Minimally raised, white, salt-sized spots on dorsum of penile shaft

Dear Doctor...

I have had (very) slightly raised, white (or somewhat hypopigmented) spots the size of salt grains on the dorsum of my penile shaft (I am not circumsized) for a few years.  They correspond to the part of skin that gets stretched the most during sexual activity.  They are pretty much clustered there.

From what I have read, the closest thing I can figure out is that they are sebaceous prominences, though I am not certain because other sources have indicated that sebaceous prominences are usually on the ventral aspect of the penis.  They are not painful, itchy, or pus-filled and I have had no other associated symptoms.  I can't scratch them off (not that I really tried to).  I am positive it is not STD related.

Does it sound like these are sebaceous prominences?  Are these due to excessive stretching or dry skin?  Is there anything that can make them go away or at least make them less noticeable?  Or are these a perfectly normal part of penile anatomy that has no treatment and no need to worry?  Thanks

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Yes, they do sounds like small cysts often referred to as "sebaceous."  These are normal variants of penile anatomy.  There's no way to remove them--and no need to either.  Next time you see a doctor, show these so you can be sure.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[harry_boyle]

One more thing, I have a picture that you can see.  It's kind of blurry but still gets the point across.

http://www.geocities.com/levar.geo/Untitled-1copy.jpg