What Are Pearly Penile Papules?
Pearly Penile Papules (PPP) is of common occurrence where certain glands at the “neck of the glans penis” or the “corona glandis” are very prominent and look like small white beads or projections. These may be present in about 10%-25% of males and are usually noticed after puberty.
Symptoms
There are no symptoms like pain or itching, and this condition is otherwise asymptomatic apart from its characteristic appearance.
Why do Pearly Penile Papules appear?
Pearly Penile Papules Causes/Reasons
Pearly Penile Papules (PPP) is not a disease, but just a variation of the normal appearance and is commonly mistaken or feared to be a sexually transmitted disease. However, many young men are very conscious about the appearance of their penis and pearly penile papules because they think this could be a disease or mistake them for genital warts or sometimes feel they have appeared after an unprotected sexual episode. Sometimes they are simply concerned because their partner pointed out these lesions.
However, sometimes small viral warts can look like PPP and must be checked by the dermatologist for confirmation.
Who Will Develop Penile Papules?
Anyone can develop this condition, around 10-25% of males may develop it, and it usually appears at puberty or by the late teens.
How do you get rid of pearly penile papules?
Pearly Penile Papules Treatment
No specific treatment is required for this “problem”. But patients who are very conscious about the presence of Pearly Penile Papules (PPP) can easily get rid of through treatments.
Among the best treatments for PPP are controlled ablative treatments like
- Radiofrequency ablation/Electrosurgery
- Carbon dioxide laser
It usually doesn’t respond to the application of creams.
What happens during the procedure?
It is a simple OPD procedure done under locally applied – cream anaesthesia and can be usually completed in 30 to 60 minutes. It is often very comfortable for patients, and they rarely complain of any pain during the procedure.
Is the procedure safe?
The procedure is safe and doesn’t require any hospital admission. However, some men may need more than a session of treatment in case the papules recur.
Should I worry about pearly penile papules?
No, you don’t need to worry about this condition since it is just a variation of the normal. Having pearly penile papules doesn’t harm you or your partner in any manner. It is not contagious. It can be safely left untreated as well.
How much does it cost to remove penile papules?
The cost may vary depending on the size and extent of the lesions, the treatment method employed and may vary from city to city, centre to centre and usually less than Rs 15,000 – Rs 20,000.
