Pearly Penile Papules or Genital Warts?
Quick answer
Pearly penile papules are small, dome-shaped or thread-like, skin-colored bumps arranged in one or more rows around the rim of the head of the penis. They are a normal anatomical variant, are not infectious or contagious, and need no treatment. Genital warts are growths caused by HPV that can be flat, raised or stalked, can appear at several genital sites, and can increase in number. A clinician can usually tell the difference by looking.
Does this sound like pearly penile papules?
Tick the field marks that match.
The more of these match, the more it looks like pearly penile papules rather than genital warts. This is not a diagnosis. Bumps that are uneven, rough, spreading or found elsewhere should be checked by a clinician.
Noticing a ring of tiny bumps around the head of the penis can be unsettling, especially if you read about genital warts first. In most cases, a neat ring or rows of small, even bumps on the rim of the head are pearly penile papules. They are a normal anatomical feature, not an infection.
What are pearly penile papules?
Pearly penile papules are small, skin-colored bumps on the sulcus or corona, the rim at the base of the head of the penis. They are reported in between 8% and 43% of men, and they are not caused by sexual activity or lack of hygiene.
They are typically:
- Small, dome-shaped or thread-like.
- Skin-colored.
- Arranged in one or several rows, all the way around the head of the penis.
- Symptom-free, with no itching or bleeding.
They become less apparent with age. Dermatologists usually recognize them by their appearance, so no specific tests are needed.
How do pearly penile papules differ from genital warts?
The easiest clues are pattern, shape and change over time.
- Pattern. Papules sit in orderly rows around the rim. Warts can appear at several sites in the genital area, wherever the virus has affected the skin.
- Shape. Papules are small and dome-shaped or thread-like. Warts are usually flat, papular or stalked growths on the genital skin.
- Location. Papules are found on the rim of the head. Warts can appear on the shaft, scrotum, and around or inside the anus.
- Change. Papules become less apparent with age. Warts can remain unchanged, but they can also increase in size or number.
Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV. They are usually painless, though they can be itchy or sore.
Are pearly penile papules contagious?
No. They are not infectious or contagious, unlike genital warts. There is nothing to pass on to a partner through sex or skin contact.
Can I treat them or use a wart remover at home?
Pearly penile papules don’t need treatment, so there is no reason to try to remove them at home.
If a bump is actually a wart, a clinician should guide treatment. The choice depends on wart size, number and location, and some treatments can cause pain, blistering or changes in skin color. Warts also need proper assessment, because a biopsy is used when lesions are atypical.
Do pearly penile papules need treatment?
No. If you want them removed for cosmetic reasons, a dermatologist can talk you through the options. Laser vaporization or electrosurgery can remove them, but they may leave scars. This is a personal choice, not a medical need.
When should I see a clinician?
Book a visit if:
- You are not sure which one you have.
- The bumps are uneven in size or shape, or rough on the surface.
- New bumps are appearing, or existing ones are growing or increasing in number.
- You see similar bumps on the shaft, scrotum or around the anus.
- Any bump is painful, bleeding, or has become an open sore.
A clinician can usually tell the difference by looking.
What should I do while I wait?
- Leave the bumps alone. Don’t pick, scrape or treat them.
- Keep the area clean, and wash gently with water or a mild soap.
- If warts are possible, tell current partners. HPV types that cause warts can be passed on even when no warts are visible.
- Take a clear photo to show a clinician if you wish.
If it’s warts, they are common and treatable. The HPV infection that causes them usually clears on its own over time.
Get care today if
- A bump is bleeding, very painful, or the skin around it is hot, swollen or leaking pus
- You have sores or blisters together with a fever or feeling generally unwell
- You can't pass urine, or the pain is severe
- Your immune system is weakened, for example by HIV or chemotherapy, and the bumps are growing quickly
Call 911 for a medical emergency. Otherwise, urgent care or your doctor can see you today.
When to test
- If the bumps are new, changing or spreadingSee a doctor or clinician. Genital warts are usually diagnosed by visual inspection, and HPV tests should not be used to diagnose warts.
- If you aren't sure and want to be certainA clinician can usually tell by looking. A biopsy is used if the lesions are atypical, for example if they bleed or are ulcerated.
- If you had a possible exposure to an STDOrder an STD test online. Genital warts can be sexually transmitted, so testing for other infections is worth doing.
Common questions
Are pearly penile papules an STD?
No. They are a normal anatomical variant. They are not caused by sexual activity or lack of hygiene, and they are not infectious or contagious.
How can I tell warts from pearly penile papules?
Papules are small and dome-shaped or thread-like, and sit in rows around the rim of the head. Warts are flat, raised or stalked growths that can appear at several genital sites, including the shaft, scrotum or around the anus, and they can increase in number.
Can I use a wart remover on them?
Papules don't need treatment, so there is no reason to use a remover on them. Warts are treated under a clinician's guidance, because the treatment depends on the wart's size, number and location.
Do pearly penile papules go away?
They don't need treatment, and they tend to become less apparent with age. If you want them removed, a dermatologist can discuss laser or electrosurgery, which may leave scars.
Sources
This guide is general information written by a patient advocate using public health sources. It is not a diagnosis. Only a clinician who examines you, or a lab test, can tell you what you have. Read how we write and check our guides.