Pearly penile papules traitement

Dr. Sabourin on treatment of pearly penile papules (PPP).

Pearly penile papules on the ridge of the glans are a normal physiological condition that appears during adolescence. These dilated sebaceous glands around the corona are not contagious and have no adverse effect on your health or sexuality. PPP is harmless but can still be distressing. It can be easily eliminated with a CO2 laser, however. The treatment is quick – less than 20 minutes – and is performed under local anaesthesia. No needle involved – and pain-free.  

What are pearly penile papules (PPP) around the corona of the glans?
Pearly penile papules on the ridge of the glans are small skin saliences situated circumferentially around the corona of the glans. They are associated with the sebaceous glands.

What causes pearly penile papules (PPP)?
48% of men suffer from pearly penile papules on the ridge of the glans. PPP is found twice as often on uncircumcised men. It is important to remember that PPP is a harmless anatomical variation.

What do they look like?
Pearly penile papules are cylindrical or filiform saliences. They appear as one or several aligned rows of small, pearly, flesh-coloured growths situated around the ridge of the corona of the glans. They often look like warts or condyloma.

How is pearly penile papules (PPP) diagnosed?
Simple visual observation is sufficient to diagnose PPP. Following a biopsy, a microscopic analysis of a papule can confirm it is an angiofibroma. Such analysis is rarely necessary to make a diagnosis.  

How do pearly penile papules (PPP) develop?
Pearly penile papules generally appear during adolescence. They tend to diminish with age.

Are pearly penile papules (PPP) treatable?
Yes. Pearly penile papules around the corona of the glans don’t need to be treated, but patients suffering from PPP may be embarrassed for aesthetic reasons or psychologically affected and wish to have them removed.

The CO2 laser is the treatment of choice to eliminate PPP and has proven to be very effective. The intervention is fast – less than 20 minutes – and is performed under local anaesthetic at the doctor’s clinic. The doctor passes over the saliences with the CO2 laser beam.  The application of an anaesthetic cream supplied by the doctor is sufficient to completely numb the lesions. The intervention itself is painless and no needles are involved.

Post-intervention care is simple and painless, although some small scabs may appear on the lesions. Daily care is required: cleansing with water and antiseptic soap, and application of an antibiotic cream. Complete healing is achieved within 8 days. Sexual activities should be avoided during that time.

Summary
Pearly penile papules are skin bumps situated around the glans. They appear during adolescence; are not contagious; and have no adverse effect on your health or sexuality. Removing the lesions is not essential. PPP can be easily removed with a CO2 laser when they are a source of aesthetic or psychological embarrassment.