Are pearly penile papules (PPP) a sign of an STI?

Human genitals come in all shapes and sizes. Some features of genitals may be larger, smaller, differently shaped, and come in different colours and textures.

One concern we hear from our customers is about a fairly common condition called pearly penile papules (PPP).

But what are they? Should you be concerned if you have them?

Keep reading to find out.

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What are pearly penile papules?

Pearly penile papules (PPP), sometimes called Tyson glands or corona capillitia, are flesh-coloured or white growths on a man’s penis that are often small and dome-shaped, looking a bit like whiteheads or skin tags. They usually appear around the corona of the penis – the lip of the penis at the bottom of the head. There are always multiple PPP when they do occur, and are typically all identical to each other in size and shape. These growths are entirely benign.

It’s not currently known what causes PPP. They might be caused by normal anatomical variation, possibly linked to genetic factors or hormonal changes during puberty. They may be vestigial remnants of embryonic human development, meaning they may have served an earlier evolutionary function but now serve no purpose.

They are common, with about one third of men having them.

What is an STI?

A sexually transmitted infection is an infection that’s transmitted between people during sexual activity – usually vaginal, anal, and oral sex, or sharing sex toys. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can cause STIs. Common STIs include:

It’s important to know that most STIs don’t cause symptoms. It’s common for someone to have an infection for months or years and not know it.

Are pearly penile papules an STI?

PPP isn’t an STI, so if you have this condition, there is no need to worry. These are benign growths that are not caused by any infection. ost people live quite comfortably with the condition. Sometimes, the patient thinks they are unsightly and asks for some cosmetic surgery, but there is an enormous risk of scarring and an even worse appearance afterwards.

However, there are some infections that can look like PPP…

What STIs may look like pearly penile papules?

A few conditions can cause skin lesions that could be mistaken for PPP. It is common even for doctors to sometimes confuse PPP with STIs, but getting a medical opinion is worthwhile if there is doubt and you may want to consider STI testing.

HPV

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI in the world. The immune system clears most HPV infections, but some can linger and cause skin lesions called Genital Warts.

Genital Warts are flesh-coloured protuberances that can appear anywhere in the genital area. They are often wrinkly nodules shaped like the head of a cauliflower.

Genital Warts are mostly harmless and tend to go away on their own within six months to two years after the initial infection. In very rare cases, they can grow large enough to require surgery.

Without experience, even some doctors confuse these warts with PPP, so its is also common to find patients with reasonable doubts.

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Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection. In the initial stages of the infection, a chancre can form at the site where the infection was contracted – most often the genitals. This chancre is often round, smooth, and firm with a red or reddish-brown colour. Chancres are painless and do not itch.

This chancre does not look at all like PPP, but once it begins to extend we sometimes see some “warty” lesions on the genitals that could indeed be confused with PPP.

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Final thoughts

It’s understandable to be concerned about new symptoms, especially with a new blemish on your genitals. But before you panic, it’s best to get tested for any sexually transmitted infections. In the unlikely event you test positive, you can take concrete steps to protect your sexual health and the health of your current and future partners.

To get tested for all the infections listed above, try Better2Know’s Blemish Screen. Click the button below to find out more.