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Pimples on the penis: causes

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

In most cases, the appearance of pimples on the penis is not a serious symptom, it is quite common among men and it is not harmful. However, it is always advisable to be aware of any change that occurs in the genitals and carefully review any type of formation or growth that appears on the skin of the penis, also taking into account the symptoms associated with it. And it is that despite the fact that many times they correspond to trivial causes, in others pimples or bumps on the genitals can indicate the suffering of some type of more serious disease, such as a sexually transmitted infection. Continue reading this article by FastlyHealto discover what the causes of pimples on the penis can be.

Infected hair follicles

The hair follicles are under the skin and are responsible for the growth of the hair, as well as the fact that it is in good health. These are present both on the skin of the scrotum and at the base of the penis and can be seen as very small lumps similar to each other and, depending on the person, they can be more or less visible. However, it is important to be clear that it is not about pimples on the penis, but about follicles.

Now, what can cause the appearance of inflamed, reddish pimples and even with pus inside it is the condition that involves inflammation and infection of these hair follicles, which is called folliculitis. In this case, the presence of pimples or pustules located near the affected hair follicle will be observed and itching may also be experienced. In most cases, folliculitis is due to trivial causes, such as obstruction of the follicle due to inadequate intimate hair removal or rubbing with some clothes, but on other occasions it can be related to bacterial or fungal infections.

It will be important to consult with your doctor if the skin rash does not resolve on its own, the infection is severe or the symptoms last for more than three days to receive the appropriate treatment, as this can include from antibiotic creams to antifungal and / or anti-inflammatory drugs .

Pearly papules on the penis

The Pearly papules are very small bumps with a dome shape that many men have in their genitals. These are usually pink or whitish in color and are located around the head of the penis , forming rings of one or more rows. It is important to note that they do not constitute a disease , that they are not contagious and that they are totally benign formations, as they are just one more anatomical variant that some men present in their genitals.

Although men who have them can be aesthetically uncomfortable or generate complexes and insecurities when having sexual intercourse, the truth is that these pimples do not require treatment and can only be eliminated through cosmetic surgery resorting to to techniques such as the CO2 laser, which is the most recommended by specialists.

Fordyce pimples or spots

In the same way as pearl papules, other benign formations that men can present on their genitals are the so-called Fordyce spots or spots. These are characterized by being whitish, yellowish or skin-colored pimples that can be present on both the penis and the scrotum from birth and become more visible as one advances in age, especially after puberty.

Fordyce pimples are benign lumps that correspond to sebaceous glands that are located in the wrong place, but unlike what many believe, they are harmless and do not constitute a disease or a sexually transmitted infection. They can pose an aesthetic problem for the affected person and the only possible way to make them less visible is through laser treatments or minor surgical interventions.

Balanitis candidiásica

Another cause of pimples on the penis can be candidal balanitis. Balanitis refers to inflammation of the glans penis, but when it is caused by candidiasis, which is an infection caused by varieties of the fungus Candida albicans , it is called candidal balanitis. When men have this infection, symptoms such as redness of the foreskin and the appearance of red and white bumps around it, as well as itching, burning sensation and pain when having sex can be seen.

Candidiasis is a more common infection among women, but men can also get it after coming into contact with an infected vagina (the most common cause), having a weakened immune system, poor hygiene of the genital area, and diabetes . In this case, it will be necessary to go to the doctor and start a treatment based on antifungal drugs to kill the fungus responsible for the infection and relieve symptoms. During treatment and until the yeast infection is completely cured, it is advisable not to have sexual intercourse, since then there is a risk of spreading the infection to other people and the lesions could be aggravated.

STDs: genital warts, genital herpes, molluscum contagiosum

There are some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can lead to pimples on the penis , including the following:

Genital warts

Bumps that are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that do not usually cause pain and that can vary in shape depending on the patient. They are a kind of masses that are soft to the touch , the same color as that of the skin and that can be raised or flat, large or small and appear singly or in groups, forming a kind of cluster. In the case of men, they usually appear on the penis, scrotum, around the anus, groin or thighs. This is a disease that is contracted sexually and, therefore, it is advisable to go to the doctor or urologist as soon as possible to carry out the appropriate tests and start the appropriate treatment.

Discover more details about this disease by consulting the article Genital warts: contagion, symptoms and treatment .

Genital herpes

It is another disease that can be transmitted by having sex with an infected person. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 and in men it causes the appearance of small blisters filled with fluid in areas such as the penis, scrotum, anus, buttocks or thighs, in addition to other symptoms such as malaise, fever, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes in the groin.

Genital herpes is a disease that has no cure and for which antiviral medications are often prescribed in order to relieve symptoms and keep the frequency of outbreaks under control. In the article Genital herpes: symptoms and treatment we show you many more details about it.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is an infection caused by a virus from the Poxvirus family that causes the appearance of a kind of papules or growths similar to the pearl papules that we have discussed previously. This virus can be spread sexually and, in this case, the skin lesions appear on the genitals, normally presenting a pink or skin-like color and a central nucleus with a thick white substance (similar to cheese). It usually does not cause pain or swelling or redness, but it can become quite large and lead to a flesh-colored nodule.

Other possible causes of pimples on the penis

In addition to the above, there are other conditions that may be behind the appearance of pimples on the penis:

  • Lichen planus: a disease that causes an itchy rash to appear on the skin of the genitals. The grains or bumps that appear are usually symmetrical, have fine edges, are covered by fine white lines, have a shiny appearance, and be dark reddish or purple in color. The exact cause of this disease is unknown, but there are factors, such as hepatitis C or exposure to medications and chemicals, that increase the risk of developing it.
  • Psoriasis : chronic skin disease that in the genitals can cause the appearance of red spots, pimples and cracks on the skin of the penis, itching and problems having good erections. It is necessary to control the outbreaks following medical instructions and to take care of the skin of the genitals with the indicated products.
  • Cancer of the penis: This is a very rare cancer, but its common symptoms include the appearance of lumps, reddish rashes, scabbed bumps, swollen areas, in addition to significant changes in the color of the skin of the penis and pain in the penis. tip of this.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Pimples on the penis: causes , we recommend that you enter our category of Male reproductive system .

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