Hirsuties papillaris genitalis is a clinical skin condition of the male genital organs. It is often called "pearly penile papules" and is considered completely harmless. A 1999 medical study found that 48 percent of 200 men attending a department of genitourinary medicine had the condition. Various other studies have shown that the number may be in the interval between 8% and 48% varying with region and whether the subjects are circumcised or not, as papules appear more frequently on uncircumcised penises. Treatment for larger uncomfortable papules - i.e.: raised bumps of somewhat paler colour around the base of the glans - is by simple carbon dioxide laser treatment.

Hirsuties papillaris genitalis is not to be confused with genital warts or Fordyce's spots. The papules are almost always found lining the base of the corona as seen in the figured to the right. In contrast, genital warts (caused by the Human Papilloma Virus) will frequently involve the scrotum.

Further reading

• Sonnex C, & Dockerty W.G (1999). "Pearly penile papules: a common cause of concern". International Journal of STD & AIDS, Vol.10, No.11; 1 November 1999, pages 726-727.

External links

• eMedicine detailed explanation

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Sexual anatomy | Penis

Hirsuties papillaris penis