Hard pea sized lump on penis

I am 28 years old and am fairly sexually active but have recently been cleared of having any STD's. Last week I noticed a hard pea sized lump under the skin of my penis shaft. It is noticeable by looking at it whether the penis is flacid or erect and is very hard (but has a slight give as if it were a semi hard rubber). This growth appeared one morning and I'm pretty sure it was an overnight occurrence. At first the skin over it was normal color but just a day ago the skin has turned red over the immediate lump. The lump is not painful but I can definitely feel it when I squeeze it.

I am currently backpacking overseas and don't have easy access to seeing a doctor, due to language barriers and lack of funds and/or insurance. I would appreciate any input or insight as to what this might be, all other posts I've seen in my search for this condition seem to be either warts, ingrown hairs or pimples and I am most certain that this is NOT one of the above. Thank you for your time and input.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This lump can be due to irritation of the hair follicles due to continuous rubbing with clothes or a cyst. Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist and get cysts ruled out.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. Treatment can be started only when the diagnosis is confirmed. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.