Understanding Bumps on the Shaft of the Penis
I'm hoping someone can shed light on some bumps I’ve noticed. I'm a 29-year-old male, I smoke, and I have an active sex life. These bumps have a pale coloration when I stretch the skin. There’s a particularly noticeable one in the center that I can detect with my thumb. I initially observed these bumps around January; they were quite small at first, but by April, they had grown a bit, particularly the one I can feel. Fortunately, growth seems to have halted as they aren’t spreading or increasing in size any longer. They don’t resemble warts, but I did have a wart in my genital area when I was between 21 and 23. Could these potentially be molluscum contagiosum, or are they simply Fordyce spots? I also want to highlight that I have several small bumps beneath the skin of my penis, which I’m confident are indeed Fordyce spots. Importantly, there’s no itching, and there’s no redness—just bumps, with a few under the skin that I can’t feel, and one or two that I can easily sense with my thumb.
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 3:50:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with some concerning but common skin changes in the genital area. Based on your description, the bumps could either be Fordyce spots or related to other conditions like molluscum contagiosum or possibly sebaceous cysts. Let's break this down.
Main Points:
- Bumps on your penis: They may be benign (e.g., Fordyce spots) or require further understanding (e.g., molluscum contagiosum).
- Key characteristics: Lack of itching or redness is a positive sign, and the fact that you've noted the size of the bumps has stabilized is reassuring.
Explanation:
- Fordyce Spots: These are small, painless, pale bumps that are actually sebaceous glands without hair follicles. They are completely normal and common in many men.
- Molluscum Contagiosum: This is a viral skin infection characterized by small, firm, raised bumps. They often have a central dimple but generally come with some irritation or redness.
- Sebaceous Cysts: These are small lumps filled with oil and can feel like bumps under the skin.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on the bumps. Note whether there are any changes in size, texture, or if new ones appear.
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Self-Examination: With clean hands, continue to gently feel the bumps, but avoid squeezing them, as irritation can lead to infection.
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Reduce Irritants: Since you smoke, consider reducing or quitting if you can, as smoking can affect skin health. Maintain good hygiene and consider using a mild soap.
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Document Changes: Keep a small diary of your observations, including any changes in symptoms for the next couple of weeks.
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Seek Professional Advice: If the bumps change, become painful, or if you develop new symptoms (like itching or discharge), it’s important to seek a healthcare professional’s input for a proper diagnosis.
Reassure yourself that many men experience similar bumps, and in most cases, they are harmless. However, paying attention to changes and consulting with a healthcare professional can provide peace of mind and clarity. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to ask!
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