Pearly penile papules

PPPs are small bumps on the human penis.[2] They vary in size from 1–4 mm, are pearly or flesh-colored, smooth and dome-topped or filiform, and appear in one or several rows around the corona, the ridge of the glans and sometimes on the penile shaft.[2][4] They are painless, non-cancerous and not harmful.[2]

Pearly penile papules closeup image

PPPs are a type of angiofibroma.[3] Their function is not well-understood.[1] They are sometimes described as vestigial remnants of penile spines, sensitive features found in the same location in other primates.[5] PPPs secrete oil that moistens the glans of the penis.[6] They do not spread and often spontaneously regress.[7] Along with Fordyce glands PPPs secrete oils to keep the skin of the head of penis in good condition.[6] Smegma can accumulate if these oils are produced in excess or there is inadequate washing under the foreskin.[6]

Diagnosis is by visualisation.[3] On dermoscopy, the white-pink papules appear in a cobblestone-like pattern and contain a central dotted or comma-shaped blood vessels. There is no scale.[1] PPPs are sometimes mistaken for genital warts due to a perceived similarity in appearance.[8] They can also appear similar to molluscum contagiosum, sebaceous hyperplasia and lichen nitidus.[2] Histopathology shows dense connective tissue, fibroblasts and many blood vessels.[4]

Before and after treatment to remove pearly penile papules

Generally, reassurance is given and no treatment is needed.[3][9] Laser or cryotherapy may be considered for men who find PPPs distressing to look at or feel excessive embarrassment.[1]

Carbon dioxide laser generally has good outcomes with skin healing within seven days.[1] The procedure requires anaesthesia, may need to be performed more than once, and has a risk of bleeding, scarring and colour changes.[1] Another procedure involves a hyfrecator.[10]

PPPs are common and occur in 14% to 48% of young males.[1][2] They are more common in uncircumcised males,[2] occurring about twice as frequently in uncircumcised men as in circumcised.[11]

Some men find PPPs distressing to look at, owing to their resemblance to some sexually transmitted infections.[1][12] Although it is not related to any disease, PPPs are occasionally mistaken for HPV warts.[13] There are also home remedies for "curing" it, despite the fact that the papules are neither infectious nor detrimental to one's health and may have beneficial functions.[6][12] Some of the "home remedies" found on the Internet and elsewhere use mild ointments or creams to soften the papules, but others are physically dangerous techniques for papule removal which can result in irreversible damage.[14]

Rapini et al. advise that, since dermatologists have safe, effective ways to remove the papules if desired, home remedies involving corrosive substances or self-surgery should be avoided, since they can permanently damage sexual functioning. Rapini et al. further state that removal should only be performed by a physician using proven medical techniques.[14][15]