Penile Skin Bumps: Are They Normal or Pearly Penile Papules?

Penile foreskin rash

Doctor, I noticed that when I was younger, there were bumps on the skin outside my penis that looked like pimples.
They are not painful or itchy, and there are also a few on the skin of my testicles.
Is this normal? Additionally, are the white bumps around the glans commonly referred to as pearly penile papules? Thank you for your response, doctor.

A-Liang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/17

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology

Common skin protrusions may be caused by keratin abnormal proliferation 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 androgenic stimulation during puberty leading to sebaceous gland hyperplasia, ectopic sebaceous glands, or epidermal pigmentation.
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 referred to 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, measuring 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 remains 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.
They typically measure 1-2 mm in width and 1-4 mm in length, appearing as rounded papules arranged in single or double rows along the coronal sulcus of the penis.
Usually asymptomatic, most patients discover them incidentally.
However, if there are concerns, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or urologist.
Physicians often need to perform visual inspection, palpation, and a thorough 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 considered, please consult a dermatologist for further inquiry.

Reply Date: 2016/01/17

More Info

When it comes to penile skin bumps, it is essential to understand that not all bumps or lesions on the penis are indicative of a medical issue. In many cases, what you are describing could be a benign condition known as Pearly Penile Papules (PPP). These are small, dome-shaped bumps that typically appear around the corona of the glans (the head of the penis) and are completely normal. They are not harmful, do not require treatment, and are not a sign of any sexually transmitted infection (STI) or other medical condition.

Pearly Penile Papules are quite common and are often mistaken for warts or other lesions. They usually range in number from a few to several dozen and are typically white or skin-colored. Importantly, they are asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause pain, itching, or discomfort. Their presence is a normal anatomical variation and is not associated with any health risks.

In addition to PPP, you mentioned that you have noticed similar bumps on the outer skin of the penis and some on the scrotum. If these bumps are also painless and do not cause any irritation, they may be sebaceous cysts or other benign skin conditions. Sebaceous cysts are small lumps that can occur when the sebaceous glands become blocked. They are generally harmless and can be left untreated unless they become infected or bothersome.

However, it is crucial to differentiate between benign conditions and those that may require medical attention. If you notice any changes in the appearance of the bumps, such as increased size, color changes, or if they become painful, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Other conditions, such as genital warts, folliculitis, or other dermatological issues, may present with similar symptoms and would require a proper diagnosis.

Regarding the white bumps around the glans, if they are indeed Pearly Penile Papules, they are not a cause for concern. However, if you are uncertain or if the bumps do not resemble PPP, it would be wise to seek a consultation with a dermatologist or urologist. They can provide a thorough examination and, if necessary, perform tests to rule out any potential infections or other skin conditions.

In summary, while it is common to have concerns about any unusual skin changes, many penile skin bumps are entirely normal and benign. Pearly Penile Papules are a common occurrence and do not require treatment. If you have any doubts or if the bumps change in any way, do not hesitate to seek medical advice for peace of mind and appropriate care. Regular self-examinations and awareness of your body can help you identify any changes early, which is always a good practice for maintaining sexual health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Unusual Bumps on the Glans: Pearly Penile Papules or Something Else?

Recently, I noticed a bump on the glans of my penis, located between the edge of the glans and the urethral opening. This bump only appears when I have an erection and resembles a water blister. It is less prominent than pearly penile papules but slightly larger, about 2mm in siz...

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
It sounds like there are no issues, but your concerns can only be addressed after an examination. If you are worried, it is advisable to see a urologist for an evaluation.

Understanding the Difference Between Pearly Penile Papules and Warts

Hello, Dr. Hsu. Recently, I discovered some small white bumps resembling tiny pimples located in the folds of the foreskin and glans (on the dorsal side of the penis). They are arranged in a small patch (scattered arrangement) and do not protrude much (similar to small pimples on...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Anonymous: Hello, cauliflower and pearl tumors are quite easy to distinguish. Diagnosis can be made in less than 10 seconds. If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further. Answers found online should only serve as a reference; if...

Understanding Pearly Penile Papules: Causes and Concerns

Hello doctor, recently my girlfriend performed oral sex on me, and afterwards I noticed some small bumps at the junction of my glans and foreskin (they appear white when erect and red otherwise). I've heard that there can also be small bumps near the lips. How big are these ...

Dr. Song Zhixian reply Urology
If the papules you described are arranged in a neat linear pattern, the diagnosis is pearly penile papules. This is a normal phenomenon and does not require treatment.

Understanding Pearly Penile Papules: Causes and Concerns

Hello Doctor, I previously inquired about a condition I have where the surface of my glans is covered with some papules during erection, but they are almost invisible when not erect and become more apparent when I intentionally squeeze. I subsequently consulted a dermatologist, w...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Sam: Hello, pearly penile papules generally appear at the junction of the glans and the shaft of the penis, and are less common on the glans itself. However, if a dermatologist has examined them, they should be benign and not a major concern. If there are any unclear points, feel...