Human genitals come in all shapes and sizes. Some features of the genitals may be larger, smaller, differently shaped, and have different colors and textures.
One concern we hear from our customers involves a fairly common condition called pearly penile papules (PPP).
But what are they? Should you be worried if you have them?
Read on to find out.
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance. Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases with Daily Sparkz today.
What are pearly penile papules?
Pearly penile papules (PPP), sometimes called Tyson glands or corona capillitia, are flesh-colored or white growths on a man’s penis that are often small, dome-shaped, and look a bit like whiteheads or skin tags. They usually appear around the crown of the penis – the penile lip at the bottom of the head. When they occur, there are always multiple PPPs, usually all identical in size and shape. These growths are completely harmless.
It is currently unknown what causes PPP. They can be caused by normal anatomical differences, possibly related to genetic factors or hormonal changes during puberty. They may be remnants of embryonic human development, meaning they may have served a previous evolutionary function but no longer serve a purpose.
They are common and around a third of men suffer from them.
What is an STI?
A sexually transmitted infection is an infection that is passed between people during sexual activity – usually vaginal, anal, and oral sex or sharing sex toys. Bacteria, viruses and parasites can cause sexually transmitted diseases. The most common sexually transmitted diseases include:
It is important to know that most sexually transmitted diseases do not cause any symptoms. It is common for someone to have an infection for months or years and not realize it.
Are pearly penile papules an STI?
PPP is not a sexually transmitted disease. So if you are suffering from this condition, there is no need to worry. These are benign growths that are not caused by an infection. Most people cope with this disease quite well. Sometimes the patient considers them unsightly and wants cosmetic surgery, but there is a huge risk of scarring and an even worse appearance afterwards.
However, there are some infections that can look like PPP…
What STDs can look like pearly penile papules?
Some medical conditions can cause skin lesions that could be confused with PPP. Even doctors sometimes confuse PPP with sexually transmitted diseases, but if in doubt, it’s worth getting a medical opinion and considering an STI test.
HPV
The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease worldwide. The immune system fights off most HPV infections, but some can persist and cause skin lesions called genital warts.
Genital warts are flesh-colored projections that can appear anywhere in the genital area. They are often wrinkled nodules in the shape of a head of cauliflower.
Genital warts are mostly harmless and usually disappear on their own within six months to two years of the initial infection. In very rare cases, they can become so large that surgery is required.
Without experience, even some doctors confuse these warts with PPP, so it is also common among patients who have reasonable doubts.
Get tested for HPV with Daily Sparkz’s home testing kit.
syphilis
syphilis is a bacterial infection. In the early stages of the infection, a chancre can form at the site of infection – usually in the genital area. This chancre is often round, smooth and firm, and is red or reddish-brown in color. Chancres are painless and do not itch.
This chancre doesn’t look like PPP at all, but once it starts to spread, we sometimes see some “warty” lesions on the genitals that could actually be confused with PPP.
Get tested for syphilis with Daily Sparkz’s home testing kit.
Final thoughts
It’s understandable to be concerned about new symptoms, especially a new blemish on your genitals. But before you panic, it’s best to get tested for sexually transmitted infections. In the unlikely event that you test positive, there are concrete steps you can take to protect your sexual health and the health of your current and future partners.
To get tested for all of the infections listed above, try Daily Sparkz’s Blemish Screen. Click the button below to find out more.
Don’t let infection affect your health. Get tested with Daily Sparkz today.
This article was published on September 12, 2024 by Dr. Steve Chapman medically reviewed.
