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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Genital warts or harmless bumps?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Genital warts or harmless bumps?
by Concerned4sure, Jun 07, 2003 12:00AM
About two weeks ago, I noticed two small bumps on my penis. They are located below the head on the rough skin (circumsized) that is located on the top part of the shaft before the head. When my penis is flacid, they are very small and barely noticable unless I look very closely. They are very small, about the size of a tip of a pen. Upon close inspection under a light, they appear flesh colored with a visable dark center that looks like it could be a clogged pore of some sort maybe.
When I stretch my skin, or have an erection they are more noticable and can be felt with my finger, they can not be felt when my penis is flacid. The appear more white with stretced skin but I can still make out a dark center. They are located about 1/6 inch from each other. I am very scared that they could be warts, I have looked at many pictures of genital warts and they do not appear to resemble them at all, espescially when the penis is flaccid without stretching the skin.
I have never had unprotected sex, and I understand that hpv can be transmitted even with a condom, but could it be transmitted to an area on the penis that would clearly be covered by a condom? If so, how is this possible, does hpv live in vaginal secretions that could drip off while taking condom off?
I am sorry for the long question, I am just very concerned. I plan on going to a dermatoligist if they do not go away soon or begin to change at all. What are some things for me to look for as far as the differance between genital warts or harmless penis bumps such fordyce spots or sebaceous glands? I have looked at pictures of these conditions and my situation looks much more like those then genital warts. But, is it possible for conditions such as those to just pop up all of a sudden in a 23 year old? Also, about a month ago, I had a bump on the top of my lip which looked very much like these bumps. I had it for two weeks until I put some Retna-A on it and it flaked off in a few days. Thanks for your help.
When I stretch my skin, or have an erection they are more noticable and can be felt with my finger, they can not be felt when my penis is flacid. The appear more white with stretced skin but I can still make out a dark center. They are located about 1/6 inch from each other. I am very scared that they could be warts, I have looked at many pictures of genital warts and they do not appear to resemble them at all, espescially when the penis is flaccid without stretching the skin.
I have never had unprotected sex, and I understand that hpv can be transmitted even with a condom, but could it be transmitted to an area on the penis that would clearly be covered by a condom? If so, how is this possible, does hpv live in vaginal secretions that could drip off while taking condom off?
I am sorry for the long question, I am just very concerned. I plan on going to a dermatoligist if they do not go away soon or begin to change at all. What are some things for me to look for as far as the differance between genital warts or harmless penis bumps such fordyce spots or sebaceous glands? I have looked at pictures of these conditions and my situation looks much more like those then genital warts. But, is it possible for conditions such as those to just pop up all of a sudden in a 23 year old? Also, about a month ago, I had a bump on the top of my lip which looked very much like these bumps. I had it for two weeks until I put some Retna-A on it and it flaked off in a few days. Thanks for your help.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jun 08, 2003 12:00AM
, Jun 08, 2003 12:00AM
If you have to stretch the skin t see them, and if they have a dark center, they're probably not warts, as your own investigations suggest. Warts are right out there on top of the skin, and they're usually in the middle of the shaft.
Given your level of concern, you ought to consult a dermatologist for definitive diagnosis. Meantime, please leave the spots alone, so diagnosis will be easier. In all likelihood, you have nothing to worry about.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Given your level of concern, you ought to consult a dermatologist for definitive diagnosis. Meantime, please leave the spots alone, so diagnosis will be easier. In all likelihood, you have nothing to worry about.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
I have been on forums and guys have spoke about how it has ruined their sex life this is supposedly a common thing so why arent people aware of it? i have heard letting the pimples soak up iodine the rubbing with ethanol(alcohol) works
do you have anything to suggest that might help?
I doubt any surgery is possible for what you have, but perhaps a dermatologist could examine you and comment.
Dr. Rockoff