Pimples on the penis: Causes and treatment

The article is expertly consulted by Master, Doctor Le Phuc Lien - Urologist - Department of General Surgery - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital. The doctor has more than 12 years of experience in the field of urology and specialized urology.

Pimples can form and develop anywhere on the body, including the penis. Due to its sensitive nature, acne on the penis or a red rash on the penis can be a symptom of a number of diseases that require medical intervention.

1.1. Causes other than pathology Pimples will appear when the pore is clogged with dirt, such as oil and dead skin cells, or a mix of bacteria. Pimples may also contain pus and feel tender or swollen to the touch.
Shaving pubic hair is one of the common causes of penis redness due to skin irritation. As the damaged skin heals, a combination of ingrown hairs and other abrasions can lead to acne breakouts.
Razor bumps tend to heal on their own. To soothe damaged skin and prevent future irritation, oatmeal cream can be applied to the area each time the razor is used. In addition, the risk of penile acne is also higher if you:
Do not bathe regularly; Live in a humid climate; Have oily skin; Wearing underwear that is too tight can cause friction. Some cases of penile acne are harmless and do not require treatment, while others require medical intervention.
1.2. Pathological causes Penile warts can appear regardless of whether a man is sexually active or not. However, if you're sexually active, abnormal bumps can be a sign of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or some other dermatological problem. For example:
Fordyce Spot Sebaceous granules are a sebaceous gland located beneath hair follicles and are visible in hairless areas - like the penis. Small, white or yellow bumps on the penis are indicative of this condition. Sebaceous granules that appear on the penis often also appear in the mouth and grow in clusters of 50-100. Although harmless, sometimes the sebum particles will affect the aesthetics. It can be treated with some dermatological procedures, such as lasers, or oral isotretinoin. Tyson's gland is a protruding sebaceous gland at the tip of the penis, visible around the dome and sulcus, or in the small folds of tissue beneath the penis. Small papules cause white or yellow bumps on the penis, but they are considered benign and do not require treatment because they are part of the normal anatomy. Although not related to the pathological acne penis, Tyson's glands secrete oil that makes the genitals wet and uncomfortable.
Folliculitis Symptoms of folliculitis is a red rash on the penis and a little pus near the base of the hair growth. These nodules are usually painful and itchy, but they can clear up on their own without treatment. However, in some severe or recurrent cases, topical antimicrobials may be needed to help clear existing nodules and prevent future inflammation.

Lymphoid cysts Lymphoid cysts, also called lymphomas, form along the shaft of the penis due to blockage of lymph fluid after sexual activity or masturbation. The external force that causes the penis to have acne is usually only temporary and will go away on its own without treatment. Molluscum contagiosum When a sexually transmitted virus infection causes the penis to develop a soft lump with a red halo around it. Molluscum contagiosum not only affects the genitals but also spreads to nearby areas. If caught early, the disease can be easily treated with cryotherapy to stop the spread.
Syphilis Syphilis is a serious sexually transmitted infection. A red rash on the penis, which gradually turns into an ulcer, is the first and only sign of this disease. A syphilis infection on the penis may go away on its own and then return years later. However, patients are still at risk of infecting others during this time. Antibiotics are needed to treat syphilis, because if it is severe, there is a risk of organ damage and neurological complications.
Genital warts Genital warts are transmitted during unprotected sex, similar to HPV and herpes. The symptom of the disease is that the penis has fleshy bumps along the body and grows in outbreaks that look like the surface of broccoli (cauliflower). Genital warts are not cancerous, but if they come from the HPV virus, they increase the risk of developing penile cancer in the future. Patients need to see a doctor for instructions on how to prevent the infection from spreading, as well as limit complications.

Sexually transmitted diseases will leave a number of dangerous complications if not treated promptly and aggressively. Therefore, if there is any suspicion of abnormal acne on the penis, the patient needs to visit the hospital to diagnose the cause. Besides that, it should be noted:
2.1. Limiting the impact In fact, the condition of the penis with acne will usually go away on its own if the intimate area is kept clean and dry. Therefore, the best way to improve is to limit touch and exposure. Doctors advise against squeezing pimples on the genitals because direct impact will often make the acne worse, appear dense, cause infection and spread bacteria. When the penis is red, swollen, pus-filled or oozing, the patient needs to see a dermatologist to remove pus or safely remove the acne.
2.2. Choosing the right ointment

The genital area should not be used for acne treatment because the skin in this area is thinner and more sensitive. Popular acne products, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, can be too strong for the penis and will cause significant itching and rashes.
2.3. Taking oral medications If the penis is white or any abnormal color, the patient can consult a doctor about oral acne medications, such as:
Antibiotics: Has the effect of eliminating bacteria that are the cause of penis acne, but only for a short time, prescribed by a doctor, to avoid arbitrarily overusing antibiotics; Isotretinoin (Accutane): This is a prescription-strength vitamin A derivative for the treatment of cystic acne or severe inflammatory nodules. In conclusion, penile acne is usually not a serious problem, it can go away on its own without leaving too many complications. But if the patient has paid attention to hygiene and applied some home remedies but the condition still does not improve, it is necessary to see a doctor for a diagnosis. In addition, signs such as a widespread red rash on the penis, accompanied by pus discharge, as well as papules that change in size, shape, or nature, may indicate an infection or an underlying disease. other hidden conditions, requiring appropriate medical intervention and follow-up care.
In addition, signs such as a widespread red rash on the penis, accompanied by pus discharge, as well as papules that change in size, shape or nature, may indicate an infection or a disease. other potential conditions, requiring appropriate medical intervention and follow-up care. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital offers a package of Examination and Screening for social diseases to help customers detect diseases early and have effective treatment and prevention of dangerous complications. The screening package for social diseases at Vinmec is for all ages, both men and women. Not only has a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors, Vinmec is also fully equipped with modern equipment to diagnose diseases and stage pre-treatment in the most effective way. . Especially when coming to Vinmec International General Hospital, patients do not need to wait long, have a quick examination time, and are carefully guided by a team of experienced medical staff on the use of medicines and instructions. Lead positive lifestyle changes to help you easily adhere to your treatment management.

Reference source: medicalnewstoday.com; healthline.com