Sunday, January 29, 2012

Pearly Penile Papules - Are They Threatening?

By Betty J. Layne


Pearly penile papules - scientifically referred as hirsuties papillaris genitalis - are small skin-colored bumps that form on the penis, often in rows encircling the sulcus or corona. They are not open and do not pop or "seep." They do not cause physical irritation, though some men report a sensation they find unpleasant. The condition is physically harmless and can not be spread through sexual contact. The bumps or lesions most commonly develop on men in their 20s and 30s and fade and decrease in frequency as men progress in age. Uncircumcised men tend to develop them at a higher rate than those who are circumcised. Statistics are vague on how common PPP is, with reports ranging from 8%-48%. Though the condition is considered a "normal variant" that does not need treatment, some men suffer psychological distress over the condition, feeling social and sexual embarrassment.

A thousand questions may be running through your mind right now. What in the world is that bump? Did I catch a disease? Do I have cancer? Stop. Take a deep breath. Relax. While it can be unnerving to find bumps on your penis, there may be a simple and benign explanation. Though you should have it checked out by a doctor just to be sure, your diagnosis is likely pearly penile papules. What? Despite the funny alliteration, finding these bumps can be really scary and an uncomfortable topic to bring up to your doctor. But, once you know what they are, you can figure out what you want to do about them.

Pearly penile papules are tiny bumps that ring the rim of the penis head. They're commonly flesh-colored or possibly a little lighter and have a smooth dome shape. Interestingly, they also seem to form in organized rows, like a string of pearls. You will discover no damaging effects apart from some probable sensitivity that may be uncomfortable in the course of sex or other activities.

To set your mind at ease from the start, pearly penile papules are completely benign. Many men mistakenly think they have acquired a sexually transmitted disease or developed genital warts when they first notice the lumps. They are not a symptom of an STD. There is really no known reason why the bumps form, but it has nothing to do with sexual activity or personal hygiene. If you are experiencing discharge or see a yellowish-white color, you probably have a clogged gland or sebaceous cyst instead. Either way, having a doctor look at it is wise.

Truly, these bumps are really frequent, specially among guys in their twenties and thirties. Uncircumcised men also report a high occurrence in the papules as well. All through your lifetime, it is doable that the bumps will appear and disappear on their very own. Although they may be harmless, do not pick at them or try to pop them. You can trigger some serious damage- scarring and infection can happen. See a medical doctor if they bother you.




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