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molluscum-contagiosum? Fordyce Spots?

I have  these small white bumps on the shaft of my penis. I am curious to see what they are exactly. I have not had sex in 8 months and am really just noticing them. Initially I tried to pop one and it really did not do anything. I would like to upload a picture for an expert opinion. I am just worried this is some sort of STD and if so want to do what I need to do to have it taken care of. All the white bumps are about the same size and have a somewhat smooth feel. I have done all kinds of research online to see what they are and from all the pics and forums I have read this looks most like molluscum-contagiosum or fordyce spots. Any help would be great. Thanks.
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A related discussion, white pimple on penis shaft was started.
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563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.

I can understand your concern for the white bumps on the penis. A few possibilities which I can think of (including Fordyce spots and molluscum contagiosum) are:

1) Folliculitis: It is an infection in the hair follicles which look like red pimples with a hair in the center of each one. The pimples may have pus in them, and they may itch or burn.

2) Molluscum contagiosum: It is a viral skin infection which causes small pearly or flesh-colored bumps. It presents with multiple, small, dome-shaped papules, often with a central depression or plug. The virus commonly spreads through skin-to-skin contact. This includes sexual contact or touching the bumps and then touching the skin. ince you are sexually active this can be a possibility.

3) Fordyce spots: These look like goose bumps (small and skin colored) and maybe a little whitish if you stretch the skin. 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.

The bumps on your penis can be any of them. If you could attach some photographs with your post then it will be quite helpful in narrowing down the possibilities.

Another possibility in sexually active males is of genital warts. These can be light or dark. They are usually oval in growth and raised forming rough surface in the skin. 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.

However the first three are treatable. While the treatment of folliculitis is by topical or oral antibiotics, no treatment is required for Fordyce spots. They should be got removed only for cosmetic reasons as they are normally found on the penis. Molluscum contagiosum has to be removed by a dermatologist by various treatment methods like physical destruction or manual extrusion of the lesions, cryotherapy, and curettage.

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

Wishing you good health.







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