What Are Penile Papules?
Penile papules are benign growths that develop around the corona of the glans on the penis. They are very common in the general population and a similar condition can develop in women, where the papules show up on the vulva. Also known as pearly penile papules, the growths are rounded and flesh-colored to whitish. Treatment is usually not required, although some patients may pursue treatment because they feel embarrassed about the papules.
Penile papules are benign growths that develop around the corona of the glans on the penis. They are very common in the general population and a similar condition can develop in women, where the papules show up on the vulva. Also known as pearly penile papules, the growths are rounded and flesh-colored to whitish. Treatment is usually not required, although some patients may pursue treatment because they feel embarrassed about the papules. Some people mistake penile papules for genital warts or think that the growths are a type of sexually transmitted infection. This is not the case; they can arise in people who are not sexually active and they are not linked to sexual activities. They appear in men of all races and ages and appear to be slightly more common in men who have not been circumcised. Penile papules should not cause pain or discomfort, although the neat rows of small growths may look unpleasant.
