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Concerns About Spots on the Penis Shaft and Scrotum

7/4/2025, 11:30:40 AMMale25-34

Recently, I observed a couple of unusual bumps, one located on the shaft of my penis and another on my scrotum, which have raised some worries for me. I've been in a monogamous relationship with my girlfriend for the past six years, so I’m not too anxious about the possibility of STDs. However, I am curious about these spots. A similar situation arose for me back in 2016, when I encountered a bump that I managed to pop, leading to its eventual disappearance. Initially, I mistook the current bump for a standard Fordyce spot, but it appears to be noticeably larger than the usual ones. I did attempt to pop it (I realize that was unwise, and I won't try that again), but the attempt was unsuccessful and likely exacerbated the issue. It does seem to have increased in size slightly since I first found it a couple of weeks ago, although the change is not drastic, and there are no associated symptoms right now. I’m contemplating whether this could possibly be Molluscum contagiosum.

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicineInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

7/4/2025, 11:30:56 AM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable to feel concerned about unusual spots on your body, particularly in sensitive areas like the genital region. Given your description of the bumps, it's wise to seek clarity on what they could be. Here are the key points to consider:

Main Points:

  1. The bumps could be various things, ranging from benign (like Fordyce spots or cysts) to potentially requiring attention (like molluscum contagiosum or other dermatological conditions).
  2. Monitoring the bumps for changes is crucial to understand their nature.

Explanation:

The bumps you've observed could represent a few different things:

  • Fordyce Spots: These are small, painless, pale bumps caused by enlarged oil glands and are quite common. However, they typically do not change size significantly.
  • Molluscum Contagiosum: This is a viral infection that leads to small, round, firm bumps that can appear anywhere on the body. They can spread through skin-to-skin contact and may vary in appearance.
  • Cysts or other skin conditions: These could present similarly and are often harmless.

The fact that you attempted to pop the bump and it seems to have grown slightly suggests it may need attention, as self-managing could lead to infection or other complications.

Next Steps:

  1. Monitor the Bumps: Keep an eye on the size, number, and any symptoms (like itching, redness, or pain) over the next week. If they continue to grow or change, it will be important to take further action.

  2. Avoid Manipulation: Resist the urge to pop or irritate the bumps further, as this can exacerbate the issue or lead to infection.

  3. Practice Good Hygiene: Clean the area gently with mild soap and water, and avoid harsh soaps or scrubs.

  4. Document Changes: Keep a simple record of any changes you notice, such as size or symptoms, which will be helpful information if you seek further advice later.

If the bumps persist beyond a couple of weeks without improvement, or if you have any new symptoms, consider seeking medical advice from a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. It’s always best to have peace of mind regarding any unusual skin changes.

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