Bumps on Penis

Bumps on the penis can be concerning, but many are harmless normal variations of anatomy. These bumps can appear as small raised areas, spots, papules, or lesions on the shaft, head (glans), or foreskin. While some bumps are completely normal, others may indicate infections, skin conditions, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that require medical evaluation. Understanding the different types, their characteristics, and associated symptoms helps determine when to seek medical care.

🚨 Seek Immediate Medical Care If:

You experience: rapidly spreading rash with fever, severe pain and swelling, signs of serious infection (pus, red streaks, high fever), bleeding that won't stop, difficulty urinating, or bumps appearing after unprotected sexual contact with concerning symptoms. Early evaluation is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

Common Causes

Normal Anatomical Variations

  • Pearly penile papules:
    • Small, dome-shaped bumps around corona
    • Pink, white, or skin-colored
    • Arranged in rows
    • Completely harmless
    • Present in 15-40% of men
    • No treatment needed
  • Fordyce spots:
    • Small, raised, pale spots
    • Visible oil glands
    • 1-3mm in diameter
    • On shaft or scrotum
    • Normal and harmless
  • Tyson glands:
    • Small glands on frenulum
    • Produce lubricating fluid
    • May appear as tiny bumps
    • Normal anatomy
  • Hair follicles:
    • Small bumps at base of shaft
    • Where pubic hair grows
    • May become inflamed
    • Normal unless infected

Sexually Transmitted Infections

  • Genital warts (HPV):
    • Soft, flesh-colored growths
    • Cauliflower-like appearance
    • Single or clusters
    • May be flat or raised
    • Painless usually
    • Highly contagious
  • Genital herpes:
    • Painful blisters or sores
    • Clear fluid-filled vesicles
    • Break open and crust
    • Recurrent outbreaks
    • Tingling before outbreak
    • Highly contagious
  • Syphilis:
    • Painless ulcer (chancre)
    • Firm, round sore
    • Clean base
    • Heals without treatment
    • Highly infectious
    • Requires antibiotic treatment
  • Molluscum contagiosum:
    • Small, dome-shaped bumps
    • Central dimple
    • Pearly or flesh-colored
    • 2-5mm diameter
    • Painless
    • Viral infection

Non-STI Infections

  • Folliculitis:
    • Infected hair follicles
    • Red, inflamed bumps
    • May have pus
    • Can be painful
    • Often from shaving
  • Balanitis:
    • Inflammation of glans
    • Red patches or bumps
    • May have discharge
    • Pain and swelling
    • Common in uncircumcised men
  • Yeast infection:
    • Red bumps or rash
    • Itching and burning
    • White discharge
    • Under foreskin
    • More common in diabetics
  • Bacterial infections:
    • Various presentations
    • Red, inflamed bumps
    • May have pus
    • Can spread rapidly

Skin Conditions

  • Psoriasis:
    • Red patches with silvery scales
    • Well-defined borders
    • May be itchy
    • Chronic condition
    • Can affect genitals
  • Eczema/Dermatitis:
    • Red, itchy patches
    • May have small bumps
    • Dry, scaly skin
    • Contact or atopic
  • Lichen planus:
    • Purple, flat-topped bumps
    • May have white lines
    • Can be itchy
    • Autoimmune condition
  • Angiokeratomas:
    • Small, dark red/purple spots
    • Blood vessel growths
    • Usually harmless
    • May bleed if scratched

Other Causes

  • Penile cancer: Rare but serious, persistent sore or growth
  • Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs, usually benign
  • Allergic reactions: To soaps, condoms, lubricants
  • Trauma: From injury or rough sexual activity
  • Insect bites: Localized bumps from bites
  • Medication reactions: Some drugs cause skin reactions

Associated Symptoms

Local Symptoms

  • Pain or tenderness
  • Itching or burning
  • Discharge (clear, white, or pus)
  • Bleeding
  • Ulceration or open sores
  • Swelling of penis or foreskin
  • Difficulty retracting foreskin
  • Pain during urination
  • Pain during sexual activity
  • Changes in skin color

Systemic Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes (groin)
  • Body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Rash elsewhere on body
  • Joint pain
  • Flu-like symptoms

Urinary Symptoms

  • Painful urination (dysuria)
  • Frequent urination
  • Urethral discharge
  • Blood in urine
  • Difficulty starting urination
  • Weak urine stream

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Medical History

  • Sexual history and partners
  • Use of protection
  • Previous STI history
  • Duration of symptoms
  • Associated symptoms
  • Recent new products used
  • Medical conditions
  • Current medications

Physical Examination

  • Visual inspection of lesions
  • Palpation for tenderness
  • Lymph node examination
  • Full genital examination
  • Skin examination
  • Urethral examination

Diagnostic Tests

  • STI testing:
    • HPV DNA testing
    • Herpes PCR or culture
    • Syphilis serology
    • HIV testing
    • Gonorrhea/chlamydia testing
  • Other tests:
    • Biopsy if cancer suspected
    • Skin scraping for microscopy
    • Bacterial culture
    • Fungal culture
    • Patch testing for allergies

Treatment Options

Based on Cause

  • Normal variations:
    • No treatment needed
    • Reassurance and education
    • Cosmetic removal if desired
  • Genital warts:
    • Topical medications (imiquimod, podofilox)
    • Cryotherapy (freezing)
    • Laser therapy
    • Surgical removal
    • HPV vaccination for prevention
  • Herpes:
    • Antiviral medications
    • Acyclovir, valacyclovir
    • Suppressive therapy
    • Pain management
  • Bacterial infections:
    • Appropriate antibiotics
    • Topical or oral
    • Complete full course
  • Fungal infections:
    • Antifungal creams
    • Oral antifungals if severe
    • Keep area dry

General Management

  • Good hygiene practices
  • Avoid irritants
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing
  • Safe sex practices
  • Partner notification if STI
  • Follow-up testing
  • Avoid sexual contact during treatment

Prevention

  • Use barrier protection
  • Limit number of partners
  • Regular STI screening
  • HPV vaccination
  • Good genital hygiene
  • Avoid sharing towels
  • Prompt treatment of infections

When to Seek Medical Care

See a Doctor Immediately

  • Rapidly spreading rash or infection
  • Severe pain or swelling
  • High fever with genital symptoms
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Bleeding that won't stop
  • Signs of severe infection
  • Open sores or ulcers

Schedule an Appointment

  • Any new or changing bumps
  • Bumps after unprotected sex
  • Painful or itchy bumps
  • Bumps with discharge
  • Persistent bumps (>2 weeks)
  • Recurrent symptoms
  • Partner diagnosed with STI

Regular Screening

  • Annual STI screening if sexually active
  • More frequent if multiple partners
  • Before new sexual relationships
  • If partner has symptoms
  • As recommended by doctor