pearly penile papules

[chwalker]

i have had some protrusions on the coronal margin of my penis for some about 6 months now. a first zit appeared and then a ring developed on the margin, they've been asymptomatic so far. i'm fairly confident these are pearly penile papules for they closely fit the description and symptoms that i've found on the net. anyway, i'm set on visiting an urologist, and would like to know if there are any other illnesses that could be mistaken for the penile papules.

thanks a lot, specially for dr. rockoff who goes great lengths to offer guidance and advice, keep the great work on

magg

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Hirsuties papillaris genitalis (more commonly referred to as 'pearly penile papules', or PPP) is a clinical skin condition of the male genital organs. It is a harmless physiological phenomenon with no malignant potential, although it can be mistaken for warts by inexperienced doctors. The papules appear as one or several rows of small, flesh-colored, smooth, dome-topped bumps situated circumferentially around the corona  or sulcus of the glans penis.
It is not a sexually transmitted disease and its appearance is unrelated to sexual activity or standards of personal hygiene.
Therapy is not required but sometimes offered to alleviate patient anxiety or for cosmetic reasons. Treatment for larger uncomfortable papules — i.e. raised bumps of somewhat paler colour around the base of the glans — is by a simple carbon dioxide laser treatment.
ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearly_penile_papules
The appearance of PPP is striking. Bacterial/fungal infections can some-times produce white spots.
A correct diagnosis can be mad e only on examination.