Pimples Over the Penis

Q : I have small red pimple looking things on my penis. No trouble. Are they normal? What is to be done?
– By Joe

Reply:

It is both, normal and common, to have acne or pimples over the penis.

Pimples can occur anywhere over the body, where ever there are sebaceous glands.

The skin over the penis is rich in oil secreting sebaceous glands. These glands are necessary and required for lubrication in the area.

Sometimes, when the duct of such a gland gets blocked, sebum produced by the gland is unable to get drained outside, and gets collected in the gland.

This results in the formation of tiny pimples.

How Do They Look?

Pimples on the penis are easy to recognize. They are tiny red bumps beneath the thick penile skin. A tiny core of whitish sebum shines through them.

Though your bumps sound like pimples, it is advisable to get examined by a doctor and rule out the possibility of any STD.

Fordyce Spots

These are exaggerated growth of sebaceous glands often present as several small bumps on the shaft of the penis. They resemble pimples in their look.

Managing Pimples on Penis

    • Consult a doctor to rule out STDs.
    • Wear breathable underwears. Too tight undergarments, made up of fabric that cause friction, may give you more of such acne. This is because they trap moisture in the groin region, making grounds for pimples to erupt. So only loose cotton underwears are recommended.
    • Avoid tight trousers, at least when at home. Let the groin area breathe.
    • Shower daily, especially after exercises. You need to keep the area clean and dry.
    • Avoid using any harsh soap or gel over your penile skin. They are not required, only plain water cleaning is adequate. On the other hand, they may may the penile skin very dry, predisposing to skin problems.
    • The penile skin is not to be left dry. Moisturize is regularly. Dry skin rubs more shedding more dead cells. This dead cell debris may block a duct and lead to acne formation.
    • Drink lot of water and sleep adequately.

You may leave the pimples as such, they will gradually go away on their own. If you feel any of it is getting too tense or painful, try warm compress over it. This will soften the acne. By repeated warm compresses over 2 to 3 days, you may try draining the tense bump.

Never tweeze or pop the acne. This will impart infection into it and produce inflammation in the whole area.

Take Care,

Buddy M.D.

Medical Advice (Q&As) on “Penis Pimples and Their Management

    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You need to first ascertain whether this is a simple pimple or some wart.

      Warts may be infected and are dealt differently.

      For a simple pimple that is not infected, read above in detail.

      Reply
    2. JoeM

      Use a creme called Man1 Man Oil. It is made just for the penis skin and contains several antibacterial vitamins and nutrients that will keep the area extra clean, smooth and irritation-free. I have been using it for a long time now and I never have any issues down there anymore. You can get it online.. it’s good stuff.

      Reply
  1. John

    I had a painless pimple in my pubic hair, near my penis, but I have never had sex apart from the time I was young. The pimple bled when I touched it, so doctor I am worried, please.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It appears to be a simple pimple over the penile skin. Nothing to worry. Read about its management above.

      Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You may start applying an antibiotic cream over them. Mupiracon/ bacitracin ointment may be used thrice daily.

      Reply

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