Pearly Penile Papules and Balanitis: A Guide for Young Men

Pearly penile papules, balanitis?

Hello, doctor.
I am 20 years old and a college student.
Last Sunday, I had sexual intercourse, which only involved oral sex (my partner likely does not have HPV).
I didn't experience any symptoms for the first two days, and I did rinse immediately after the sexual activity.
However, today I started feeling an itch on my glans, and while showering, I noticed that there are small, pimple-like bumps in the glans sulcus, and my penis appears slightly red and has some broken skin.
I'm not sure if this is pearly penile papules or simply inflammation.
Additionally, I can normally retract my foreskin, but I don't clean it regularly; I usually wait until there's a bit of odor or smegma before I wash it.
After washing and drying, I immediately retract the foreskin again, so I'm wondering if this could have led to the inflammation of the foreskin.
Lastly, I would like to ask the doctor if I need to regularly retract the foreskin to expose the glans.

gjuu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/17

Dr. Jian Weihong reply Urology

There are various types of skin rashes on the penis.
Although most are merely mild allergies or infections, if the symptoms are more severe or persist for a longer duration, it is important to seek a direct examination, and sometimes a biopsy may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
Each individual has a different constitution and varying cleaning methods; if your previous cleaning methods and frequency have maintained cleanliness and comfort, there is no need for significant changes.
Similar to the skin on other parts of the body, inadequate or excessive washing can lead to discomfort.
Regarding the foreskin, those with a longer foreskin do not need to intentionally retract it regularly, while those with a shorter foreskin or who find retraction more comfortable do not need to intentionally pull it down to cover it.

Reply Date: 2020/12/17

More Info

Pearly Penile Papules (PPP) and balanitis are two conditions that can cause concern for young men, especially after engaging in sexual activity. Understanding these conditions is crucial for proper management and peace of mind.

Pearly Penile Papules (PPP)
PPP are small, benign, dome-shaped bumps that typically appear around the corona of the glans (the head of the penis). They are a normal anatomical variant and are not associated with any disease or infection. PPP is common in young men and usually does not require treatment unless they cause psychological distress. The presence of these papules is often mistaken for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other conditions, but they are harmless.

Balanitis
Balanitis, on the other hand, refers to inflammation of the glans penis, which can be caused by various factors, including poor hygiene, infections (bacterial or fungal), or irritants. Symptoms of balanitis may include redness, swelling, itching, and sometimes pain or discomfort. In your case, the itching and redness you are experiencing could indicate a mild case of balanitis, especially if you have not been regularly cleaning the area.

Hygiene Practices
Regarding your hygiene practices, it is essential to maintain proper genital hygiene to prevent conditions like balanitis. Here are some recommendations:
1. Regular Cleaning: It is advisable to gently retract the foreskin (if you are uncircumcised) and clean the area regularly, ideally daily. This helps remove smegma (a combination of dead skin cells, oils, and other bodily fluids) that can accumulate and lead to irritation or infection.

2. Drying: After washing, ensure that the area is thoroughly dried before replacing the foreskin. Moist environments can promote the growth of bacteria and fungi.

3. Avoid Irritants: Be cautious with soaps or lotions that may irritate the sensitive skin of the genital area. Opt for mild, unscented products.

4. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you notice persistent symptoms such as severe itching, pain, or discharge, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Should You Keep the Foreskin Retracted?
It is not necessary to keep the foreskin retracted at all times. However, during cleaning, it is beneficial to expose the glans to ensure proper hygiene. After cleaning, you can return the foreskin to its normal position. Keeping the foreskin retracted for extended periods can lead to irritation or discomfort.

Conclusion
In summary, the bumps you are observing could likely be pearly penile papules, which are harmless. However, the redness and itching suggest that you may be experiencing balanitis, which can often be managed with improved hygiene practices. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to seek medical advice to rule out any infections or other conditions. Regular cleaning and proper care can significantly reduce the risk of balanitis and promote overall genital health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Pearly Penile Papules and Balanitis in Young Men

Hello, doctor. I am 20 years old and a college student. Last Sunday, I engaged in sexual activity, which only involved oral sex (my partner likely does not have HPV). I didn't experience any symptoms for the first two days, and I washed immediately after the sexual activity....

Dr. Jian Weihong reply Urology
There are various types of skin rashes on the penis. Although most are merely mild allergies or infections, if the symptoms are more severe or persist for an extended period, a physical examination is necessary, and sometimes a biopsy may be required for a definitive diagnosis. E...

Understanding Pearly Penile Papules: Treatment Options and Insights

Pearl-like papules can be treated. If you feel that something seems unusual in that area, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology
Common skin protrusions may be caused by keratin abnormality leading to pearly penile papules, which appear skin-colored or light brown, and are multiple and round. These small white nodules resemble tiny beads, about the size of a pinhead, and are primarily formed due to cystic ...

Understanding Pearly Penile Papules: Painful Bumps and Treatment Options

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about the pearly penile papules on my glans. Many people online say that it is due to phimosis and that it could potentially lead to penile cancer over the years. However, I have researched and found that pearly papules are benign and do not...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
The pearly penile papules are not painful and do not require treatment. If there is pain, it may indicate another issue, and it is important to seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment. As for the cause and whether topical ointments can be used fo...

Understanding Pearly Penile Papules: Causes and Treatment Options

During middle school, I noticed some small white bumps (about 0.1 cm) on the glans and shaft of my penis, and it seems like they have been increasing in number. I was worried and went to see a dermatologist, who said they are more prominent sebaceous glands. What should I do? It ...

Dr. Jiang Yini reply Urology
It is advisable to schedule an appointment with a urologist for a proper examination by a physician.