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Why do I have pimples on my penis?

Hi Love Matters, I have many small bumps on the head of my penis. Is this normal?

In the same way that pimples can show up anytime on the face, they can also find a home on any other part of your body, your penis included.

In the same way that pimples that develop on the face are harmless, pimples that develop on the head of the penis are often harmless too.

It can be scary to see small bumps on the head of your penis. The good news is that most of these bumps are totally harmless. The not-so-good news is that in some cases, treatment is needed and this may involve addressing the underlying causes.

It is, thus, important to know if a growth on the penis is normal or not.

Types of bumps and common causes

Pearly penile papules: There are usually small lumps found on the head of the penis. They are often the same color as the head of your penis (flesh-colored). You can see them around the penis. They are not a cause for alarm and do not require treatment.

Lymphocele: These are self-inflicted bumps that appear after sex or masturbation. The bumps can be caused by blocked lymph channels that drain lymph fluids. They are temporary and do not require treatment.

Tyson glands: These are small sebaceous glands and the bumps are small bumps and can be white or yellow in color. They are not a cause for alarm and do not require treatment.

Fordyce spots: These are enlarged sebaceous glands that are small yellowish and white bumps.

Psoriasis: Sometimes, people with psoriasis get genital psoriasis. This may lead to small red bumps on the head or shaft of the penis.

STIs: Certain STIs such as Syphilis, genital herpes, and genital warts can cause bumps. Genital herpes can cause small red bumps or white blisters on the penis. These bumps may be accompanied by pain or itchiness. There is no cure for genital herpes but the symptoms can be managed with antiviral medications. Genital warts cause flesh-colored or grayish bumps that can develop on or around the penis. Genital warts can go away on their own but as long as HPV (HPV causes genital warts) stays in the body it can lead to outbreaks in the future.

Penile cancer: This is a rare form of cancer that can have several symptoms. Small crusty bumps on the head of the penis are one of the most common symptoms.

When to see a doctor

As said earlier, these bumps should not worry you. Yet, you need to talk to your doctor if the bumps are accompanied by other symptoms such as:

  • Pain
  • Burning or itching sensation
  • Bleeding on the bumps
  • The bumps growing in size
  • Swelling on the bumps
  • Symptoms such as fever, headaches, weight loss, etc.
  • You’ve recently engaged in unsafe sex

In certain cases, the doctor can tell the cause of the bumps from their appearance, in other cases, they may need to conduct tests.

 

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Recent Comments (9)

  1. This is really Informative
    This is really Informative

  2. I got pimples on my penis…
    I got pimples on my penis immediately after I had gone for circumcision n they’ve never gone away till to date. Should I be worried? ?

    1. Not really unless they are…

      Not really unless they are accompanied by the symptoms listed in the article. However, if you are concerned, go to the health facility near you for a check-up. 

  3. I love this page.
    I learn…

    I love this page.
    I learn something every new day.big up to whoever is doing the work.keep it up

    1. Thank you! We promise to…

      Thank you! We promise to continue giving you good content. 

  4. I got small bumps on my…
    I got small bumps on my penis after unsafe sex, I had visited the doctor who treated me then some time they disappear and then come back after sometimes kindly advice….

    1. Hi William, 

      Seek medical…

      Hi William, 

      Seek medical advice. It seems that the problem has recurred and the best thing to do is to go to the hospital. 

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