The pearly papules are small blisters that appear around the glans and are more common in young men, they do not usually bother, but there they are; how did they get there? Could it be that they can pass from one person to another?
Are you interested in knowing if pearly papules are contagious? Do you want to find out why they appear and how to eliminate them? So, keep reading this FastlyHealarticle to find the answer to all these questions.
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What are pearly papules?
Pearly papules are small physiological lesions; they are part of the normal development of some men, located at the base of the glans penis. They are most common between the ages of 20 and 40, decrease in size, and may even disappear over time.
Other names by which this condition is known are papillomatosis corona penis, corona capellini, Hirsuties coronae glandis, or hirsutoid papillomas.
They are like soft pink, yellow or skin-colored blisters, measuring between 1 to 3 millimeters. It may be a single lesion, but instead, they are usually arranged in 1 or 2 rows around the crown of the glans and can sometimes be present on the glans itself or even on the penis, but this is very rare.
Some women may have similar lesions, known as vestibular papillomatosis. In this case, the bumps are on the vulva (next to the lower lip or the area lateral to the vagina), as a standard variety of the skin in this area.
Causes of pearly papules
It is not well known why pearly papules form. Some theories affirm that they are structures similar to angiofibromas (a type of benign lesion that appears in other areas of the skin).
Other theories suggest that it is about phylogenetic remnants, that is, of the origin of man continuing other species of primates. In primates, similar structures contribute to faster and more pleasant orgasms, but this function has not been found in today’s pearly papules.
Are pearly papules contagious?
No, pearly papules are not contagious, it is something normal in the penis, and it is something significant to know since many times, thinking that they can be spread through sexual intercourse can generate great anxiety. They can be present in up to half of the men, which is more common in young people.
As has been seen, women can have similar lesions, but it does not mean that they have been infected through sexual intercourse. About 40% of women before menopause can have them, which is reduced in postmenopause.
It is essential to distinguish pearl papules from other lesions that can be contagious, such as condylomata acuminate or molluscum contagiosum. These lesions can also be confused with ectopic sebaceous glands, which do not cause problems.
How to remove pearly papules
As has already been seen, it is a benign condition; it is something normal that does not involve any complications and that they tend to decrease in size on its own over the years. Therefore, pearly papules do not require treatment.
However, it is true that for some sexually active men, pearly papules can generate natural psychological disorders due to the aesthetic issue, which leads them to carry out multiple medical consultations, which is why some decide to remove them.
If someone wants to have them removed, it may be possible to resort to surgical methods (curettage, excision), cryotherapy (cold extraction), or electrofulguration. It should be known that many times, when extracting the pearly papules in that delicate area, it can generate pain the following days and, on the other hand, in the long term, there may be marks (scars, changes in skin color) that, Sometimes, they can be aesthetically worse than minor injuries.
Some studies affirm that if the lesions are extracted with laser, minor discomfort can be generated after the extraction than if they are excised with other methods; they also promise fewer complications such as scars and color alterations in the treated area. Still, it is not a technique that is routinely used to remove pearly papules.
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.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.