white bump on penis

I have had some white bumps on my penis since I was 15.  I am now 19 and recently went to my school's health center to get checked out.  The STD test was negative, but the doctor was unsure of what it was.  Some time has passed and i have managed to pop a few of them.  A white chord like strand came out.  Much like if you were to pop a blackhead.  There are still two on the shaft of my penis that I can't pop.  The two biggest ones.  I am wondering what it could be.

Please Help!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be folliculitis or Fordyce spots.
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.

Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles. The condition may occur anywhere on the skin.

Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing or blockage of the follicle. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph).

Pls keep the area clean and apply some warm compresses. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful.In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries.