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What Do Raised Bumps On Penis Indicate?

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Posted on Wed, 15 Oct 2014
Question: Hi Dr. XXXXXXX

Recently, I've discovered some small, raised bumps (skin-colored) only on the top of my pennis. Not the head, but on the skin. They are not painful or anything but I'm very concerned about any potential issues. Could you please advise me on what I should do? Are they infectious or serious?

Thank you very much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Dr. XXXXXXX is unavailable at the moment

Detailed Answer:
Hi there, My name is Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj. I work for HealthCareMagic. We are aware that you have been waiting for quite some time for an answer to your query addressed to Dr. XXXXXXX

We will continue to keep your query open to him so he can answer when he gets a chance. In the meantime though, I thought I would get the ball rolling and try and help you out with your issue.

You mentioned that you noticed these small bumps on the penis recently? When was the first time you remember seeing them? Also, is there any itching associated? Have you had any other illness recently? A fever? Anything?

If I may ask, are you sexually active? If so, when were you with your last partner? I only ask this to ascertain the chances of an infection.

Most of the time these kinds of bumps are due to irritation of the skin and inflammation, but I can't be sure unless I actually see them. Could you take a picture of the bumps and upload it so I can see what they look like?

In the meantime. I would suggest that you look at the clothing of your undergarments, have you made any changes? Different brands, different fabrics (a new fabric you might be allergic to for instance).

I look forward to hearing back from you and I hope I will be able to help you resolve this issue and understand whats going on and what needs to be done.

Thank you,

Vinay
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (4 hours later)
Hi Dr. XXXXXXX Bhardwaj,

Thank you very much for answering my question.

The first time I noticed a small bump may have been three months ago. At the time, I didn't really pay too much attention to it. However, over the course of time, I've discovered the growth of a few other bumps and possibly an increase in size of the initial ones. I was too embarrassed to ask anyone at the time but I think now is the right time to consult with an authority on that. There has never been any itching or pain associated with it . I have also not experienced any fever-like symptoms. Everything else seems normal. I have searched online for some listed symptoms but I really haven't found anything that matches with the nature of my issue.

To your other question, I have been sexually active and I've used protection most of the time with the exception of my ex-gf long time ago. The last time I was sexually active was two weeks ago and that was with protection as well.

I did actually upload an image when I first submitted this inquiry. Did you not see it? Sorry that I'm new to this so I'm not sure how else I can show you the picture. This window I'm typing in right now does NOT give me the option of uploading an image. Please advise.

Thanks again for taking the time to answer my question. I appreciate your giving me the attention regarding my issue.

Best regards
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
A picture would be a good idea, sounds benign.

Detailed Answer:
Hey there, thanks for coming back.

From the information you have given me. I don't really think this is an infection or even anything serious to worry about. They sound alot like "Fordyce Spots", a enlargement of the natural oil glands in the skin. Fordyce spots, which are completely safe and need no treatment, are skin colored and will not have any other symptoms.

A picture would be a goo idea to confirm this.

Vinay
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (1 hour later)
Hi Dr. XXXXXXX Bhardwaj,

Thanks for your explanation.

I think that it'll be a good idea for you to see a picture of it just to be sure of the diagnosis. I really don't want to take any chances with my sexual health. I've always tried to take a good care of myself so I don't want anything to slip through the cracks now.

However, is there a way for me to send you an picture via your personal email? What's the easiest way to do this? Also, if they are normal glands, is it normal for them to increase in size and number over time? Will they "go away" at certain point or they'll just be there forever? Aside from the appearance, there is a certain rough texture to it too.

Please let me know.

Thank you very much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (18 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Fordyce spots come and go.

Detailed Answer:
Fordyce spots are sort of like Acne. They come and go depending on the activity of the sebaceous glands in the skin. Careful hygiene, low caffeine and sugar and limited fat intake will help them go away. But that's not a guarantee. There are steroid creams that will help, but I would much prefer you go to a dermatologist to get an opinion before you go own that route.

Now, as for the picture. You shoould see a ling to an upload button on the upper right side of the screen If you don't see that, then email the picture to YYYY@YYYY and tell them to add it to query ID: 136756. That should do the trick.

Vin
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (1 hour later)
Hi Dr. XXXXXXX Bhardwaj,

I just uploaded the pic as you instructed. Can you see it?

Waiting for your reply.


Did you get to see the image I sent you yesterday?

Because I'm going overseas next week so I may not be around in the states much longer, I'm hoping to get some expert opinion on my condition so I know what I'm dealing with. It's been a stressful and worrisome time for me these past days.

I appreciate your time.

Thank you very much.

Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (2 days later)
Brief Answer:
Fordyce Spots, not to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hey there, Yup those are Fordyce spots. You don't have to worry about them. Try and wear inner clothes that allow you to breath a bit better down there (boxers instead of briefs) and use a soap that has less moisturizer in it and you should be fine.

If you develop any itching or redness then you will have to go to a dermatologist and get an anti-inflammatory cream.

I'm glad you're being careful with these things, it's a good habit, safe sex and barrier protection is a good idea, no matter who you are with.

I hope this helped, take care,

Vin
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (1 hour later)
Hi Dr. XXXXXXX Bhardwaj,

I can only imagine how busy your schedule is, so I certainly appreciate your taking the time to get back to me.

What a relief to hear your diagnosis and explanation! This has been bothering me quite a bit and it's very comforting to get an expert's opinion. However, I usually wear boxers as they are more comfortable for me anyway. I need to check on the soap though because I usually use soap with a bit of a moisturizer since the city where I live (Beijing) can be quite dry.

Now, maybe it's just psychological… the more I inspect these "spots", the more I feel like that they are increasing in size and number. Is this normal? According to you, these spots come and go? So there is nothing else I can do at this point? Diet? eating less fat i.e? Please do give me your recommendations.

As for safe sex, I'll for sure be more careful than ever now. I don't want to take any chances.

Thank you again.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (36 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Fordyce Spots, treat them like acne

Detailed Answer:
Hey there. So the idea behind these spots is that they are caused by over activity of the oil glands in the skin. These glands respond to hormonal signals for the most part. When they get a signal to secrete from the body, they do so. If they are blocked... by dead skin or whatever.. then they are going to get clogged.

The best way to manage these things is to do all the things for them that you did for acne as a teenager. Drink plenty of water. Mantain a low-fat, low sugar diet. Stay away from caffeine and maintain perfect hygiene. You should start seeing them clear up with that. If you are stressed for any reason (work or family or even a crash diet) then the glands will over act

So eat healthy and live healthy my friend. Thats the best you can do.

Vinay
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (13 hours later)
Dr. XXXXXXX Bhardwaj,

Thank you for your thorough explanation.

I'll try to follow your advice and see if they'll go away.

Best
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (23 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Take Care

Detailed Answer:
Take Care
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 544 Questions

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What Do Raised Bumps On Penis Indicate?

Brief Answer: Dr. XXXXXXX is unavailable at the moment Detailed Answer: Hi there, My name is Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj. I work for HealthCareMagic. We are aware that you have been waiting for quite some time for an answer to your query addressed to Dr. XXXXXXX We will continue to keep your query open to him so he can answer when he gets a chance. In the meantime though, I thought I would get the ball rolling and try and help you out with your issue. You mentioned that you noticed these small bumps on the penis recently? When was the first time you remember seeing them? Also, is there any itching associated? Have you had any other illness recently? A fever? Anything? If I may ask, are you sexually active? If so, when were you with your last partner? I only ask this to ascertain the chances of an infection. Most of the time these kinds of bumps are due to irritation of the skin and inflammation, but I can't be sure unless I actually see them. Could you take a picture of the bumps and upload it so I can see what they look like? In the meantime. I would suggest that you look at the clothing of your undergarments, have you made any changes? Different brands, different fabrics (a new fabric you might be allergic to for instance). I look forward to hearing back from you and I hope I will be able to help you resolve this issue and understand whats going on and what needs to be done. Thank you, Vinay