Pearly Penile Papules (PPPs)

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What Are Pearly Penile Papules (PPPs)?

Pearly penile papules (PPP) are small dome-shaped skin-colored bumps that are typically located on the sulcus or corona at the distal end of the penis.
These papules are commonly arranged all the way around the head of the penis in one or several rows. These are a normal, anatomical variant and have been reported in being present in up to 40% of men.

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Symptoms of Pearly Penile Papules

PPP do not cause symptoms such as pain, redness, or itching. The only symptom is their appearance and the location in which the papules appear. The papules are often confused for other, sexually transmitted, conditions such as genital warts or molluscum contagiosum. Fortunately, pearly penile papules are not contagious and are not transmitted sexually.

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What Causes PPP?

It is not known what exactly causes PPP and why some men have it. Luckily, since the condition is neither harmful nor contagious, it is considered to be normal by many doctors. PPP is not caused by sexual activity or lack of hygiene. One thing to note is that men who are uncircumcised may be more likely to develop PPP than men who are circumcised.

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Are Pearly Penile Papules Dangerous?

PPP are not infectious, contagious, or dangerous. They also do not have any cancerous potential. If you are diagnosed with having PPP, you do not have to worry about infecting anyone. In fact, treatment is not even required for these papules, as they are considered to be so harmless.

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Will PPP Go Away On Its Own?

Most doctors will suggest that men with PPP should just leave the lesions alone, as the removal process may lead to scarring. Most men who experience pearly penile papules have the lesions for an extended period of time. The papules may lessen over time, but it is more likely that they will stick around. If you are noticing bumps in your genital area, be sure to contact your doctor to rule our more harmful lesions first.

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PPP Treatment

The Ultrapulse Co2 Laser is effective in removing these lesions with little or no scarring. A small needle is required to anesthetize the area, and then the Co2 laser uses heat energy to ablate the individual lesions. No suturing is required, but there will be some pain, crusting and minimal bleeding for 7-10 days while the area heals.

Maintenance treatments may be required as new lesions can develop in many patients.

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Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about our treatment for Pearly Penile Papules, contact Remington Laser Dermatology Centre today. To contact Dr. Kent Remington, call 403-252-7784. To call Dr. Todd Remington, call 403-255-1633.