Pearly penile papules (PPP), also known as hirsutoid papillomas, are small cysts in specific areas of the human penis, particularly on the skin around the head and its shaft. Commonly, these bumps are skin-colored and grow unnoticed since they don’t cause pain, discomfort, or foul odor. Most also go away on their own without medical treatment.
However, the effect of PPP on the penis’s appearance may become a cause for concern for some men. The tiny bumps affect the skin’s smoothness around the penis, and some think of them as abnormal growths that need removal. Also, while PPP isn’t correlated to having infections and is non-contagious, they’re frequently mistaken as a sign of having sexually-transmitted disease or a consequence of having poor hygiene. For these reasons, men afflicted with PPP may experience consciousness during sexual intimacy and wish to have them removed to ease their discomfort.
In most cases, having hirsutoid papillomas isn’t hazardous to health, although some can appear or feel unusual. When this happens, the patient needs to consult with a doctor, who could order a biopsy to test if the cysts can potentially become a health concern in any way.
If you’d like to know more about pearly penile papules removal or other ways to treat them, continue reading this article.
Pearly Penile Papules Can Be Easily Detected
Pearly penile papules can be identified through a visual assessment of the male genitalia. Here are some of the common visual and tactile indicators of this condition:
- Penile papules are usually skin-colored, although some may appear whitish, yellowish, or pinkish. The bumps are also commonly translucent and shiny.
- PPP affects the smoothness of the head and the shaft of the penis. The bumps can be rough to the touch.
- Penile papules grow in one or two rows around the head of the penis or at random places around the shaft.
The discovery of PPP on the genitalia doesn’t require medical treatment as they’re generally not harmful to health. However, it’s common for men to feel shame, distress, or sexual performance anxiety because of their cosmetic effects. In these cases, doctors recommend seeking professional intervention, such as PPP removal procedures and psychological counseling.
PPP Removal Are Commonly Done For Cosmetic Reasons
While penile papules are commonly mistaken for a sign of infection or inadequate genital hygiene, this condition can occur without external causes. According to the American Urological Association, these papules begin to form during the prenatal stage as the male embryo grows in the womb. Therefore, PPP can be considered a normal part of the human penis, which may or may not appear later in life.
For these reasons, penile papules aren’t to be used as an indication of any sickness or infections and they can also appear even while maintaining personal hygiene. Also, while this condition is more commonly observed among uncircumcised males, circumcision doesn’t guarantee that the penis won’t grow bumps at any point during the man’s life. Presently, no medical methods or treatments are also known to prevent their growth.
Topical Medications For PPP May Be Ineffective For Complete Cyst Removal
Home remedies and over-the-counter medications are being sold in the market that many believe in helping remove PPP. These products usually come in creams, gels, ointments, or lotions, and are commonly sold in drugstores, cosmetic shops, or online stores. While self-medication may seem more convenient in removing penile papules, experts strongly recommend consulting a doctor before using any product to avoid adverse side effects. Also, you’ll need to ensure a product is proven safe and effective by drug regulatory organizations before making a purchase.
PPP Removal Treatment Options
Currently, several PPP removal treatment options are commonly offered in clinics and hospitals. Here are some of them:
- Electrodesiccation and curettage – Each papule will be subjected to an electrosurgical procedure called cauterization. After thermal ablation, the tissue will be removed by a curette.
- Cryosurgery – In contrast with electrodesiccation, which uses heat, cryosurgery entails freezing the penile papules and removing the frozen tissue.
- Laser surgery – Using a clinical laser device, the bumps will be vaporized painlessly, ensuring that the treatment won’t affect the rest of the skin.
DIY PPP Removal Is Possible
DIY PPP treatment kits allow patients to remove cysts at home. The kits usually include a device with the same effect as the electrodesiccation process. Then, the package would also contain items to ensure a safe and effective do-it-yourself removal process and aftercare. Some of these items include the topical numbing cream to reduce the skin’s sensitivity before the procedure. Then, there would also be ointments to assist in healing for the aftercare.
Conclusion
Removing penile papules is essential for those who want to feel more comfortable with the appearance of their genitalia. While they don’t pose any health risk, the psychological distress they may cause to those inflicted can be a cause of concern. If having PPP becomes detrimental to one’s self-confidence or ability to enjoy sexual intimacy, it’s best to seek professional help immediately. Moreover, selecting the correct type of removal treatment is vital to ensure that the bumps will be safely and effectively removed.