WHAT ARE PEARLY PENILE PAPULES?

Pearly penile papules (PPP) are benign (non-cancerous) growths that typically appear as a single or double row around the rim of the head of the penis. The appearance of PPP can vary among individuals; they are commonly round, measure 1-2 mm in diameter, and may be pink, flesh-colored, or translucent. All lesions in an individual are generally identical and usually first manifest in the second or third decade of life.

WHY DO SOME MEN DEVELOP PPP?

The exact cause of PPP is not fully understood, but many dermatologists regard them as a normal anatomical variation in males.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF MEN HAVE PPP?

PPP is more commonly found in uncircumcised males, with an incidence of about 22% compared to 12% in circumcised males. The condition also tends to be more prevalent in African-American men than in Caucasian men.

ARE PPP CONTAGIOUS OR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED?

PPP are not contagious or sexually transmitted. They are distinctly different from genital warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are a sexually transmitted infection.

CAN PPP BE TREATED?

Yes, PPP can be effectively treated with modern medical technology. Two of the most successful treatments are pulsed-dye lasers, which target the blood vessels within the papules, and ablative carbon dioxide lasers, which remove the papules by vaporizing them. Both procedures focus on eliminating the PPP while preserving the surrounding skin and soft tissue.

These laser treatments typically last about 15 minutes and the treated area usually heals within one week. After treatment, the papules generally do not return.