PT Health Life – Whiteheads and other small white bumps on the male penis are common and usually not a dangerous disease. However, these pimples can also be related to some sexually transmitted infections and may require treatment.
Whiteheads on the penis can be acne -related pimples , penile papules, or pimples called papules .
1. Causes of whiteheads on the penis and how to treat them
Pimples on the penis are quite common and can have many possible causes:
1.1 Acne
Acne occurs when the pores on the penis become clogged with oil, sweat, and debris – just like acne on other parts of the body, such as the face, which causes whiteheads or pimples that are white due to trapped oil. Acne does not require medical treatment as the pimples will go away on their own or can be treated at home, using a warm compress to open the pores. Make sure to keep the area clean and dry. Do not try to squeeze pimples, this can lead to infection and scarring.
1.2 Molluscum contagiosum
It is a contagious infection that causes small, hard bumps to develop on the skin. These bumps have a small indentation in the middle, making them easy to distinguish from other types of bumps. They can develop on or around the penis and can sometimes be itchy. The condition usually clears up on its own, but in some cases it may require treatment using creams or gels.
1.3 Pearly penile papules
Penile papules appear as white or yellowish domes in rows around the glans (or head) of the penis. The cause of penile papules is unknown, but they are very common, occurring in up to 48% of men, usually after puberty and without circumcision . The condition does not require medical treatment as the papules are not a cause for concern.
1.4 Lichen planus
It is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease that affects the skin. This skin disorder can appear anywhere on the body. When it appears on the penis, it looks like flat-topped red or purple bumps that may have smooth white streaks and may be painless or itchy and painful.
Although the exact cause of the disease is unknown, experts suspect there are several reasons why it develops, including:
- Immune disorders
- Hepatitis C virus infection
- Allergic reactions to certain compounds and drugs
This condition may clear up on its own without treatment, but it can be treated with short-term use of topical steroid creams. Cool compresses, colloidal oatmeal baths (a bath product made from finely ground oatmeal), and hydrocortisone creams can reduce inflammation and discomfort. This condition is not contagious or sexually transmitted.
1.5 Genital warts
Genital warts, also known as genital warts, are small, white or yellowish-white bumps that can look like small heads of cauliflower. They can appear on the penis and surrounding genitals anywhere the skin comes into contact with the infection. However, some people will be infected and never know it.
Infection results from skin-to-skin contact with the human papillomavirus ( HPV ) during sexual intercourse or using sex toys. Genital warts are the most common sexually transmitted disease, affecting about 360,000 people each year.
Genital warts usually go away on their own, but sometimes they can grow and spread. Treatment includes freezing or burning the warts or prescribing creams to destroy genital wart tissue. There is a vaccine to protect against genital warts, which is often recommended for teenagers.
Experts warn against using any over-the-counter wart removal products on genital warts because they are not made for this area of the body.
If you have genital warts, avoid sexual contact (including oral and anal sex) and wash your hands after touching your genitals. Using a condom can protect against genital warts, but only the skin covered by the condom.
1.6 Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that may initially appear as a white patch or sore on the penis and genitals caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum and is usually transmitted through sexual contact.
If left untreated (usually including penicillin), the disease will progress and become fatal.
There is no home treatment for syphilis. However, it can be cured in the early stages with penicillin treatment. It is important to be educated about the disease and to use condoms during sex to reduce the risk of infection.
1.7 Genital herpes
Some people who develop genital herpes do not develop symptoms. When symptoms do occur, genital herpes usually appears as blister-like sores that may be covered in gray or white. The sores may itch and burn. The condition is caused by skin-to-skin contact with the herpes simplex virus (HSV), usually through sexual activity.
The infection can be treated with prescription antiviral medications to reduce the length and severity of outbreaks. For home treatment, cool compresses, soothing baths with colloidal oatmeal (finely ground), and pain relievers such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol ) can help relieve discomfort. Avoid sex while you have an infection, always use condoms, and avoid having sex with multiple partners.
2 When to see a doctor?
If a man has a swelling of the penis that gets worse and does not go away on its own, he should see a doctor. The swelling can be a symptom of a serious condition. If the swelling is itchy, painful, or occurs with other symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will examine your genitals and sexual habits. Depending on the results, your doctor may take a tissue sample of the bump or order a blood test to screen for disease. It is important to avoid sexual activity while you have the disease to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Whiteheads on the penis can be alarming, but they are usually not dangerous. Many causes are not infectious or sexually transmitted. However, some can be passed on to sexual partners, so it is a good idea to see a doctor about any changes you notice in the appearance of your genitals. Practicing safe sex can help prevent the spread of many diseases. Practicing good personal hygiene can help prevent and treat whiteheads on the penis.
