Pearly Penile Papules
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Pearly penile papules or PPP are a common cause of concern in embarrassment in males. These lesions are very common and occur up to 30% of males. Pearly penile papules are more common in men who are uncircumcised. These lesions present as tiny pinhead skin coloured lesions around the glands or head of the penis. They may number between 5 to several hundred. By definition they do not cause symptoms.
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Pearly penile papules is a form of a skin lesion known as angiofirbomas. This consists of tiny blood vessels together with collagen in the deeper parts of the skin. Don't they do not cause symptoms, it is common for males to feel embarrassed with their condition. There are sensible safe and effective treatments that dermatologist employ treat pearly penile papules.
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The best treatment is with a small spot laser using erbium or CO2 lasers. Laser treatments are conducted in our operating theatres under strict sterile conditions. The procedure itself is painless. Our dermatologist trace each papule and apply a specific laser beam measuring less than 1 mm in diameter. Damage to the surrounding skin is minimal. The whole procedure takes between 10 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of spots. Recovery is uneventful and takes place over a period of 3 to 5 days.
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How many sessions?
In most cases only one treatment is required to remove the vast majority of Pearly Penile Papules. Once treated, most will have remission, recurrence is rare.
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What are other methods used to treat PPP?
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There are many other ways to treat pearly penile papules however they cause more collateral damage, scarring, prolonged healing, and complications. Hyfrecation using medical or at home devices have been reported however the incidence of scarring is exponentially higher than that of small spot lasers.
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High strength chemical peels can cause acid burns which result in extensive scarring. These are not recommended in the event of laser technology.
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What else can look like pearly penile papule?
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Fordyce spots are ectopic oil or sebaceous glands that may affect the penis. These are usually dome shaped, with a slight yellowish hue to the lesion. They occur on other areas of the penis. Genital warts may be confused with pearly penile papule. Wart virus is different in this presentation. A medical dermatologist can easily tell the difference between warts, early PPPs as well as Fordyce Spots. If you are concerned in regards to your sexual health, arrange a private virtual consultation with one of our male dermatologists who specialise in disorders of the genital area in men. Rest assured this Skype/zoom consultation is most confidential and private.
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For more on how we manage pearly penile papules & other lesions in males, go to our website www.cutis.com.au
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Dr Davin Lim, Dermatologist
Brisbane Australia
Cutis Dermatology
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Disclaimer: I do not treat PPP or other skin conditions involving genitalia. For more information who manages this condition, send a confidential email to info@cutis.com.au
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About us: Cutis Dermatology is based in Brisbane Australia. We deal with all things skin, including rashes, skin cancers, surgery, laser dermatology & cosmetic dermatology. Our group of dermatologists specialise in different skin conditions, hence ask our reception team who sees what. To learn more about skin, goto our website (cutis.com.au) or our Instagram page below.

Website: www.cutis.com.au

Instagram: @drdavinlim @101.skin

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