PEARLY PENILE PAPULES (PPP)

What are pearly penile papules?

Pearly penile papules are a harmless physiological phenomenon with no malignant potential. They are seen as a ring of small lumps around the head of the penis. They are not infectious and are in no way related to sexual activity or personal hygiene.

The papules may appear in males between the ages of 20 and 40 (although have been known to appear in boys as young as 12 and 14) and are typically asymptomatic. The condition will persist throughout life, however, research has shown that they may become less noticeable with increased age.

Why remove papules?

Although they are harmless, a lot of patients are understandably concerned about the appearance of the condition and have the papules removed for cosmetic reasons. Patients may worry that their sexual partners are anxious about the condition being a sexually transmitted disease, which it is not.

Treatment/removing the papules.

The papules can be removed using either the Erbium or Carbon dioxide laser, over one or two treatments. The doctor will discuss this with you prior to your treatment.

Local anaesthetic cream is applied for one hour prior to each treatment, to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

They are most commonly treated with the Carbon dioxide laser, over one or two treatments. (Alternatively, the Altus 1064nm laser may be used.) The doctor will discuss this with you prior to your treatment.

Local anaesthetic cream is applied for one hour prior to each treatment, to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

Some vaginal lesions may be treated at the clinic. For further information please make an appointment with one of our dermatologists.

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If you would like to find out more about these procedures, please phone the clinic on 02 9953 9522 to speak to one of our receptionists. They are very skilled in answering questions about the treatments we provide and will be able to assist you.