Bumps on the Penis: What Could They Be?

Q: Bumps on the Penis: What Could They Be?

Xiao Hua： Hello, it seems like you might be experiencing sebaceous gland inflammation or folliculitis. <br>Pimples on the penis can be squeezed only after they have matured. <br>Herpes is very easy to diagnose and treat in an outpatient setting; if uncertain, a blood test for her

Pearly penile papules?

Hello doctor, I noticed a small bump on the mid-shaft of my penis today that looks like a pimple or a blister.
It doesn't hurt when I touch it, even when I press down hard, and it hasn't burst.
Could this be acne? It doesn't seem to be a hair follicle like the ones that have hair growing from them.
It resembles acne but is somewhat translucent.

1.
Could it be herpes?
2.
Is it possible for pimples to appear on the penis?
3.
Can I pop it?
4.
Recently, I've noticed a small bump near the base of my penis that seems to be a pimple, and if I leave it alone, it eventually peels off in a round shape.
Could this be due to heat causing pimples?
5.
Regarding my previous question, doesn't herpes typically present with multiple blisters? I only saw one small, painful blister after experiencing redness.
I consulted a doctor about my genital herpes type 1, and they mentioned that sometimes there may not be any blisters or pain at all.
Initially, I had redness in the corona but didn't see any blisters or significant pain until I started applying medication, after which I discovered that painful blister on the foreskin.

Xiao Hua, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/05/12

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Xiao Hua: Hello, it seems like you might be experiencing sebaceous gland inflammation or folliculitis.
Pimples on the penis can be squeezed only after they have matured.
Herpes is very easy to diagnose and treat in an outpatient setting; if uncertain, a blood test for herpes can be conducted.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further.
Department of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Director Xu Wei-Kai.

Reply Date: 2009/05/12

More Info

When it comes to bumps or lesions on the penis, it is essential to approach the situation with caution and awareness of the various possibilities. Based on your description of a small bump that resembles an acne pimple or a blister, it is important to consider several factors before jumping to conclusions.

Firstly, the appearance of bumps on the penis can be attributed to a variety of causes. Common benign conditions include:
1. Pearly Penile Papules: These are small, harmless bumps that typically appear around the corona of the glans (the head of the penis). They are normal anatomical variations and do not require treatment.

2. Folliculitis: This condition occurs when hair follicles become inflamed, often due to infection or irritation. It can present as small red or white bumps that may resemble acne.

3. Fordyce Spots: These are small, painless, pale bumps that are actually enlarged sebaceous glands. They are completely normal and do not require any treatment.

4. Genital Warts: Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), these can appear as small, flesh-colored or gray bumps. They can be flat or raised and may vary in size.

5. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): This viral infection can cause painful blisters or sores on the genital area. While you mentioned that the bump does not hurt, it’s important to note that some individuals may not experience pain or may have mild symptoms.

6. Other Skin Conditions: Conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can also affect the genital area, leading to bumps or patches of irritated skin.

Regarding your specific questions:
1. Is it acne?: While it may resemble acne, it is less common for traditional acne to occur on the penis. The bump could be one of the benign conditions mentioned above.

2. Can I pop it?: It is generally not advisable to pop or squeeze any bumps on the penis. Doing so can lead to infection, scarring, or further irritation.

3. What about the peeling skin?: Peeling skin can occur for various reasons, including irritation, dryness, or a reaction to products. If it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may warrant further investigation.

4. Concerns about herpes: While herpes can present with blisters, it is important to remember that not all bumps are indicative of an STI. If you have concerns about herpes or any other sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is best to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate testing and diagnosis.

5. When to seek medical advice: If the bump changes in appearance, becomes painful, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as discharge, fever, or systemic symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform a physical examination and may recommend tests to determine the cause of the bump.

In conclusion, while the bump you are experiencing may be benign, it is essential to monitor it and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment if necessary. Remember, maintaining good genital hygiene and practicing safe sex can help reduce the risk of infections and other complications.

Similar Q&A

What Could a Pain-Free Bump on My Penis Be? Urology Insights

Hello doctor, I have a small bump on my penis that looks like a pimple, but it doesn't hurt, itch, or secrete anything. What could it be?

Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology
It could be folliculitis or papillomatosis, but it's not a sexually transmitted disease! If you're concerned, please visit a hospital and consult a urologist.

Help! Unusual Bumps on My Penis: What Could They Be?

Hello doctor, here’s the situation: I have developed a white bump at the junction of my penis and body, in the area where pubic hair grows. It looks somewhat like a pimple. When I squeezed it, it seemed to be empty inside, but it bled a little, and then it appeared to become infl...

Dr. Du Mingyi reply Urology
You need to visually assess it; make sure to see a urologist when you have time.

Unexplained Bumps on the Penis: Causes and Concerns

Since last year, I have noticed large bumps on my scrotum, with many of them present. There are also small bumps on my penis, which are tiny and appear in clusters. Additionally, there are bumps under the glans, forming a row. All of these are white, and they are painless and itc...

Dr. Cai Zhuorong reply Urology
Commonly seen "Fordyce spots" on the foreskin and "pearly penile papules" in the coronal sulcus. It is recommended that you search online to see if they resemble your condition. Of course, if you have any concerns, it is still advisable to seek medical attenti...

Understanding Unusual Bumps on the Penis: Causes and Concerns

Today I noticed small white, blister-like bumps on the glans of my penis. When I pulled at them, they broke and bled, and there are about three of them. What could this be a symptom of? Thank you.

Dr. Jiang Yini reply Urology
It could be pearly penile papules, a viral infection, or folliculitis. It is recommended to visit a nearby urology or dermatology clinic for examination.