Skin Health More Skin Conditions What Are Pearly Penile Papules? Benign Bumps on the Head of the Penis By Elizabeth Pratt Updated on May 19, 2023 Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Appearance Causes PPPs vs. Genital Warts Treatment Pearly penile papules (PPP) are common, harmless bumps that develop around the base of the head of the penis. Also known as hirsutoid papillomas or hirsuties papillaris genitalis, these bumps are normal and thought to affect as many as 48% of people with penises. PPPs pose no health concerns and do not require treatment. Still, some people opt for cryotherapy (cold therapy) or other procedures to remove them, particularly if they are pronounced. This article looks at the symptoms and causes of pearly penile papules. It also discusses treatment options and the differences between PPPs and genital warts. Biserka Stojanovic/ iStock/ Getty Images Plus Appearance As their name suggests, PPPs are tiny bumps (papules) on the penis that often have a slightly pearlescent sheen. They can also be flesh-colored or have a pinkish or yellowish hue. PPPs tend to develop in the second or third decade of life. They are not a sign of poor hygiene or any health problem. And, they do not cause any symptoms such as itchiness or pain. PPPs can vary in appearance from one person to the next but tend to have characteristic features. Among them: PPPs occur around the base (corona) of the head of the penis (called the glans).The bumps are typically 1 to 2 millimeters wide and 1 to 4 millimeters long.The bumps tend to be arranged in rows around the circumference of the corona.They tend to be pearly white but can also be pinkish, yellowish, or flesh-colored.The bumps will be more or less the same size and shape.The bumps may either be dome-like or extend from the skin like tiny fingers. PPPs are sometimes mistaken for genital warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. Can Pearly Penile Papules Change? Once a person develops PPPS, they typically remain for life. The bumps can fade with age, but they generally do not change color or shape. Moreover, they do not spread and are not associated with a risk of cancer. Impact of PPPs on Sex Although pearly penile papules do not interfere with sexual function, they may worry you, particularly if you have large visible papules. A survey published in the American Journal of Men's Health found that among 95 people with PPPs. 38% were "worried or concerned" about the bumps, and 17% wanted to have them removed. The main concern was that the bumps would be mistaken for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like HPV. Furthermore, their appearance might suggest that the person "did something" to get them, leading to problems with intimacy and trust in relationships. What Causes Pearly Penile Papules? Pearly penile papules are a type of angiofibroma, These are a wide range of benign (non-cancerous) papules that can develop on the skin or mucus membranes throughout the body. There is no explanation as to why some people get PPPs, and others don't. Even so, they are considered normal and may simply be a vestigial remnant (meaning an anatomical structure like the appendix that no longer serves a vital function in its current form). PPPs may actually serve some purpose. Along with tiny glands called Fordyce spots (which are on most penises), PPPs secrete oils that may keep the head of the penis moist. Are They PPPs or Genital Warts? Although commonly mistaken for STIs like genital warts, pearly penile papules are not contagious or something you can "catch." PPPs are distinguishable from genital warts in several key ways: Pearly Penile Papules Located along the base of the head of the penis Small, shiny bumps that are fairly uniform in size and shape Can be white, pink, yellowish, or flesh-color Grow close together in lines Tend to develop in a person's 20s or 30s Genital Warts Can occur anywhere on the penis, foreskin, scrotum, or groin Irregular in shape and texture, often described as cauliflower-like Typically flesh-colored Often grows in clusters Can occur at any age How to Get Rid of Pearly Penile Papules Pearly penile papules are harmless and do not require treatment. However, if their appearance is causing you distress or impacting your relationships, it is not unreasonable to speak with a specialist, such as a urologist or dermatologist, about ways to remove them. Options include: Cryotherapy: This typically involves the application of liquid nitrogen to freeze the bumps. There are also handheld devices that can freeze the bumps with controlled bursts of nitrous oxide. CO2 laser treatments: This involves a highly focused beam of light to remove superficial layers of tissue. Laser treatments tend to be less painful than liquid nitrogen cryotherapy. Electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C): This involves the targeted application of electricity to burn tissues that are then scraped off. These procedures can be performed safely by a qualified practitioner but still pose risks, including pain, scarring, bleeding, changes in skin color, and infections. What Not to Do Never try to pop or pick at a pearly penile papule, as this can cause bleeding, infection, and scarring. The same applies to over-the-counter wart removers that can cause severe burns, disfigurement, and the hardening of damaged tissues. Summary Pearly penile papules are common, harmless bumps that develop around the base of the head of the penis. They do not cause symptoms and do not need to be treated. Even so, they can be distressing to some people who find them unsightly or fear that they might be mistaken for genital warts. In such cases, treatments like cryotherapy or laser treatments can be used to remove them. 4 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Aldahan AS, Brah TK, Nouri K. Diagnosis and management of pearly penile papules. Am J Mens Health. 2018;12(3):624-7, doi:10.1177/1557988316654138 Honigman AD, Dubin DP, Chu J, Lin MJ. Management of pearly penile papules: a review of the literature. J Cutan Med Surg. 2020;24(1):79-85. doi:10.1177/1203475419887730 Kumar P, Das A, Savant SS. Multiple shiny papules on the shaft of the penis. Indian J Dermatol. 2015;60(3):325. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.156491 Bannerman M, Proom T. Sexually acquired infections. In: Sexual Health. Ed. Baker K. Chichester, England: Wiley-Blackwell Publishers; 2009. By Elizabeth Pratt Pratt is a freelance medical and mental health journalist with a master's degree in health communication. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit