Red bumps on top of penis head

[Doug36]

So the other night I went to get in shower and these bumps were on top of my penis head. They are round and hard and scattered, I went to a doctor he told me balanitis was the cause so I bought lotromin and started using that for a couple days well the bumps haven't changed so I went to get a std check as I am sexually active and the np there said it didn't look like balanitis or wArt but maybe herpes? I've had zero herpes symptoms they don't hurt are not pustules and I have never had herpes before.
I tried to add a pic but it won't let me but I was wondering if it could be a dermatitis to a hand cream I used down there or is it actually nothing I've been looked at twice is third time the charm?

Thanks again

[Averagejoe99]

Hey, how's your penis? Is it still the same? Or does it heals already? As I have the same problem as you. The red spots/bumps are scattered on the head and the skin below the head. It does not itches nor painful. Any thoughts.?

[Doug36]

http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/sashamysportfishing/library/Mobile%20Uploads?sort=3&page=1

This is a link to what I was talking about. Do these look like warts thanks. I know it's just a picture but I'm confused as to why it won't heal. Thanks

[Doug36]

I have taken a photo but can't upload it is there any way to email it to u so u can actually see what I am talking about? And thanks again

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

I can understand your concern for these round and hard bumps on the penis head.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations but chances of these bumps from your description to be due to balanitis or herpes are very less.

Balnitis is inflammation of the penis head and presents as redness of penis and foreskin and foul smelling discharge which makes painful movement of the foreskin. Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. When signs occur, they appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. In your case the bumps are painless and hence herpes is a less likely possibility.

Contact dermatitis to a hand cream presents usually with redness, irritation, inflammation and itching rather than painless round bumps. Hence even this possibility is less likely.

Two possibilities which need to be ruled out from your description are of molluscum contagiosum and genital warts. Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus that can be passed on by skin contact or from contaminated towels. It presents as small bumps which are round, firm, and about 1-5 mm across. A tiny dimple often develops on the top of each molluscum and on squeezing a white cheesy material may come out. In adults, molluscum infections are often sexually transmitted and can transmit from one site to other skin sites by autoinocultaion.

Genital warts caused by HPV can cause lesions which are usually oval in growth and raised forming rough surface in the skin. Diagnosis of genital warts is usually clinical, made by visual inspection. Genital warts can be confirmed by biopsy but Sometimes we can use an enhancing technique called acetowhitening. This technique involves the application of 5% acetic acid solution to the area of suspicion for about 5-10 minutes. Infected areas will turn white.

There is currently no FDA-approved test to detect HPV in men. Genital warts can be diagnosed through visual examination of the penis and surrounding areas.

Apart from these two possibilities, folliculitis also needs to be ruled out. Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles and presents as red pimples with a hair in the center of each one. The pimples may have pus in them, and they may itch or burn.

Mild folliculitis usually heals on its own in about 2 weeks. Other than that, you can apply warm compresses. 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. Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or other personal items. Do not shave, use oils on bumps or scratch the bumps. It should get better with the above mentioned methods if it is due to folliculitis but if it is molluscum or genital warts then the bumps would remain the same. They need to be physically examined and investigated by getting viral serology tests done.

Hope that this information helps and hope that you get better soon.

Wishing you good health.