What Are Pearly Penile Papules?
Pearly penile papules are small, dome-shaped bumps on or near the head of the penis. They often appear whitish, yellowish, or skin-colored, and with a "pearly" appearance.
These bumps are considered angiofibromas, which are small and harmless tumors. They are distinct from Fordyce spots on the penis, which are sebaceous (oil) glands that tend to be located on the penile shaft.
Though pearly penile papules are benign, they can still significantly affect your quality of life. As they are most apparent during arousal, they can lead to decreased confidence during intimate moments.
Once a man develops penile papules, they may decrease in size, but they rarely completely disappear on their own. It's best to seek removal for papules sooner rather than later if they bother you.
As a dermatologic practice, our goal at SynergyMD Cosmetic Dermatology is to help men and women feel more confident in their skin. That's why we offer safe, effective, and discreet removal of pearly penile papules here at our Tampa, FL, office.
Pearly Penile Papules Are Not:
Cancer
Pearly penile papules are not an indication of penile cancer. There is no need to seek medical treatment for the condition, but our board-certified dermatologist can be an immense help if you're looking for cosmetic removal.
Genital Warts
Many men are worried that pearly penile papules are early-stage genital warts. They are not, and the two conditions rarely occur in the same individual. Research has shown that only around 1% of men with pearly penile papules also have genital warts.
A Sexually Transmitted Disease
Pearly penile papules are not sexually transmitted in any way, and you cannot spread them to an intimate partner. They should not cause any pain, itching, or other type of physical discomfort.
A More Common Condition Than You May Realize
Dr. Lombardi has helped many men all over Florida and even as far as Ohio take back their confidence with discreet treatment.
According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 48% of males develop penile papules during late adolescence or early adulthood, and it's more common in uncircumcised men than in those who have been circumcised. If you have pearly penile papules, know that it is normal. This is not a disease or a condition that affects sexual or reproductive function. However, we realize it can be difficult to convince a partner that this is a benign skin condition, and the toll penile papules can take on your self-image is not insignificant.
Our award-winning dermatologist can use P-Sculpt to help you overcome this condition permanently. Please request a confidential consultation at our dermatology office in Tampa, FL, if you'd like to explore treatment.
“I recently visited SynergyMD Cosmetic Dermatology and had an excellent experience. The staff was professional, friendly, and very attentive. Dr. Lombardi and Stephanie provided thorough explanations and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit. The clinic was clean and well-organized. Highly recommend for anyone seeking dermatological care!" Joel, 5-Star Google Review
Safe, Private, and Effective Removal
Dr. Lombardi uses P-Sculpt to remove each papule individually and with minimal discomfort. Once the penile papules are completely treated, they do not grow back. However, this is only guaranteed if you see a trained and double board-certified expert like Dr. Lombardi. Physicians without the proper training might not be capable of fully treating the condition.
Don't Try to Remove Papules on Your Own
We do not recommend self-treatment or home “remedies” for penile papules. They are ineffective at best and can actually leave you worse off than before by leading to scarring that reduces the sensitivity of penile skin. We also suggest avoiding any over-the-counter creams marketed for treating penile papules. Since these papules are growths similar to moles, it's very unlikely that a non-prescription product will lead to any improvement.