Discovering white bumps on the penis can be unsettling, but they are often harmless. Many common types are benign, meaning they are not medically concerning and do not require treatment. However, some white bumps can indicate a condition that needs medical attention.
Common Benign Bumps
Many individuals experience small, white or yellowish spots on the penis known as Fordyce spots. These are enlarged sebaceous glands, which are oil-producing glands that normally have hair follicles. On the penis, they appear without associated hair, making them more visible. They can range up to 3mm in size and may be more noticeable when the skin is stretched, such as during an erection. These spots are present in a significant portion of the adult population. They are painless, non-infectious, and usually do not require treatment.
Another common and harmless variation is pearly penile papules. These are small, dome-shaped, or thread-like bumps that typically form in one or more rows around the head of the penis. They can be whitish, yellowish, or pinkish in color and vary in size, generally between 0.5-1 mm. Pearly penile papules are a normal anatomical variant, not caused by sexual activity or hygiene, and are not infectious or cancerous. They do not cause symptoms beyond their appearance, and frequently become less apparent with increasing age.
Sebaceous cysts can also manifest as white bumps on the penis. These cysts occur when sebaceous glands become blocked, leading to a buildup of sebum, the skin’s natural oil. They typically present as small, firm, movable lumps under the skin. Sebaceous cysts can become inflamed or infected.
Ingrown hairs are another possible cause of white bumps, especially in areas where hair is shaved or trimmed. An ingrown hair develops when a hair curls back and grows into the skin or into a hair follicle. These can appear as small red bumps, sometimes with a white tip, resembling pimples or cysts. They can be itchy and painful, but often resolve on their own.
Bumps Requiring Medical Attention
Some white bumps on the penis can signal underlying conditions that necessitate professional medical evaluation. Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection characterized by small, firm, pearl-like bumps with a central dimple. These lesions are caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus and can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. While generally painless, they can sometimes become itchy or sore.
Genital warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are another type of bump requiring medical attention. These warts can be flesh-colored to white and may appear as flat, raised, or cauliflower-like growths. They are sexually transmitted. While many HPV types exist, some are linked to genital warts, while others are associated with certain cancers.
Genital herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), can also manifest as bumps. Initially, these appear as small, fluid-filled blisters that are often painful. These blisters can then burst and crust over, forming open sores. Genital herpes is a viral infection primarily transmitted through sexual activity, and outbreaks can recur.
Fungal infections, such as candidiasis (yeast infection), can also lead to white patches or small bumps on the penis. These are typically accompanied by redness, itching, or discharge, indicating an overgrowth of yeast. These symptoms often point to an infection that needs antifungal treatment.
Other skin conditions, though less common, might also present as white bumps or plaques. Lichen planus, for instance, can cause ring-shaped purple or white patches on the penis. Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition, can sometimes cause white or silvery plaques on the skin, which may also appear on the penis.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
Consult a healthcare professional if you notice any changes or new bumps on your penis that cause concern. Specific symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention include pain, itching, or burning accompanying the bumps. Also seek advice if you observe changes in the size, shape, or color of existing bumps, or if new bumps appear rapidly or spread.
Additional red flags include bumps that bleed, ooze, or develop ulcers. Experiencing systemic symptoms such as fever, body aches, or swollen lymph nodes along with penile bumps also indicates a need for professional medical evaluation. If you are uncertain about the cause of the bumps, a medical consultation is advisable.