Penile Papules
Small Bumps on the Penis: Harmless but Distressing for Some Patients.
Photo: © Jevjenijs - stock.adobe.com
Everything You Need to Know About Penile Papules: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
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What Are Penile Papules and How Do They Develop?
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How Are Penile Papules Diagnosed?
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Are Penile Papules Contagious or a Sign of a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?
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Penile Papules or Genital Warts – How Can You Tell Them Apart?
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Can Penile Papules Be Removed and What Treatment Options Are Available?
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Can I Treat or Remove Penile Papules Myself?
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How Long is the Recovery After Penile Papules Removal?
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How Long Does the Treatment Take?
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Is the Removal of Penile Papules Painful?
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When Can I Exercise or Have Sex Again?
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Are There Any Risks or Complications Associated with the Removal of Penile Papules?
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Is One Treatment Enough or Will I Need Multiple Treatments?
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Do Penile Papules Return After Successful Treatment?
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What Costs Are Associated with the Removal of Penile Papules?
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I Want More Information and Advice on My Options. What Should I Do Next?
What Are Penile Papules and How Do They Develop?
Penile papules, medically known as Hirsuties papillaris genitalis, are small, skin-colored or whitish papules that typically form around the edge of the glans in men. They are a harmless, natural skin variant that poses no health risk. The exact causes are unknown.
How Are Penile Papules Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of penile papules is usually made through a physical examination. If further tests are required, this can be discussed during a dermatological consultation.
Are Penile Papules Contagious or a Sign of a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?
No, penile papules are neither contagious nor a symptom of an STI. They are a normal anatomical variation and harmless. They should not be confused with genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Penile papules do not contain viruses or bacteria and therefore cannot be transmitted through sexual contact or other interactions. If penile papules are found to be bothersome, they can be removed.
Penile Papules or Genital Warts – How Can You Tell Them Apart?
Penile papules are often mistaken for genital warts (condylomata acuminata). The key differences:
Penile papules: uniform, 1–3 mm, skin-colored bumps arranged in one or more rows around the edge of the glans. They hardly change over time, are not contagious and do not require treatment.
Genital warts: irregular, often cauliflower-like growths that can appear anywhere in the genital and anal area and may grow or spread. They are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), are contagious and should be treated.
Only a doctor can reliably tell them apart, so always have new changes in the genital area checked by a dermatologist. Learn more on our pages about warts and sexually transmitted diseases.
Can Penile Papules Be Removed and What Treatment Options Are Available?
Penile papules can be removed for aesthetic reasons. Removal is performed using electrocautery or CO₂ laser ablation. The affected areas are treated with a numbing cream an hour before the procedure to temporarily desensitize them.
Can I Treat or Remove Penile Papules Myself?
It is not recommended to treat or remove penile papules yourself, as this could lead to infections or other complications. It is important to have this done by a dermatologist.
How Long is the Recovery After Penile Papules Removal?
Recovery after penile papules removal is relatively quick. However, it may take a few days for the crusts to fall off and the skin to fully heal. Post-treatment care involves the use of an antibiotic ointment.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
Depending on the extent, the procedure itself usually takes about 20 to 45 minutes. Please allow an additional hour for the numbing cream to take effect.
Is the Removal of Penile Papules Painful?
Thanks to the numbing cream, the procedure is usually well tolerated. Some patients feel a slight warmth or stinging sensation. The treated area may be somewhat sensitive for a few days afterwards.
When Can I Exercise or Have Sex Again?
Everyday activities are usually possible again the next day. Avoid strenuous exercise, swimming and saunas for about one week. Please wait until the skin has fully healed before having sex or masturbating – usually about two weeks. We will discuss the exact timing with you individually.
Are There Any Risks or Complications Associated with the Removal of Penile Papules?
Generally, the removal of penile papules is safe. However, as with any procedure, there is a slight risk of infection, scarring, or temporary sensory disturbances.
Is One Treatment Enough or Will I Need Multiple Treatments?
Whether a single treatment is sufficient or multiple sessions are necessary depends on the extent of the penile papules. For most patients, one treatment is adequate. In other cases, particularly with more pronounced penile papules, multiple treatments may be required to achieve the desired result.
Do Penile Papules Return After Successful Treatment?
Typically, penile papules remain permanently removed after successful treatment. However, in rare cases, they may reappear after some time.
What Costs Are Associated with the Removal of Penile Papules?
The initial treatment costs EUR 650. For more extensive cases, follow-up treatments may be necessary, which will be charged based on the time required.
I Want More Information and Advice on My Options. What Should I Do Next?
In our center in Vienna, Dr. Lisa Schwarzbauer specializes in the treatment of penile papules. Dr. Christina Spiegelfeld, Dr. Gábor Bali and Dr. Johannes Bisschoff also provide the treatment. For an initial consultation, book "General Dermatology" with the above-mentioned doctors. During this appointment, a thorough diagnosis will be made, and you will be informed about the treatment options and post-operative care. After this consultation, you can schedule your treatment appointment. For legal reasons, the consultation and the procedure must be scheduled separately.
We are happy to offer you a personal consultation. Book your appointment here
Author: Dr. Lisa Schwarzbauer, specialized in the removal of pearly penile papules
Medically reviewed · Last updated: 29.09.2026
