Genital lesions

Lichen Sclerosis

The primary symptoms including thin, wrinkled skin that splits and fissures easily. If untreated it can lead to scarring and deformity, and painful sex. It’s associated with some autoimmune conditions, such as vitiligo and thyroid disease, as well as vulval skin cancer. Lichen sclerosis is managed through monitoring by a dermatologist or gynaecologist, and steroid creams may be used.

Genital Dermatitis

The primary symptoms include significant, persistent itching and possibly a rash. Caused by dry skin, perhaps from overuse of soap, sanitary pads/panty liner, reactions to latex or feminine hygiene products. Treatment includes ceasing to use the product causing the reaction, and steroid creams can be prescribed.

Vaginal Infections

Symptoms include itching, smell, discharge, spot bleeding, pain, stinging while urinating. Vaginal infections are caused when bacteria, fungi and other organisms overgrow, and are more likely in overweight individuals, Those who wear tight or synthetic garments, and those who over-wash the area. Treatment may involve a swab check to confirm diagnosis, or even a biopsy. Depending on what these tests find, treatments may involve oral or topical treatments.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Symptoms are small, pearl coloured bumps on the skin, resulting from the same virus family as chicken pox, and is spread through direct contact with an infected person. Bumps can also appear on the upper thigh and lower abdomen. In children in can appear on faces and necks. Various treatments including physical therapies and creams can be effective.

Fordyce spots/sebaceous hyperplasia

Small flesh coloured bumps often on the shaft of the penis which are prominent oil glands associated with the hair follicle. These are normal spots which are not an STI and do not require treatment.

Balanitis & Balanoposthitis

The primary symptom is inflammation of the head or foreskin of the penis. This causes redness, swelling, discharge, pain/tenderness and inability to urinate. It can also result in impotence or difficulty retracting the foreskin. There is no definitive cause, though products used or poor hygiene may be involved. Other health conditions may also be related, such as diabetes, HPV, candida or STDs. Treatment begins with accurate diagnosis, and usually involves prescription creams, antibiotics and, on rare occasions, circumcision may be recommended.

Lichen sclerosis

Often presents in men as fragility of the foreskin which can tear and fissure. Tightening and difficulty in retraction of the foreskin can occur with progression of the condition. Treatment involves the use of steroid creams and circumscision may be required in advanced cases.

Scabies

Symptoms include a pimple-like outbreak, constant itch or rash. Scabies is actually an infestation of small bugs known as sarcoptes scabiei, which can exist for a month or more before becoming apparent, and can show up between fingers or toes, under arms and around the face and neck, as well as in the genital region. Treatments are very effective and quick, and include prescription creams and medication to reduce itching. Molluscum Contagiosum: Symptoms are small, pearl coloured bumps on the skin, resulting from the same virus family as chicken pox, and is spread through direct contact with an infected person. Bumps can also appear on the upper thigh and lower abdomen. In children in can appear on faces and necks. Various treatments including physical therapies and creams can be effective.

Pearly penile papules (PPP) are small, smooth, skin-coloured bumps that form around the rim of the glans (head) of the penis. They often appear in neat rows and can look pearly, white, or flesh-toned, hence the name.

Although the appearance can be alarming at first, pearly penile papules are completely harmless, incredibly common, and not sexually transmitted. They are not caused by poor hygiene, sexual activity, or an infection. In fact, PPPs are considered a normal anatomical variant, occurring in up to 30% of men.

Many people first notice papules on the penis and worry they might be an STI, but PPPs are not contagious, cannot be passed to partners, and do not indicate any underlying health issue. For those who feel self-conscious or uncomfortable with their appearance, safe and highly effective PPPs removal treatments are available.

If you’re concerned about penile papules or want to explore treatment options, our dermatology team can help. We offer confidential, personalised consultations, accurate diagnosis, and proven pearly penile papules removal using advanced laser technology.

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PPP treatment is a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure performed by our experienced dermatologists and highly trained skin laser doctors and nurses. Here’s what typically happens on the day:

• First, we confirm the diagnosis to ensure the bumps are pearly penile papules and not another condition.
• We apply a topical numbing cream, allowing it to take effect so the area is fully comfortable.
• A specialised ablative laser is used to precisely remove each pearly penile papule without damaging the surrounding skin.
• The procedure usually takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the number of papules being treated.
• Most patients describe the treatment as painless or only mildly warm, thanks to the numbing cream.
• You can return home straight after the appointment.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Preparing for PPP removal is simple:

• Avoid applying creams or lotions to the area on the day of treatment.
• Do not shave the area; please leave this to your dermatologist to avoid irritation.
• If you have any active infections, wounds, or skin conditions on the penis, please advise us beforehand.
• Wear comfortable, breathable underwear to reduce friction after treatment.

If you feel nervous or embarrassed, rest assured that our team treats PPPs regularly, and privacy is always respected.

Aftercare

Following pearly penile papules treatment, you may experience mild swelling, redness, or tenderness, similar to a small graze. This usually settles within a few days.

To support healing:

• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Avoid sexual activity, masturbation, and heavy exercise for 7–10 days, or until the skin has fully healed.
• Apply any soothing ointments recommended by your dermatologist.
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and saunas until the skin has recovered.
• Wear loose cotton underwear to minimise friction.
• Healing time is typically 7-14 days, and once healed, results are usually permanent.

We Recommend

For your safety, we recommend that all patients require an initial consultation with one of our dermatologists.

This allows us to:

• Confirm that the bumps are PPP
• Rule out other conditions
• Discuss the treatment process
• Provide personalised aftercare advice

This ensures your PPP treatment is appropriate, effective, and tailored to you.