white bumps on penis

[surrender]

I've been reading through some of the posted questions concerning small white bumps on the penis that are not pearly penile papules, rather they could are probably normal sebaceous glands (possibly due to prominent hair follicles).



It seems like there were a lot of questions related to this condition, which leads me to believe that this is a condition that a lot of people experience.  It sounds like an aesthetic issue more than a health one, so I could see this hurting someone's self esteem when it comes to being with someone else.  In fact, it sounds like it might hold some people back from having sex at all.  However, I haven't seen anyone post a comment about there significant other being the least bit concerned.



So, this leads me to my question...

What percentage of men (and I suppose, women) does this affect?  I'm hoping that an answer to this question will put some people's concern about this condition (and its appearance) at ease.



Thank you for your time.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Surrender:



Your question is quite astute.  In fact, may people are self-conscious about minor blemishes on their face or groin (or elsewhere) not because anybody else says anything, but because changes on the body make people anxious and self-conscious.  Even babies are disturbed by a "boo boo."



I don't know how many men and women have such spots, but there are a lot of them.  Many ask questions on-line (because they're uncomfortable asking their physician.)  But knowing lots of people have what you have doesn't generally reassure people as much as you might expect.



Best.



Dr. Rockoff

[Shawn]

I also have minor white bumps around my penis,

I've always been to shy to go to the doctor for it, and I've had them since my youth.

It's kept me from having sexual relations far too many times.

It's quite obvious that it doesn't look natural nor does it feel natural some times.

Regardless, I have yet to find an answer as of what to do or what causes it.

[dudbud]

A related discussion, white bumps was started.