Tiny raised bumps on shaft

Greetings,

Lately I have been noticing some very small raised bumps on the shaft of my penis. I have only had one partner, and have not been sexually active in the past 6 months.

From research online they are most visually similar to mild folliculitis or possibly scabies. They could also be very small whiteheads, because at first I tried squeezing one and a small white solid came out. However, I have stopped this, as subsequent attempts resulted in bleeding. I am not sure if this is a symptom or just a result of picking at sensitive area.

They are not sore and do not itch, but are starting to become more numerous. They are smaller than the sebaceous glands in that area and are white in the middle with a subtle pink ring. Again, they most resemble tiny whiteheads, but are small enough only be noticeable by intentional inspection of the genital region in good lighting.

Am I just paranoid and in need of better genital maintenance, or do my symptoms suggest something else? Thanks in advance for any & all advice.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Aside from folliculitis or sebacious glands, this could also be  molluscum contagiosum, pearly penile papules or fordyce spots. Pearly penile papules are multiple, small (about 1-3mm) papules running around the  glans (glands) penis  awhile fordyce spots are small (1-5mm) bright red or purple papules that can appear on the glans (glands), shaft or scrotum. They may occur as a solitary lesion, but frequently appear in crops of 50 to 100. They are painless and not itchy. They are not infectious and their cause is unknown. On the other hand, molluscum contagiosum is a common, benign, infectious viral disease affecting the skin and mucous membranes. In adults it may be sexually transmitted and this is probably the commonest cause of penile molluscum in adult men. It appears as multiple, small, dome-shaped papules, often with a central depression or plug. A curd-like discharge can be squeezed from them. It may disappear without treatment, but freezing or cautery will usually get rid of it. Molluscum contagiosum is a marker for 'unsafe' sexual practices in adulthood and those affected should be screened for HIV.

If it persists, it would be best to have this evaluated for further evaluation. Physical examination
and medical history are needed to arrive a diagnosis. Take care and regards.