The appearance of a new growth in the genital region often causes immediate concern. A skin tag, medically known as an acrochordon, is a small, benign growth of skin tissue that is non-contagious and harmless. While these growths are most commonly found in high-friction areas like the neck or armpits, they can develop in the genital region, including the scrotum and groin folds. Although skin tags are relatively uncommon on the shaft of the penis itself, understanding their characteristics is important for peace of mind.
What Does a True Skin Tag Look Like
A skin tag is characterized by its distinct physical structure, differentiating it from other skin lesions. It is a soft, pliable piece of skin attached to the body by a small, narrow stalk, known as a peduncle, which allows the tag to hang loosely. The color typically matches the surrounding skin tone, though it may sometimes be slightly darker or hyperpigmented. Most are quite small, generally measuring between one and five millimeters in diameter, resembling a tiny, deflated balloon. In the genital area, skin tags are most frequently found where skin rubs against skin, such as on the scrotum or within the folds of the groin.
Common Growths Mistaken for Skin Tags
Several other growths, often benign, can be confused with skin tags on the penis. Pearly penile papules (PPP) are a common anatomical variation. These are small, dome-shaped or thread-like bumps that appear in rows around the corona (rim) of the glans (head) of the penis. They are not infectious, have a pearly or whitish sheen, and represent a naturally occurring structure.
Another frequently misidentified lesion is Fordyce spots, which are enlarged sebaceous (oil) glands that lack a hair follicle. These spots appear as small, painless, yellowish-white or flesh-colored papules, typically between one and three millimeters in size. They are commonly found scattered across the shaft of the penis.
Molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection, creates firm, raised, dome-shaped papules that are usually two to five millimeters across. The distinguishing characteristic of these growths is a small central depression or dimple, known as umbilication. While usually benign, this condition is contagious and can spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are sexually transmitted. Unlike the smooth surface of a skin tag, genital warts often have an irregular, rough, or bumpy texture. They can appear as single growths or in clusters anywhere on the genitals, requiring medical attention for diagnosis and management.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider and Treatment Options
Any new or changing growth on the penis should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist or urologist, to ensure an accurate diagnosis. It is important to seek professional help if a growth changes color, begins to bleed, becomes painful, grows rapidly, or develops into an open sore. These changes may indicate a need to rule out more serious conditions.
The diagnosis is typically made through a visual inspection, often aided by a magnifying tool called a dermatoscope. In rare instances, a small tissue sample, or biopsy, may be taken to confirm the nature of the lesion. If the growth is identified as a skin tag, treatment is optional and pursued for cosmetic reasons or if the tag is frequently irritated by clothing or sexual activity.
Medical removal procedures for skin tags are straightforward and performed in a clinical setting. Common methods include cryotherapy, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the tissue. Another option is electrocautery, which involves using an electrical current to burn the tag off its base. Minor surgical excision can also be performed, where the skin tag is snipped off with a scalpel or surgical scissors. Self-treatment of any growth in this sensitive area is discouraged due to the risk of bleeding, scarring, and secondary infection.