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Pearly Penile Papules

What are Pearly Penile Papules?

Pearly penile papules are not STDs, but some people worry about STDs when they see them. Pearly penile papules are upgrowing, smooth, small, dome- or finger-shaped, skin-colored papules that are located on the sulcus or the corona of the glans penis (Brown, 2001). While the lesions are often mistaken for sexually transmitted diseases such as genital warts (which is a source of anxiety and fear for those who have not yet received the diagnosis of pearly penile papules), they are not contagious. The lesions, which are usually found around the corona in one or more rows, are actually just natural anatomical variants (Brown, 2001). It is not known what causes pearly penile papules to develop.

Frequency

In the US: "the incidence of pearly penile papules reportedly ranges from 8-48%. Several reports suggest an increased incidence in uncircumcised versus circumcised men (22% vs. 12%, respectively). One study found a greater incidence in black versus white men, in those circumcised (21% vs. 7%, respectively) and uncircumcised (44% vs. 33%, respectively)" (Brown, 2001).

Internationally: "No geographic variation in prevalence has been noted" (Brown, 2001).

Transmission

Pearly penile papules usually begin to appear between the ages of 20 and 40 years (Dean, 2000). These lesions are somewhat rare and are not sexually transmitted. The pearly penile papules will not hurt an afflicted man's partner (Brown, 2001).

Removal

Pearly penile papules are benign and natural. No treatment is required, but if a man wants to have them removed for cosmetic purposes, laser surgery is available. Consult your urologist for advice (Unknown, 1998-2001).

Bibliography

Brown, C. (2001). Pearly Penile Papules. eMedicine.com. 1998-2001. http://www.emedicine.com/dem/topic313.htm
Dean, J. (2000). Spots on the Penis. NetDoctor.co.UK. 1998-2002. http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/menshealth/facts/spotsonthepenis.htm
Unknown Author. (1998). Pearly Penile Papules...surgical treatment to remove them???. The Urology Forum. 1998-2001. http://www.medhelp.org/perl6/urology/archive/1926.html

Created April 18, 2004, last updated July 25, 2006