Multiple bumps on my penis ... what is it?

[itchy99]

ok .. so I've recently just noticed that I have multiple small bumps on the underside of my penis shaft/skin.  In the past I figured they were just follicles, but these run right up to the top of the foreskin. I can't particularly remember what the original color of these bumps were ... I think they were simply flesh color.  However, I looked up genital warts online, and saw that some doctors test using vinegar ... so I tried.  It didn't turn white .. but now the bumps are a bit red.  Any idea what these may be?

[itchy99]

there is no discomfort, doesn't itch, not moist .......just lots of little bumps that are starting to worry me

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without external examination it is very difficult to confirm a diagnosis, but the various possibilities for your symptoms are folliculitis(might only be felt as small lumps in the skin commonly with a hair arising from centre) , pearly penile papules(multiple, small (about 1-3mm) papules running around the circumference of the crown of the glans penis) , Fordyce spots (small (1-5mm) bright red or purple papules that can appear on the penis and usually effect younger men), sweat dermatitis or contact dermatitis(appear as red small lumps with itching or burning), genital warts  or balanitis(due to an underlying infection (bacterial and fungal as well as other organisms).

I sincerely advise you to consult a dermatologist and get yourself evaluated for these possibilities. Till then, you should keep the area clean, wear lose comfortable clothes to avoid sweating, use a powder to keep the area dry  and use calamine lotion at the sites. Oral antihistamine medications would help if the lesions are itchy.
Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Warm regards.

[itchy99]

folliculitis ..... would it run all the way to the top of the foreskin?  

pearly penile papules .... don't got any issue underneath there.

Fordyce .... this sounds like it .... but what is considered younger men?  There's alot on the underside of the shaft .. running up to the top of the penis foreskin..  Have several but not alot scattered around the topside of the penis shaft.  Maybe this is why I haven't really noticed it .. until I randomly starting looking yesterday.

as for the dermatitis ... I have been relatively active in sports lately, but there is no itching or burning.  Only the regular scratch here and there ........

Warts .. this is what I'm most worried of ... but from what I've seen in pictureson the net ... there's nothing growing out that looks anything like the many pictures Ive seen.  Is there any other visual way to check?

[itchy99]

Went to the doctors to get checked this morning ...... said the small bumps were normal.
Fordyce spots.  But I forgot to ask him if there were was to get rid of them ... any methods?  
Or will these go away on their own?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Fordyce spots cannot go away on their own and treatment comprises of CO2 laser or electro desiccation, TCA chemical peels(temporary treatment),diathermy or laser vaporization.
Please discuss these treatment options with a dermatologist.
I hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.