Looks like a zip but isnt!!!!!!!

[tonythegreek]

I recently noticed what looks like 5 or 6 small zits around the base of my penis and a few more in the pubic hair region. I tried to pop them and noticed that what was inside was solid, it actually was able to be rolled around between my fingers like a ball. They dont hurt ar itch or anything but they keep appearing. Again the look like zits but its not pus inside, something solid like a enflamed pore or something. I went to the doctor and they said it was nothing, but had no clinical description for what they were. I was left wondering what they are. Please help.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Nothing can be said with surety without having a look at the lesions. This could be sweat dermatitis, folliculitis, allergic reaction. In most individuals there are outbreaks of folliculitis from time to time.

Folliculitis is infection and inflammation of the hair follicles. The condition may be superficial (i.e., on the surface of the skin) or deep within the follicles.The most common cause of folliculitis is infection by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.

Folliculitis symptoms can appear independent of infection. Exposure of the skin to certain chemicals, especially oils and tars, can trigger an outbreak. People with depressed immune systems, diabetes, or obesity have a greater risk of contracting folliculitis than the general population.

Patients with chronic unresponsive folliculitis may require investigation into the source of the infection. S. aureus bacteria can live in the patient's nostrils, periodically triggering a folliculitis outbreak.

Individuals who are predisposed to folliculitis should be extremely careful about personal hygiene. Application of antiseptic washes may help prevent recurrences. A topical antibiotic cream, mupirocin (Bactroban®), has been effective at reducing bacterial colonization in the nostrils. It is applied twice daily for a week and is repeated every 6 months.

Some stubborn cases of folliculitis have been responsive to laser-assisted hair removal. This process uses a laser to destroy the follicle. This reduces the scarring that results from folliculitis.

Let us know if you need any other information and consult a skin specialist if the lesion is persistent.

Regards.

[tonythegreek]

Thanks.

I looked those up and that doesnt seem to be quite right. Today about four more showed up in my pubic region. This time when i broke them i found two small round bubbles inside which were somewhat solid. Then the hole left behind bleeds. They dont hurt to "pop" and dont seem to be spreading in any specific pattern. Any more ideas????

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This could be - pearly penile papules or fordyce spots. You would need to consult your doctor for a confirmed diagnosis.

This could also be genital warts, but nothing can be said with surety without a clinical examination.

'Pearly penile papules are multiple, small (about 1-3mm) papules running around the circumference of the crown of the glans penis. They typically develop in men aged 20 to 40, and around 10 per cent of all men are affected. They may be mistaken for warts, are not infectious and require no treatment.'

'Fordyce spots are small (1-5mm) bright red or purple papules that can appear on the glans, shaft or scrotum and usually affect younger men. They may occur as a solitary lesion, but frequently appear in crops of 50 to 100. They are painless and not itchy, but may cause embarrassment because of their appearance, or a fear that they might be sexually transmitted. '

Let us know if you need any further information.

Post us about what your doctor advises.

Regards.