Pimples on the penis are common and usually harmless. They occur when a pore gets clogged with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. This leads to blackheads, whiteheads or a mixture of both and sometimes even pus.
Bumps on the crotch do not always need medical attention, but they should be evaluated and diagnosed to be sure they aren’t symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes or genital warts.
Causes
Pimples form on skin surfaces all over the body where pores get clogged with dirt, debris and dead cells. This includes the penis. The tips of the pimples — which may look white (whiteheads), black (blackheads) or the same color as the base (flesh-colored) — can be inflamed, painful and filled with pus.
A variety of infectious causes can also create pimple-like bumps on the penis and surrounding areas. For example, the viral infection molluscum contagiosum can cause shiny bumps to appear on and around the head of the penis. It can spread by touching the affected area or sharing items, such as towels, with an infected person.
Bumps can also form due to certain sexually transmitted infections, including herpes and genital warts. Another possibility is human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus, which can be transmitted by unprotected sex, may cause pimple-like bumps on the head and shaft of the penis.
Non-infectious causes of penile pimples include folliculitis, razor burn and hormonal changes. It is important to keep in mind that pimple-like spots or bumps on the penis should never be popped, as this can lead to bacterial infections and scars. It is also important to avoid using harsh cleansers or shaver blades on the penis. If you have questions about what is causing your penile pimples, talk to a dermatologist.
Symptoms
Pimples and bumps can form anywhere on the body, and they can come in many different shapes and sizes. They also can differ in color depending on what has clogged the pore, with whiteheads (flesh-colored or white tips) and blackheads often developing from oil and dead skin cells. Sometimes, pimples may contain pus.
Regardless of what kind of bumps or pimples you see on your penis, it’s always a good idea to consult with a medical professional before jumping to the conclusion that you have an STD. Depending on your symptoms and their appearance, they can be indicative of various causes, including non-STD related conditions like razor burn or hormonal changes.
Other common causes of pimples or bumps on the penis include a bacterial infection called folliculitis or hair follicle inflammation, which develops from shaving too close or using a dirty razor. Another condition that can cause a lot of itching and red bumps is psoriasis, which usually appears as a red or salmon-colored patch with white or silvery scales.
Another possible symptom is genital warts, which are caused by human papillomavirus and can appear on any part of the body, including the head or shaft of your penis. They are firm, raised spots that grow in clusters and have a small dimple in the center of them. They are generally painless, but they can be spread through contact with contaminated clothing or objects and from sexual activity.
Treatment
Penile pimples can be cured or cleared with the same methods that would be used for other acne. However, treatment must be tailored to the penis’s sensitive skin and the likely causes of its appearance. Avoiding irritants, such as shaving and tight-fitting clothing, is recommended, as well as keeping the area clean and dry. Medical treatments such as antibiotics or topical medications, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, may help prevent the occurrence of penile pimples in some people.
Bumps or lumps that develop on the penis may be a sign of several conditions that require treatment, including herpes and staph infections. These may look similar to zits or pimples and are very uncomfortable. They can also lead to additional complications if left untreated. Using an STD test, like those provided by Rapid STD Testing, can confirm whether these bumps are due to sexually transmitted diseases and need to be addressed with medical care.
Other non-contagious conditions that can cause a pimple on the penis include pearly penile papules, Fordyce spots and genital warts. These conditions are not caused by STIs and do not need to be treated. A doctor can also determine if a lump on the penis is related to cancer, such as lichen planus or lymphoceles. This is very rare, but it is important to see a doctor for evaluation of any change on the genital region.
Prevention
The skin on your body has pores, and they can be clogged by dirt, oil or dead skin cells. This leads to lesions called pimples, or zits, that can appear anywhere on your body, including your penis. The type of material that clogs the pores has an impact on the end result, for example, a mix of oil and dead skin cells causes blackheads, while bacteria, oil and dead skin lead to whiteheads.
You should not be concerned if you notice spots or bumps on your penis that do not look like pimples or acne. Bumps or spots on the penis can be caused by a number of factors, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Bumps on your penis that are red and itchy may be due to herpes. If you have herpes, it can cause painful blisters and open sores on the crotch area that may need medical treatment to clear up.
Another possible cause of itchy, red, pus-filled bumps on the penis is a skin condition called lichen planus. It affects 1 to 2 rows of skin-coloured lumps around the head and shaft of your penis. It’s not caused by STIs or bad hygiene and doesn’t need to be treated. Itching can be prevented by avoiding scratching the crotch area and using non-comedogenic soaps and cleansers.