genital warts or fordyce spots

so i went into the doctor about 6 months ago because i noticed some bumps on my penis that were rather small but were fairly evident when i stretched the skin over them. I am pretty sure that i have always had little bumps like this here and there on my penis. however i didnt really take notice of them until i got std tested for the first time. my doctor looked at them and said he didnt think that they were warts, but most like fordyce spots. well i am a natural worrier so even though he "cleared" me so to speak i still worry they could be warts. I have a girlfriend whom i havent had sex with because im afraid i could have warts... could you plase take a look and let me know what you think? it has been driving me crazy trying to figure it out...

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
They look like Fordyce spots to me. They are small, painless, raised, pale or white spots or bumps 1 to 3 mm in diameter that may appear on the shaft of the penis. The spots are a form of ectopic sebaceous gland, and are not known to be associated with any disease or illness and are of cosmetic concern only. They are non-infectious and a natural occurrence on the body.

They should be got removed only for cosmetic reasons as they are normally found on the penis.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[mjs71989]

thanks for your help doctor!! im about 95% sure that they are fordyce spots as my doctor thought so and i havent had sexual activity in about 16 months.. i just wanted another opinion to help put my mind at rest. thank you for all all your help doctor and i will keep you posted if anything changes!

[mjs71989]

i have a couple more questions on the subject if you would be so kind as to shed some light on it for me... my first question is, how do you differentiate a genital wart from a fordyce spot? and is it possible for them to just appear one day? it seems i have more than i used to (i may have just not noticed before since i wasnt sexually active) im just trying to get some more information on them...

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Fordyce spots effect young men and appear as bright red or purple papules that can appear on the penis or scrotum. They may occur as a solitary lesion, but frequently appear in crops of 50 to 100. Genital warts may be flat, smooth, pearly, cauliflower-like, or rough with a slightly dark surface.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.