Pearly Penile Papules

Pearly penile papules are one or more rows of small, flesh-colored, dome-shaped bumps on the corona or in the sulcus of the glans penis. They are actually angiofibromas, which are small and harmless tumors consisting of fibrous tissue and tiny blood vessels. They are different from Fordyce spots on the penis, small white sebaceous glands lacking an opening to the skin which are located on the penile shaft.

What are Pearly Penile Papules?

Pearly penile papules are one or more rows of small, flesh-colored, dome-shaped bumps on the corona or in the sulcus of the glans penis. They are actually angiofibromas, which are small and harmless tumors consisting of fibrous tissue and tiny blood vessels. They are different from Fordyce spots on the penis, small white sebaceous glands lacking an opening to the skin which are located on the penile shaft.

Pearly Penile Papule Symptoms

These lesions are not symptomatic although some men report that they become more noticeable during an erection, which is due to the enlargement of the glans penis with increased blood flow.

Is It Normal to Have Pearly Penile Papules?

Yes. Studies have concluded that up to 48% of young adult men may have some form of pearly penile papules. It is more common in uncircumcised men.

Why Do Pearly Penile Papules Appear?

Changes may occur during the onset of puberty that cause these lesions to appear and grow but the exact reason they occur is unclear.

Can Pearly Penile Papules Be Transmitted?

No. There is no virus or contagious pathogen associated with these lesions and they cannot spread to others.

Do Pearly Penile Papules Go Away?

No. Pearly penile papules will not go away without treatment.

How Are Pearly Penile Papules Diagnosed?

It is important to make sure that any lesion of concern on one’s skin be diagnosed by a medical professional and the experts of the skin are board-certified dermatologists. It is not possible to diagnose the condition oneself by looking at online photos. They can be confused with other possibilities such as venereal warts and seeking medical attention is the best way to confirm the diagnosis.

How Do You Treat Pearly Penile Papules?

Safe and effective dermatologic techniques are used to carefully and selectively destroy each individual lesion, without pain. No needles are involved. Once the lesions are completely treated they do not recur. Please do not use over-the-counter creams that are marketed for treating pearly penile papules as these do not work and have resulted in serious side effects including pain, blistering and scarring.