White Bumps on the Glans: Causes and Concerns

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Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by a condition where there are many white bumps around the edge of my glans.
They are not very large, about the size of a pimple, and there are quite a few of them.
This issue has been present for a long time, approximately 12 years.
At that time, I had not engaged in sexual intercourse.
Could this possibly be a sexually transmitted infection, or is it something else?

Hong Tongxue, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/06/24

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology

Common skin protrusions may be caused by keratin abnormality leading to seborrheic keratosis, which appears as skin-colored or light brown, round, multiple lesions.
These small white nodules resemble tiny beads, about the size of a pinhead, and are primarily due to cystic retention of keratin in the upper dermis.
They may also result from androgen-induced sebaceous gland hyperplasia during puberty, ectopic sebaceous glands, or epidermal pigment deposition.
However, seborrheic keratosis typically appears white, while sebaceous gland hyperplasia is yellow.
Generally, seborrheic keratosis does not require treatment.
Some of these lesions can occur on the penis or directly on the nipples.
Additionally, some small papules are referred to as penile pearly papules.
This condition does not affect your health or physiological function, and if asymptomatic, no treatment is necessary.
Approximately 10% of males may develop penile pearly papules.
These small papules are arranged in rows (circumferentially) along the coronal sulcus of the penis, ranging from the size of a pinhead to that of a grain of millet, and are skin-colored or light pink.
They cannot be washed or scraped off, are painless and itch-free, representing a benign skin condition.
The exact cause is still unclear; however, they do not impact the patient's overall health, urinary function, or sexual function, and are not contagious.
The color of penile pearly papules can be pink, white, or yellow, with transparent ones being less common.
Their size typically ranges from 1 to 2 millimeters in width and 1 to 4 millimeters in length, appearing as round papules arranged in single or double rows along the coronal sulcus of the penis.
They are usually asymptomatic and are often discovered incidentally by patients.
However, if there are any concerns, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or urologist, as a physician often needs to perform visual inspection, palpation, and history-taking to confirm the diagnosis.

Reply Date: 2015/06/24

More Info

Understanding white bumps on the glans can be a source of concern for many individuals, especially when they notice changes in their genital area. The appearance of white bumps on the glans (the head of the penis) can be attributed to several benign conditions, and it is important to differentiate these from potential sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other medical concerns.

One common cause of white bumps on the glans is Pearly Penile Papules (PPP). These are small, dome-shaped, white or flesh-colored bumps that typically appear around the corona (the ridge) of the glans. They are completely normal anatomical variations and are not associated with any disease or infection. PPP is often mistaken for warts or other lesions, but they are harmless and do not require treatment.

Another possibility is Fordyce spots, which are small, painless, pale bumps that can appear on the glans or shaft of the penis. These are sebaceous glands that are not associated with hair follicles and are also considered a normal variant. Like PPP, Fordyce spots do not indicate any health issues and do not require treatment.

If the white bumps are larger, painful, or associated with other symptoms such as itching, burning, or discharge, it may be indicative of a different condition. For example, genital warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), can appear as small, raised bumps and may require medical evaluation and treatment. Similarly, herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause painful blisters or sores on the genital area, which may also present as white bumps.

In some cases, balanitis, an inflammation of the glans, can lead to the development of white patches or bumps. This condition can be caused by infections, irritants, or poor hygiene, and it may require treatment depending on the underlying cause.

Given that you have had these bumps for approximately 12 years without any changes or associated symptoms, it is more likely that they are benign, such as PPP or Fordyce spots. However, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis, especially if you have concerns about sexually transmitted infections or if there are any changes in the appearance of the bumps.

In summary, while white bumps on the glans can be concerning, many cases are benign and do not indicate a serious health issue. It is essential to monitor any changes and seek medical advice if you experience additional symptoms or if the appearance of the bumps changes over time. Regular check-ups and open communication with a healthcare provider can help alleviate concerns and ensure proper care.

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