penile papules are definitely noticeable. This can often impact your sex life despite the skin condition have no risk of being contagious. If your sex life has proven impacted by your penile papules, there exist treatment options to remove them. While penile papules are harmless, it’s important to get your skin condition examined by a medical professional. They can properly diagnose you with the condition, so there is no worry about what it may be. They can also help with treatment options so you can feel confident in your body.
Are Penile Papules Contagious? Diagnosis and Treatment
A board-certified dermatologist can diagnose and treat the condition. The diagnosis can involve only an expert physical examination of the affected area. Once diagnosed, the treatment proves highly effective. The major benefit of the treatment proves that once we treat penile papules, they do not come back. It is strongly advised that you do not try at-home remedies to treat the issue due to the sensitivity of the area. In fact, at-home treatments can often exacerbate the issue and leave you with more problems than you started with. A board-certified dermatologist can provide treatment that is safe, effective and destroys each penile papule. We will discuss your specific type of treatment during your consultation as each patient proves uniquely different.
Best Tampa Dermatologist
If you think you may have pearl penile papules and would like a diagnosis and treatment, contact Dr. Milan Lombardi at Lombardi Institute of Dermatology. Dr. Lombardi has worked with patients for years, helping them with various skin and dermatological issues, including pearl penile papules. In fact, it is one of the most common skin issues that he treats and he has treated numerous patients with the condition. Dr. Lombardi and his team focus on addressing your concerns and providing you with the most effective treatment options. Contact the best Tampa dermatologist today for a consultation!