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What Causes Bumps On Penis?

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Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2014
Question: Since puberty (12 years ago) I have small bumps on my penis. On the side and the top. On the side bumps hairs are growing out of them, which I believe to be sebaceous prominence. I have had sexual partners AFTER this and have had no problems at all (i.e. no transmission of infection). They are skin colored and have not changed in size. They are not spreading. They are not in clumps for the most part.What do you think?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Upload more pics Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic. I am Dr. Kakkar . I have gone through your concern. I would request you kindly upload a few more clear pics, with close ups and few from a little away (which give me a clear idea as to there exact location, so that i may be able to help you better). My concern is to rule out molluscum contagiosum. In the present picture the exact location is not clear to me (whether they are on the base of penis shaft OR towards the head of penis). Tell me a bit about your sexual history: -The number of sexual partners that you have had? Single or multiple? -Your past sexual contacts? Were they protected (condom) or if you ever had unprotected sex? -Have you ever got tested for STIs? Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 hours later)
ok, thank you for your assistance Doctor, here are 2 more pictures. One is of the same area I sent you earlier just zoomed out. The second is of the side. There are no bumps on the head just on the shaft and the base. I don't believe its molluscum contagiosum since it doesn't not spread to my partners. As far as sexual history, I have only ever had 3 partners. Both protected and unprotected sex. They have since has GYN exams with no problems reported. I have never been tested for STI but I have had general physical exams with no problems reported. What do you think? Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 hours later)
Brief Answer: Possibility of molluscum. Detailed Answer: Hi. After looking at the picture i would still like to rule out a possibility of Molluscum contagiosum. Thanks for the pictures but actually they did'nt make much of a difference in clearing my doubt. In the first picture (IMG_0303.JPG) i could see a group of lesions and one of them (the first one from below) is possibly showing central umblication/pit, which is classical presentation of molluscum. The second picture(IMG_0304.JPG) is clear. The third picture which is zoomed out version of the first picture, is actually not very clear showing the lesions. If possible, you can send me more good clear pictures so that i can help you better Or you could see a dermatologist for a confirmatory diagnosis. Molluscum actually can be very accurately diagnosed with just a close inspection of the lesions. Another possibility could be sebaceous hyperplasia, which is not much of a concern. Molluscum has a long incubation period and can develop even months after infection, therefore absence of lesions in your partners is not a criteria to not consider them in you. Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection that causes small pearly or flesh-colored bumps (Small dome-shaped bumps with a central depression). The infection is caused by a virus. They may occur on the penis, scrotum, inner thighs or pubis. The virus commonly spreads through skin-to-skin contact. Touching an object that has the virus on it, such as a towel, also can spread the infection. Doctors usually recommend treatment for bumps in the genital area to prevent them from spreading. Treatment options are: -Needle Extraction -Removal by CO2 Laser, Radiofrquency ORElectrocautery. -Chemical cautery with Trichloroacetic acid, potassium hydroxide OR canthridin -Cryosurgery/Freezing with liquid Nitrogen. -Topical immunomodulators like Imiquimod. I usually remove them with CO2 Laser or Radiofrequency cautery if the lesions are few in number. If there are numerous lesions, i prescribe my patients topical imiquimod. take care regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 hours later)
Thank you doctor, My sexual partners, particularly the unprotected one, were from many years ago, 2007. Would the virus incubate that long? Also if It is the virus, why has it lasted this long for me? Are there any home remedies that I can do? I have heard that salicylic acid is good. I do not believe that is the case due to the long time period and the lack of transmission. I have had unprotected sex many times and the bumps have been present for over 12 years, so I ruled out genital warts and Molluscum. I believe it has something to do with the sebaceous glands. Thank you for all of your help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Get a confirmation Detailed Answer: Hi I wish that your assumption is right. My point is to get it confirmed/get an accurate diagnosis. There should be no confusion. Lesions on the shaft and base of penis can happen even after a condom protected sex because a condom does'nt cover the base of penile shaft as well as it covers the head. So, that makes it really difficult to judge as to when did you get them. Easiest way is to get it removed by a dermatologist, because a dermatologist wont miss a lesion, provided if it is a molluscum. First of all get it confirmed physically by a dermatologist, because I really could'nt confirm or rule it out with 100% surety, by looking at the pictures that you sent. I am sorry but they are not good clarity pictures. If wish they ultimately turn out to be sebaceous glands. regards
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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What Causes Bumps On Penis?

Brief Answer: Upload more pics Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic. I am Dr. Kakkar . I have gone through your concern. I would request you kindly upload a few more clear pics, with close ups and few from a little away (which give me a clear idea as to there exact location, so that i may be able to help you better). My concern is to rule out molluscum contagiosum. In the present picture the exact location is not clear to me (whether they are on the base of penis shaft OR towards the head of penis). Tell me a bit about your sexual history: -The number of sexual partners that you have had? Single or multiple? -Your past sexual contacts? Were they protected (condom) or if you ever had unprotected sex? -Have you ever got tested for STIs? Regards