Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause genital warts, which may resemble pearly penile papules. However, there are key differences between these two conditions.
HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It rarely causes symptoms. However, some people with HPV develop small, raised, rough bumps around the penis, vagina, anus, and perineum. These are known as genital warts.
Pearly penile papules are small bumps that can develop on the penis. They are not related to HPV.
This article explains the differences between HPV and pearly penile papules.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Pearly penile papules are small bumps that are generally the same color as the surrounding skin and normally develop around the head of the penis in rows. They may form one or many lines of papules.
The prevalence of pearly penile papules ranges from 14% to 48% of males, according to
Pearly penile papules may also be more common in males who have not undergone circumcision. However, some research has shown that the prevalence of pearly penile papules among males who have been circumcised is around 17.1%.
Symptoms
Penile papules do not generally pose any risk to overall health or cause symptoms. However, an individual may feel anxious upon noticing them for the first time.
Learn more about pearly penile papules.
HPV is a common transmissible virus that most individuals contract at some point in their lives. Around
Most people with HPV do not know they have it, and it does not typically cause symptoms. However, some people may develop warts due to the virus.
Some types of HPV can cause cell changes, known as dysplasia or hyperplasia, which may develop into cancer over time.
Symptoms
Warts are the only symptom of HPV when they occur.
On the genitals, these
- They might develop separately or in clusters that resemble cauliflower.
- They can grow across the shaft of the penis and the scrotum.
- Their size can be around 5 millimeters (mm), but they might become larger over time.
- They tend to be the same color as the skin or darker.
- They may become itchy, uncomfortable, or change color.
Pearly penile papules and genital warts due to HPV share some similarities but are different conditions. Males can have both conditions at the same time.
According to
Differences
Genital warts can have a range of shapes and sizes, whereas pearly penile papules are small and
An important difference is the location. While pearly penile papules develop around the head of the penis, genital warts can develop anywhere along the shaft or scrotum.
Papules are generally the same color as the surrounding skin or white. While genital warts may also take on the color of the surrounding skin, they might be darker.
Under a microscope, no viral particles are visible in the pearly papules. The cause of pearly penis papules is unclear, but it does not relate to a viral infection.
Genital warts specifically occur due to HPV
Similarities
Pearly papules and genital warts share a pattern of blood vessels that sit in the middle of the lesion and have the shape of a comma, hairpin, or dots.
Both do not link to more severe medical issues and are usually painless.
Neither genital warts nor pearly papules typically require treatment. Pearly papules are not usually cause for concern, and genital warts often resolve without treatment.
However, if people have concerns, anxiety, or self-image issues around the appearance of their genitals, they can speak with a healthcare professional about removal.
Pearly penile papules
Laser therapy and cryotherapy can remove pearly penile papules. In laser therapy, a healthcare professional uses a carbon dioxide laser to burn off the papules.
While not much research has examined the safety and efficacy of cryotherapy for pearly papules,
HPV
No treatment can cure HPV, but it tends to leave the body within 2 years of acquiring the virus. However, people can choose treatment to remove genital warts depending on the warts’ size, location, and level of discomfort. Treatments might include:
- creams and ointments
- surgical excision
- cryosurgery
- electrocauterization
- laser vaporization
- surgical removal under general anesthesia
Learn more about treatment for genital warts.
HPV is not totally preventable, but a person can take steps to reduce the risk. Using a condom or other barrier method during sexual activity can help prevent the transmission of HPV. However, these methods do not cover the entire skin area, and it can still be possible for genital warts to spread to others.
A vaccine can also help reduce the risk of HPV transmission. The
Adults can choose to get the vaccine later in life (up to 45 years of age) on their healthcare professional’s advice. However, they are more likely to have acquired HPV by this point, after which the vaccine is no longer effective.
Doctors have not established the cause of pearly papules, so prevention is not possible.
Are pearly papules an STD?
Pearly penile papules are not an STI. They are not contagious and do not develop due to an infection of any kind.
How do I know if my bump is HPV?
People who have concerns about penile bumps can
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Pearly penile papules and genital warts are both often painless, and neither has links to serious complications or conditions.
However, HPV causes genital warts, while the cause of pearly papules is unknown. They also differ in shape, size, consistency, and location.
Treatment is not necessary for either, as papules do not cause issues, and genital warts often resolve without intervention.
However, the treatment methods for removing each differ. People who have concerns or uncertainties around these two skin symptoms may benefit from consulting with a health professional.