What's Causing Bumps on Your Penis?

Finding bumps on your penis can be unsettling—and your mind might jump to worst-case scenarios when you spot them. Lumps and bumps can develop on the shaft, head, or base of your penis. Depending on the cause, they may look like small, red, pimple-like spots, flesh-colored growths with a cauliflower-like texture, or fluid-filled blisters.

The good news is that there are many possible causes of bumps on your penis and most are not cause for concern. But sometimes, lumps or bumps on your penis can be a sign of something more serious, like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or underlying health conditions that require medical treatment.

Pearly Penile Papules 

You might develop bumps on your penis due to pearly penile papules (PPP). These are small, dome-shaped bumps that usually appear in a row around the head of the penis. PPPs are typically the same color as your skin tone or have a yellow, white, or pinkish hue.

Up to 48% of people with a penis develop them—usually in late adolescence or adulthood. It's worth noting that the bumps are benign (harmless) and do not require treatment. However, if you feel bothered by their appearance, you may opt to have them removed. 

Fordyce Spots 

Fordyce spots are small, raised bumps that can occur due to enlarged sebaceous (oil) glands. These spots appear pale yellow or white in color and often develop on the penis or scrotum. Fordyce spots tend to occur during puberty and can be more noticeable on stretched skin—such as when you have an erection. The spots are harmless and do not require treatment. But, some people may want cosmetic procedures to reduce their appearance. 

Folliculitis 

Inflamed hair follicles—also known as folliculitis—may appear as tiny red or white bumps on the base of your penis or scrotum. The bumps develop when hair follicles on your penis become damaged or irritated. Shaving and friction (e.g., your penis rubbing against clothing or skin) can lead to folliculitis. The bumps might be itchy or tender but usually go away on their own. If these bumps fill up with pus or become more painful over time, this may be a sign of infection that requires medical attention.

Lymphoceles 

Lymphoceles are fluid-filled cysts that form when the flow of lymphatic fluid gets disrupted, causing the fluid to build up under the skin. Lymphoceles on the penis are soft, pale, or yellowish bumps that develop beneath the skin's surface. They may feel hard or squishy, depending on the amount of fluid build-up you have. These bumps commonly appear after having pelvic surgery. In most cases, lymphoceles gradually decrease in size and eventually disappear.

Genital Warts 

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). On the penis, genital warts appear as flesh-colored bumps that might be flat or have a cauliflower-like texture. You may notice one spot or a group of bumps. Genital warts are usually painless but can sometimes cause itching or discomfort.

Genital Herpes 

Genital herpes is another type of STI that occurs as a result of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Herpes blisters often appear in clusters on the penis and may cause itching, burning, or tingling sensations when they first develop. The blisters eventually burst open and become painful sores.

Your first genital herpes outbreak may also cause other symptoms, such as fever, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. The HSV virus remains dormant in your body for life, so you may experience repeat (or, recurrent) outbreaks. But, the outbreaks that come after your first herpes flare-up tend to be less severe.

Peyronie’s Disease 

Peyronie’s disease develops when scar tissue builds up inside the penis shaft, making the penis curve or bend with or without an erection. Sometimes Peyronie’s disease causes small, hard lumps on one or both sides of the penis shaft. Peyronie’s disease is most common in older adults and can cause pain or discomfort during sexual activities.

Lichen Sclerosus 

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic, progressive skin disease that primarily affects the genital region. On the penis, this condition can cause small, shiny, white bumps or plaques on the glans (head) of the penis and foreskin. Some people with lichen sclerosus may feel that their bumps are itchy and uncomfortable. Others may not experience any symptoms at all. As the disease progresses, the foreskin can start to cover the head of the penis and block urine flow from the urethra.

Molluscum Contagiosum 

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that causes small, round bumps with a dimpled center. The bumps may match your skin tone or appear slightly pinkish. They often go away within 9 to 12 months without treatment. Molluscum contagiosum is highly contagious and spreads through skin-to-skin contact. When it develops on the penis, getting treatment early can help you prevent spreading the infection to your sexual partners.

Penile Cancer 

Changes to the skin on the penis are often the first sign of penile cancer. These changes are usually on the head of the penis or foreskin. Penile cancer may cause a lump on the penis, small and crusty bumps, or flat growths that appear blue or brown in color. Bumps caused by penile cancer are usually painless, but some people may experience pain or discomfort.

How To Get Rid of Bumps on Your Penis

If you develop bumps on your penis, your exact treatment plan will depend on what's causing your bumps. No matter the underlying reasons for your penis bumps, it's important to not squeeze or attempt to pop them. This can increase your risk of a bacterial infection, injure your penis, or worsen the condition that’s causing the bumps.

While some bumps may resolve without treatment, seeing a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations is vital. Common treatment options for penile bumps include: 

• Topical creams and ointments: Certain conditions (e.g., folliculitis or inflammatory skin conditions) use topical creams (or, products you can apply directly on your skin) that contain antibiotics, antifungals, or corticosteroids for treatment. These ointments can help relieve discomfort, reduce inflammation, and clear up bumps.
• Cryotherapy: This therapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove bumps caused by genital warts, molluscum contagiosum, or pearly penile papules.
• Antiviral medications: Treatment for genital herpes involves the use of antiviral drugs that help reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms. If you get recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, these medicines can help decrease the frequency of outbreaks.
• Electrocautery: An electric current burns off and destroys bumps, such as genital warts and pearly penile papules.
• Laser therapy: Laser treatments target specific areas on your penis to remove bumps without scarring your skin.
• Surgery: Surgical removal of penis bumps may be an option for bumps that cause discomfort or affect the function of your penis. Surgery is an option for more serious conditions, like penile cancer, lichen sclerosus, or Peyronie’s disease.

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

Even though most bumps on penises are not a cause for concern, it is important to see a healthcare provider if you spot a bump or lump on your penis. This is especially true if you are sexually active and notice any changes to the appearance or function of your penis.

See a healthcare provider promptly if you have symptoms that may be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection or other conditions that require treatment, such as:

• Difficulty urinating or having a burning sensation when you pee
• Fever
• Flu-like symptoms
• Discharge or liquid oozing from the bumps or tip of your penis
• Pain during or after sex
• Bumps that are spreading, multiplying, or growing in size 

When you see a healthcare provider, they will ask about your medical history and whether you are sexually active and use protection (e.g., condoms). They will examine your penis to look at the bump(s). Depending on the suspected cause, your healthcare provider may order diagnostic tests—such as blood tests or swabs of the affected area—to identify the cause and confirm a diagnosis. 

While talking to a healthcare provider about your penis and sexual health may feel embarrassing, open communication is crucial. Remember that healthcare providers are professionals accustomed to handling private matters with sensitivity and discretion. Being open and honest with your provider about your symptoms and experiences helps them give you an accurate diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment to improve your symptoms and quality of life.

A Quick Review

There are many possible reasons why bumps develop on the penis, ranging from harmless skin conditions to sexually transmitted infections and underlying health conditions. While most bumps are not a sign of a serious issue, seeing a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis is always a good idea.

Your treatment options will depend on the underlying cause of your bumps, but may include topical creams, cryotherapy or laser therapy, or oral medications. If you’ve spotted a new bump on your penis, talking to a healthcare provider is the best way to get answers to your questions and receive treatment, if needed.