Bumps on the Penis: What, Why and How to Get Rid of Them

If you’re suffering from the sudden appearance of bumps on the penis, you are not alone. Odd discolorations and skin abnormalities can pop up for a variety of reasons, some less serious than others. Whilea skin bumps or sore in the genital regioncan be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease,in most cases, the cause is more straightforward. Here are some of the more common reason that men may develop bumps on the junk.

1) Hygiene-related issues -- especially with uncircumcised men. Sometimes, this is due to not bathing enough, resulting in bumpy skin rashes, itching, and foul odors. On the other hand, there can also be too much of a good thing. Over-washing or vigorous scrubbing can also cause dryness and rash and can even trigger eczema outbreaks. Gentle washing with warm water and a mild cleanser is recommended to avoid this issue.

2) Genital warts – these unsightly bumps can have a hard, rough surface and can appear in groups or clusters. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are easily passed on by sexual partners. Most men and women will come in contact with HPV, although not all will exhibit symptoms; but they can pass on the virus even when no warts are present. Getting the HPV vaccine (usually first administered at the age of 12) is a great way to prevent HPV.

3) Fordyce spots -- these pesky little spots on your penis that are often white or yellow in color. These spots are tiny sebaceous glands that are also located around the mouth. They are harmless, they cannot be passed on to a partner, and there is no need for medical treatment.

4) Pearly papules -- these small, milky colored bumps may occur in a ring around the crown of the penis, and they are a normal variation of the penile skin. They are not harmful, and they cannot be passed on to a partner. However, because they are not always seen as cosmetically pleasing, many men seek cosmetic procedures to remove them.

5) Folliculitis – this is an infection of the hair follicles, and it is common in both men and women. They typically occur around the base of the penis; they appear as red, swollen bumps and can cause mild pain. The most common cause is shaving, as this can irritate the follicles. Shaving in the direction of hair growth and following up with a moisturizer can help reduce their occurrence.

While some causes of penis bumps warrant medical attention, others can be eliminated or avoided altogether through proper care of the area. This starts with daily washing, as well as keeping the area cool, dry and well-moisturized. After a shower or bath, dry the skin gently, and then moisturize with a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) . This particular health crème is a super weapon, containing vitamins and nutrients essential to the wellbeing of private area skin, like vitamin C, for collagen production, and Shea butter, which hydrates the skin leaving the area soft and smooth. Keep the penis skin clean, dry, and hydrated for optimal health.

Bumps on the Penis: Can They Be Cured?

A bump on the penis can cause panic both for a man and his partner. Nothing ruins a mood like the moment someone feels bumps on a penis right before becoming intimate and it can shut down a romantic evening faster than a political debate. Thankfully, most times it’s nothing serious. While some penis bumps can’t be prevented, others can with proper hygiene and sexual practices. Here are a few of the most common reasons bumps on a penis can appear and how to deal with them.

1) Pimples - When a pore is clogged, a pimple forms. Pimples can contain pus and feel very tender, or conversely, can feel quite hard. They tend to pop up for men who skip showering, live in a climate with high humidity, wear tight pants, shave their pubic region, or have oily skin. The best thing to do for a penis pimple is keeping clean and leave it alone. Popping it could result in bacteria transfer and infection.

2) Ingrown Hairs or Folliculitis - Inflammation of the hair follicles (from shaving or just irritation) can cause red, pimply bumps on the penis. They can be both painful and itchy. They usually clear themselves up in a few days, but if a man experiences this regularly, some topical antimicrobials may be helpful to heal the current bumps and prevent future ones.

3) Penile Papules - These whitish or pinkish bumps appear on the glans (head) of the penis or along the edge of the glans. They look like small pimples. They often cluster in rings or rows. They stay with a man for life and are nothing to be concerned with and are experienced by 14-48% of men. If other symptoms like itching or redness occur with them, medical attention should be sought out.

4) Genital Warts - Transmitted through unprotected sex, genital warts are STDs caused by HPV and herpes. They are flesh-colored bumps on the penis, usually on the shaft, that can look like cauliflower. See a doctor for treatment immediately.

5) Molluscum Contagiosum - A contagious skin infection, molluscum contagiosum causes a cluster of small bumps to appear on the skin. These bumps have a small dimple in their center. They can be itchy. Often times the condition will clear up in time, but a gel or crème may be recommended to hurry healing along.

6) Lichen Planus - This rash can occur anywhere on the body and is demarked by purple-red bumps which can be itchy and uncomfortable. Usually, the condition can be cut short with a quality steroid cream.

Keeps Bumps at Bay

Regardless of the source of the problem, it is always a bad idea to pop or scratch at bumps on the penis. Doing so can cause minute tears in the outer dermal layer, which can invite bacteria and infection into the penis, causing more pain and problems. Also, be sure to practice safe sex and when finding an unknown bump on the penis, refrain from intimate activity until the cause is known.

While treating a bumpy penis and after, clean the penis with a gentle soap, being gentle but thorough to ensure the penis is clean and fresh. Follow cleansing with a specially made penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to heal and nourish the skin. These special nutrient crèmes should be as natural as possible and have a moisturizing base like Shea butter and vitamin E for maximum softness. The addition of other vitamins and nutrients like vitamins A, C, and D and Alpha Lipoic Acid helps the delicate penile skin increase elasticity reduce cellular damage from age and environment. In short, these special crèmes keep the penis healthy and supple.