Pearly Penile Papules Treatments are difficult to find because it is not known for sure exactly what causes these bumps to appear on the male penis. Diet, poor hygiene, penile balanitis and masturbation have all been implicated and then eliminated as causes – but the tiny skin tags are quite common and present in around 20% of the population.

Known medically as Hirsuties papillaris genitalis, these tiny white or flesh-colored lumps measure 0.5-3mm across and usually appear in one or several rows around the circumference of the glans penis – the ridge at the base of the ‘helmet’.

Contrary to popular belief, they are not sexually transmitted and do not affect health or sexual performance.

However, their presence can cause embarrassment, psychological discomfort and self-esteem issues and, whilst some men just learn to live with them, others are determined to find effective penile papules treatments and eradicate the problem.

Common home remedies including toothpaste, honey, vitamins A and E, retinol A, iodine, cider vinegar and oatmeal, along with traditional wart treatments such as freezing have proved ineffective but most healthcare professionals have been reluctant to recommend surgery for aesthetic reasons as most techniques have had limited degrees of success.

Some men do elect to undergo penile papules treatments such as ablation by carbon dioxide laser, electro-dissection with curretage or excisional surgery. The penis is numbed with an anaesthetic cream before the treatment and, providing no complications arise – inflammation and infection, hematoma, scarring issues, swelling, bruising, and numbness – all these procedures can be performed without a hospital stay.

However, technological advances in lasers have resulted in promising outcomes using newer fractional ablative approaches.