Hirsuties papillaris genitalis (more commonly referred to as 'pearly penile papules', or PPP) is a clinical skin condition of the male genital organs. It is a harmless anatomical variation with no malignant potential, although it can be mistaken for HPV warts by inexperienced doctors. The papules appear as one or several rows of small, flesh-colored, smooth, dome-topped bumps situated circumferentially around the corona (see image) or sulcus of the glans penis. Pearly penile papules are not a sexually transmitted disease and are in fact quite common. Various studies have shown that the incidence may be in the between 8% and 48%, varying with region and whether or not the subjects are circumcised. Lesions typically are asymptomatic and persist throughout life; however, they gradually may become less noticeable with increased age. Sensitivity may or may not be a problem.
There is no need for treatment, however some people choose to get them removed for cosmetic reasons. There are now many cosmetic surgeons around the world who can remove the papules either with a CO2 laser or with a hyfrecator.
A similar condition, vestibular papillae of the vulva, occurs in females and similarly can be misinterpreted for HPV infection. Like hirsuties papillaris genitalis, it is a normal variation on human anatomy. [1]
Contents |
See also
References
Further reading
- Sonnex C, Dockerty WG (November 1999). "Pearly penile papules: a common cause of concern". Int J STD AIDS 10 (11): 726–7. doi:. PMID 10563558. http://ijsa.rsmjournals.com/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=10563558.
External links
- Hirsuties papillaris genitalis at eMedicine
- DermAtlas—more images
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
