Pearly penile papules are small, white- or flesh-colored bumps that some men have around the ridge of their glans (penis head). Somewhat resembling a pearl necklace, the bumps form in one or several rows around the ridge. Papules pose no risk to penis care; they are not caused by sexual activity or hygiene issues. They are a normal anatomical variation that is believed to be present in anywhere from about 10% to nearly half of all men. The bumps, though harmless, tend to cause a lot of men anxiety and self-consciousness, based on misconceptions about what a “normal” penis “should” look like. This concern drives many men to seek out home remedies to make the bumps disappear.
Do the following methods work?
Wart Removal Cream: No. Papules aren’t warts, and wart removal ointments and creams should not be used on the penis. Men risk damaging their skin and causing themselves significant pain by using this method.
Toothpaste: Some believe that toothpaste, when applied regularly overnight to the papules, can dry them up, causing them to shrink or disappear. There’s no evidence of this, but guys might be tempted to try it out for themselves. They should consider the fact that toothpaste isn’t made to go on the penis, and it can cause pain and irritation.
Picking/Cutting: Of course, if a man picks or cuts off a papule, it will not be there anymore. However, papules might just grow back. And a man must think about the fact that he’ll be left with scarring and potentially reduced penile sensitivity, something nobody wants. Picking or cutting off a papule is similar to cutting off a mole; if that doesn’t make one cringe, remember that one is dealing with the penis here.
Tea Tree Oil: There’s no evidence that tea tree oil works on papules. Plus, the stuff can sting when used on the skin, particularly when used on the penis.
Soldering Iron: Yes, some men actually advocate for using a soldering iron to burn off papules. Sure, if a man burns his skin, he’ll change it. But the tremendous pain and the scarring involved, not to mention loss of sensitivity and risk of infection when healing, should be more than enough to convince a man to steer clear of this supposed “treatment” method.
Despite the ineffectiveness and the dangers associated with the above “home remedies,” there is no shortage of blogs, forum posts and Youtube videos touting the merits of these and other “cures.” There is no standard medical treatment for papules because they are not a health problem. The only way to actually remove the papules is to have them surgically removed, a procedure that comes with risks, including scarring and loss of sensitivity.
Because papules are harmless and removal is risky, health professionals recommend leaving them alone. When the papules cause a man significant anxiety, though, it’s necessary to treat the anxiety. This is best done with therapy, where a man can work on cultivating a healthier body image and an appreciation for what he’s got.
In order to show their appreciation for what they’re packing and to boost confidence in themselves, men can also invest in a quality skin care product just for the tool. A penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) with Shea butter, vitamin E and vitamin C can help make skin supple and radiant. It can deal with actual skin problems, like dryness and chafing, which deserve a man’s attention and concern far more than papules. A penis that is well-cared-for is something to be proud of, and a man who uses a crème like Man1 Man Oil may be more comfortable showing off what he’s got.
