Finding a group of bumps on the edge of the penis is scary for any man. You may be wondering, “Is it cancer?” or “Have I contracted an STD?” And while any strange lumps or bumps should be checked out by a doctor right away, chances are you’ve discovered a harmless condition called pearly penile papules.
Pearly penile papules (or hirsuties papillaris genitalis) are small, flesh-colored bumps that form around the circumference of the sulcus or crown of the penis. The bumps are usually dome-shaped and tend to clump together in rows, similar to the appearance of a string of pearls. The lesions are typically found in men between the ages of 20 and 40, and occur more frequently in those who are not circumcised.
Diagnosis of pearly penile papules
Most men assume they have contracted genital warts when they discover pearly penile papules. However, lesions of this type are benign and not the cause of a sexually transmitted disease. Similarly, pearly penile papules are not related to poor hygiene in the genital area. They are simply a skin condition, just like psoriasis or a skin rash.
However, to ensure that the lesions are not the result of an undiagnosed STD or cancer, an appointment should be made with the doctor to examine the area in question. In most cases, a sample of the lesions will be biopsied and sent for laboratory analysis.
The doctor may perform other tests if the bumps are accompanied by pus or other discharge, which can also indicate their presence, as they tend to clog the sweat glands.
treatment options
In most cases, the best treatment option is to leave the bumps alone. Men who suffer from pearly penile papules report that the lesions are not painful and do not interfere with sexual intercourse (although they can be embarrassing or difficult to explain at first).
They are just a natural feature of the body, in the same way that a mole or scar would be. However, some men find the condition so embarrassing that it affects their self-esteem and sexual experiences.
Fortunately, there is newer technology in the form of CO2 laser ablation for a more cosmetically appealing appearance. However, there are risks to this surgery, including inflammation and infection, bruising, healing problems, swelling, bruising, and numbness.
During a CO2 laser procedure, the penis will be cleaned and covered with a topical numbing cream for approximately 30 to 60 minutes. A circular block of lidocaine will then be administered around the base of the penis to ensure that the area is completely numb before the procedure begins. Finally, a CO2 laser will be applied to the papules to completely remove them or drastically reduce their appearance.
After the ablation procedure, a patient may experience redness, swelling, scabbing and scabbing, itching, or discomfort for the first few days. Similarly, the entire surgical area will take approximately 1-2 weeks to fully heal.
Conclusion
While the discovery of pearly penile papules can cause fear and anxiety in men, the condition is usually asymptomatic and is not a cause for concern. There are cosmetic treatment options for those who are genuinely uncomfortable with the physical and emotional effects that pearly penile papules can bring.
To find the best treatment option for pearly penile papules, the patient should consult with a well-respected physician or dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic procedures to ensure a safe and aesthetically pleasing appearance for the penis.