Pearly Penile Papules: Symptoms and When to See a Doctor

Pearly penile papules

Can pearly penile papules appear on the external skin of the scrotum? A few days ago, I had a bump on my penis that resembled a pimple and it burst on its own, releasing white pus.
Should I see a doctor for this? If so, which specialty should I consult? Thank you!

A-Q, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/17

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology

Common skin protrusions may be caused by keratin abnormal hyperplasia known as pearly penile papules, which appear as skin-colored or light brown, round, multiple small nodules resembling tiny beads, about the size of a pinhead.
These 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, pearly penile papules are white in appearance, while sebaceous gland hyperplasia is yellow.
Typically, pearly penile papules do not require treatment.
Some may occur on the penis or directly on the nipples.
Additionally, there are small papules known as pearly penile papules.
This condition does not affect your health or physiological function, and if asymptomatic, no treatment is necessary.
Approximately 10% of males may develop pearly penile 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, and represent 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 pearly penile 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 usually have no symptoms and are often discovered incidentally by patients.
However, if there are any concerns, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or urologist.
Physicians often need to perform visual examination, palpation, and patient history to confirm the diagnosis, as pearly penile papules are not classified as a disease.
Urologists do not have specific treatments for pearly penile papules, so if treatment is being considered, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist.

Reply Date: 2015/10/17

More Info

Pearly penile papules (PPP) are small, benign growths that typically appear around the corona of the glans penis. They are often described as small, white or skin-colored bumps that can resemble pearls, hence the name. These papules are a normal anatomical variant and are not associated with any disease or sexually transmitted infection. They are harmless and do not require treatment unless they cause psychological distress to the individual.

To address your specific questions:
1. Can pearly penile papules appear on the external skin of the scrotum? While pearly penile papules are primarily found on the penis, particularly around the glans, they do not typically appear on the scrotum. However, other types of bumps or lesions can occur on the scrotum, which may be unrelated to PPP. If you notice any unusual growths or changes in that area, it is essential to have them evaluated by a healthcare professional.

2. You mentioned a pimple-like bump that burst and released white pus. Should you see a doctor? Yes, you should definitely see a doctor in this case. The presence of a bump that has ruptured and produced pus could indicate an infection, such as a folliculitis or an abscess, which may require medical attention. It is crucial to have a healthcare provider assess the area to determine the cause of the bump and to provide appropriate treatment if necessary.

3. Which specialist should you see? For concerns regarding bumps or lesions on the genital area, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or a urologist. A dermatologist specializes in skin conditions and can provide a thorough examination and treatment options for skin-related issues. A urologist specializes in urinary tract and male reproductive system disorders and can also address any concerns related to the penis and scrotum.

In summary, while pearly penile papules are harmless and do not require treatment, any new or changing lesions, especially those that rupture and produce pus, warrant a medical evaluation. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to changes in your body, particularly in sensitive areas. Seeking medical advice will help ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly and appropriately.

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