Pearly Penile Papules

Luciano Schiazza M.D.

Dermatologist

Via Cesarea, 17/4

16121 Genova - Italy

tel. 010.590270 - cell. 335.655.97.70

www.lucianoschiazza.it

Pearly penile papules (PPP) (less commonly referred as “Hirsuties papillaris penis”)are  asyntomatic angiofibromas  typically found as one or several rows of small, flesh-colored, smooth, dome-topped to filiform papules distributed circumferentially along  the corona  or sulcus of the glans penis.

Because of their anatomic distribution, pearly penile papules are noted only in men, after puberty, in their second or third decades of life.

This normal variant is seen more commonly in black and circumcised men. It is a harmless, benign, physiological condition considered a normal variant  with no malignant potential. : most patients seek dermatologic consultation because they are concerned about a sexually transmitted disease.

It is a harmless, benign, physiological condition considered a normal variant  with no malignant potential.

Most patients seek dermatologic consultation because they are concerned about a sexually transmitted disease. PPP may represent a psychological and cosmetic concerns: some patients may request therapeutic removal to alleviate their anxiety.

They are not contracted or spread through sexual activity and their appearance is unrelated to sexual activity or standards of personal hygiene

PPP are asymptomatic and persist throughout life; however, they gradually may become less noticeable with increased age. Multiple therapeutic modalities have been reported: ablation using carbon dioxide laser, electrodesiccation with curettage, excisional surgery  are reported. All have proven to be successfully effective.

Suggested links: Herpes genitalis | Mycotic infections of the skin | The condom |