Small White Spots on the Glans: Causes and Concerns

Q: Small White Spots on the Glans: Causes and Concerns

Hello： The cauliflower will grow larger. <br>Keep the area clean and just observe. <br>Cauliflower is prone to recurrence, but for lesions that are not very noticeable, the only approach is to monitor them. <br>Wishing you good health.

There is a small spot on the mucosa of the glans penis?

Hello, Dr.
Du:
Last year, after my outpatient surgery, I was informed that there was a small wart on the mucosa of my glans, which was identified as a wart.
However, during my follow-up appointment in March of this year, everything seemed fine.
A couple of days ago, while showering, I noticed a small spot on the mucosa that appeared slightly white or yellowish, but it was very subtle.
After showering, I became worried and used a sterile cotton swab dipped in iodine to check if I had misinterpreted what I saw and to feel if there was any elevation.
I confirmed that I wasn't mistaken; although it looked flat, there was indeed a small spot.
I then made an appointment with the urology department at Cathay General Hospital, which is near my home.

The doctor examined me but initially couldn't find the spot I mentioned.
After turning on the light, he said it was not a wart and that I shouldn't be worried, but he didn't provide much explanation.
He advised me that I wasn't cleaning well enough and that I needed to be more thorough with hygiene.
He also mentioned that I should use iodine less frequently as it can be irritating.
He said the last time iodine was used was for the outpatient surgery, and since I was fine, I didn't need to use it.
He told me to observe for any other changes and to return in about three months to confirm that everything was okay.
I would like to ask the doctor what that small spot could possibly be.
I followed his advice but forgot to ask about the sudden appearance of this flat spot.
It doesn't seem like penile papules because it is truly flat.
Could it be smegma? However, the cotton swab didn't remove anything, and it doesn't quite feel like that.
Is it possible that there could be sebaceous glands in that area?
Another point is that although the doctor has already said it is not a wart, could a wart potentially appear as a small flat spot? I would appreciate it if you could explain this as well.
Regarding smegma, I rinse with water almost every day, but it seems like it gets stuck, and I'm unsure if I can scrub it hard.
Do you have any suggestions?
I apologize for the lengthy inquiry, and I hope you can help alleviate my concerns, as I am genuinely worried about a recurrence, even though two doctors have said it is not.
Thank you.

Da, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/05

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: The cauliflower will grow larger.
Keep the area clean and just observe.
Cauliflower is prone to recurrence, but for lesions that are not very noticeable, the only approach is to monitor them.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/05/05

More Info

Understanding small white spots on the glans can be a source of concern for many individuals, especially after a previous diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection like genital warts (caused by the human papillomavirus, HPV). In your case, it seems you have already consulted with a urologist who reassured you that the new spot is not genital warts and advised you to maintain better hygiene.

The appearance of small white or yellowish spots on the glans can be attributed to several benign conditions. Here are some possible explanations:
1. Pearly Penile Papules: These are small, harmless bumps that can appear around the corona of the glans. They are a normal anatomical variant and are not associated with any disease or infection. They are often mistaken for warts but are completely benign.

2. Sebaceous Glands: The glans and the surrounding areas can have sebaceous glands that may become more prominent or clogged, leading to small white spots. These are also normal and not a cause for concern.

3. Fordyce Spots: These are small, painless, pale bumps that can appear on the shaft of the penis or the glans. They are enlarged oil glands and are completely normal.

4. Irritation or Inflammation: Sometimes, irritation from friction, soaps, or other products can cause localized inflammation, leading to the appearance of small spots. This can happen if the area is not cleaned properly or if there is excessive moisture.

5. Infection: While your doctor has ruled out genital warts, other infections such as folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) or other dermatological conditions could cause similar symptoms. However, these would typically present with additional symptoms like redness, swelling, or discomfort.

Regarding your concern about hygiene, it is essential to maintain proper cleanliness in the genital area. Here are some tips:
- Gentle Cleaning: Use warm water to clean the area daily. Avoid harsh soaps or scrubs that can irritate the sensitive skin.

- Avoid Irritants: Limit the use of antiseptics like iodine unless prescribed by a doctor, as they can cause irritation.

- Drying: After washing, ensure the area is dried properly to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to infections.

As for your concern about the possibility of the new spot being a recurrence of genital warts, it is important to note that genital warts typically appear as raised lesions rather than flat spots. They can vary in size and may cluster together, but they are usually not flat. If the spot remains unchanged and does not develop additional symptoms, it is likely benign.

If you continue to have concerns or if the spot changes in appearance, size, or if you develop new symptoms, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. Regular check-ups can help monitor any changes and provide peace of mind.

In summary, while it is understandable to worry about new spots, especially after a previous diagnosis, the likelihood of them being serious is low, especially given your doctor's reassurance. Maintaining good hygiene and monitoring the spot for any changes is a prudent approach. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for more personalized advice.

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