penile skin growth

[panther1986]

I am a 22 year old male. I have several (10-15) semihard, normal to slightly darker in color skin growths at the base of my penis. They are small in size and a few have hair growing through them. They are not clustered, but seem random.  They have been there for almost a year. I am slightly worried it could be warts, but I have only been sexually active with 2 women. Both were over 3 years ago and both were in relationships. Any ideas?  

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

This could be folliculitis, fordyce spots, sebacious prominence or other skin conditions such as dermatitis. In particular, folliculitis or inflammed hair follicle usually present as rash, pimple or pustules located around a hair follicle. This typically occur on neck, axilla, or groin area and  may be present as genital lesions. This usually resolve after a few days but has a tendency to recur. Fordyce spots, on the other hand, are benign skin occurrence that is not associated with symptoms.

Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid  manipulating the lesion to prevent secondary infection. If it persists, it would be best to have this evaluated further by your doctor.

Take care and keep us posted.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination it is very difficult to confirm a diagnosis,but they can be Fordycespots,pearly penile papules or folliculitis.

Fordyce spots are normal,small,bright red or purple papules that can appear on the glans, shaft or scrotum and usually affect younger men.Pearly penile papules is a harmless skin condition in which papules appear as one or several rows of small, flesh-colored, smooth bumps on the penis. Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles.

All these conditions are harmless and pose no health risk.
I sincerely advise you consult a dermatologist and get the diagnosis confirmed.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.