Your manhood can get pimples, too! Get the scoop on those pesky whiteheads on your penis—or your partner’s in this article!
Just like any other body part, your penis could also get acne. Though you may find lumps and bumps on the penis to be unusual or alarming, the good news is that they are pretty common and mostly benign.
Whiteheads on the penis are usually harmless in guys who aren’t sexually active. However, knowing if those lumps on the penis need medical attention is essential. Sometimes, white spots could be a sign of other conditions, like a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
What are Whiteheads on the Penis?
Whiteheads are the most common form of acne. You can see them in regions of skin with a high concentration of pores, such as the face, neck, and back. But that’s not all since they can also develop on the base or shaft of the penis.
These spots typically form when a pore becomes clogged with sebum, dead skin, and other debris. Bacteria can cause inflammation and tiny, fleshy-white, circular lumps when they enter the pore.
Whiteheads may appear on the penis, but they could also spontaneously go away without causing too much trouble.
What Could Whiteheads on Penis Be Other Than Acne?
Whiteheads aren’t the only issue that can cause bumps on the penis. They may indicate an underlying health problem that requires treatment in some situations.
Other possible causes include:
Fordyce Spots
Fordyce spots may look like bumps or pimples on the penis. These spots are tiny, white bumps that can appear anywhere on the body. Though common on the lips and inside the cheeks, these white bumps can also occur on the penis, especially around the head or shaft.
When spotted on the frenulum, where the underside of the penis connects with the foreskin, they are called Tyson’s glands. Some people may mistakenly assume that their presence indicates a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but these are safe and normal structures. No treatment is required.
Pearly Penile Papules
Pearly penile papules are small, fleshy bumps in rows around the head of the penis. It is unknown what causes them, but they do not cause any other symptoms and pose no health risk. Like Fordyce Spots, pearly penile papules are also called Tyson glands when found on the frenulum.
This condition affects between 8% and 43% of males. The bumps typically emerge after adolescence and are more frequent in uncircumcised men. They can, however, appear on any guy.
Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs can appear anywhere as long as there is hair growth, even in the pubes. They arise when hair grows back into its follicle, resulting in uncomfortable, unsightly lumps.
They may be unpleasant or uncomfortable, but they are not life-threatening.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, soft growths of irregular shape on the skin. They are more common in middle-aged males but don’t usually cause harmful effects.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious illness characterized by clusters of tiny, hard lumps on the skin.
They can form on or around the penis and might sometimes cause irritation. This condition usually resolves on its own, although creams or gels may be required in certain situations.
But sometimes, it may require treatment in the form of curettage. This refers to a procedure in which the lumps are removed with a curette.
Lichen Planus
These rashes can appear anywhere on the body, including the penis. Although they’re itchy and painful, it usually does not lead to complications.
Genital Warts
One of the most frequent forms of STIs is genital warts. At some time in their life, nearly all sexually active persons will get infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes genital warts. Despite this, there may be no visible lesions on the skin.
Syphilis
Syphilis is another type of STI that spreads when people come into contact with the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It does not lead to the development of bumps on the penis. Instead, it often presents as a painless sore.
This bacterial infection needs treatment, often a single injection or a brief course of antibiotics. Without treatment, syphilis can be dangerous to one’s health.
Herpes
Genital herpes is an STI that spreads when people come into contact with the herpes simplex virus.
It can cause gray-white lesions on or around the penis. Likewise, the sores can be itchy and even painful. Worst of all, it can spread to the skin on other parts of the body.
Diagnosing the Condition
Pimples can appear on any part of the skin as long as there are pores. As a result, they can appear anywhere on one’s body, including the penis.
Clogged pores on the penis can occur whether or not you are sexually active. However, being sexually active puts you at risk of having STDs. They may manifest as bumps that appear similar to pimples but may lead to complications if left untreated.
If the lumps on or around your penis do not spontaneously go away, seek professional help. Doctors will investigate the cause of pimple-like bumps on your penis. The faster the cause is identified, the sooner your worries will be relieved.
Treatment Options For Acne on Penis
Whiteheads on the penis seldom create other symptoms or constitute a health concern. Thus medical treatment is rarely required.
You can treat and prevent whiteheads on the penis by doing the following:
- Practice better hygiene
- Wash the area regularly to stop bacteria buildup
- Don’t pop the pimples down there
- Avoid touching the area to stop whiteheads from spreading
- Use medications prescribed by your healthcare provider
- Follow instructions carefully
- Start a healthy diet and lifestyle to lessen acne triggers
You Can Never Go Wrong with a Good Diet
Many factors, like diet, have a proven association with pimples. Combining a healthy diet with additional acne-fighting medications is a solid strategy for achieving clearer skin.
This highly informative eBook can help you get rid of acne through good food and lifestyle.
Can You Use Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid?
Some acne remedies include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Because the skin on the penis is extremely sensitive, discomfort in this area should prompt discontinuation of the use of these products immediately.
Are There Natural Remedies for Whiteheads on Penis?
Tea tree oil and witch hazel are two home treatments that may help minimize the spread of whiteheads.
Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities that can aid in the reduction of whiteheads. On the other hand, witch hazel is a natural plant extract that may function as a cleanser, cleaning up pores and reducing whiteheads.
Some home treatments, such as apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, are excessively acidic for delicate skin. Avoid using them on areas of the body such as the penis.
Confused because of so many options to choose from? Talk to a professional. Your doctor can offer methods to prevent outbreaks and treatments to minimize acne scars.
Conclusion
Getting whiteheads on your penis is possible, but they are not necessarily a cause for concern. Like any other type of acne, whiteheads may develop due to excessive sebum production, dead skin cells, and clogged pores.
You may worry about those white spots, but they are rarely dangerous. Whiteheads are not contagious and they cannot be sexually transmitted. Just do not pop, prick, or touch them a lot because like facial acne, they may become infected.
Other conditions which may look like whiteheads can be passed on to a sexual partner, so you should see a doctor if you observe any changes in the look of your genitalia.
Safer sex, if safe sex is not possible, will be the key to keeping your banana strong and healthy!
FAQs
A: Fordyce spots are not symptoms of an STI or STD. These spots are commonly seen around the genitalia, but they are not contagious.
A: Yes, you can. Pimples can develop on any part of the body with pores.
A: Whiteheads, like any other type of pimples, can be treated and prevented by using OTC acne medications, diet and lifestyle changes, and professional medical help.
A: Getting professional and medical help is still the best way to identify the cause of your bumps down there.
A: The penis has a natural lubricant called smegma. If smegma accumulates in the foreskin, it may begin to smell bad.
A: These spots are normal and noncancerous (benign), but if they become itchy or irritated, seek medical attention.
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