HIV: Signs and Symptoms in Women
Pearly Penile Papules
Pearly penile papules are small bumps that appear on the head or shaft of the penis. They are not itchy or painful and typically appear for the first time during adolescence or young adulthood. ("Papules" is a medical term for bumps.)
Pearly penile papules are harmless bumps found on the head of the penis. (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
These papules are:
They are harmless, although people sometimes mistakenly think they come from a sexually transmitted infection (STI). They're also often confused for genital warts or molluscum contagiosum, two skin conditions with a similar appearance.
If you're unsure what's causing your papules, talk to your doctor.
Doctors haven't pinpointed a reason for penile papules. They are a normal skin variation. They're not contagious and can't be passed from person to person through sexual contact. On average, more than one-third of all men experience penile papules during their lifetime, but the frequency varies depending on specific populations.
Black men and people with uncircumcised penises are more likely to develop the condition, though circumcised people can get these bumps as well. Doctors don't know why some people get them and others don't.
If you think you have penile papules, your doctor can help diagnose and treat the condition. They may refer you to a dermatologist (skin doctor) for assessment and treatment. Keep in mind that you shouldn't pick at your penile papules. If they break open, it leaves you at risk for infection.
Doctors often diagnose the condition just by looking at the bumps. They may confirm this by taking some tissue from the affected area and examining it under a microscope.
Because they aren't harmful, your doctor may not give you any treatment. Even so, many people don't like to see these bumps, either because they find them unsightly or because they're afraid their partners will think they have an STI. About half the men with penile papules wanted to remove them, according to one study.
Pearly penile papules removal
You can remove these bumps with one of the following methods:
Even without treatment, your penile papules can grow smaller with time and may go away on their own.
Most home remedies don't work on penile papules. Products such as tea tree oil, acne cream, castor oil, and calamine lotion won't remove these bumps and may irritate the skin even more.
Wart medicine won't work either and could even harm your penis. You might see a penile papules removal cream for sale on the internet. These often have medicines used to treat acne and/or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) used in chemical exfoliation of the skin. These creams are unlikely to work for your condition and may even inflame the skin where you apply them.
If your skin feels irritated by these bumps, talk to your doctor so they can advise you what to do.
Penile papules don't pose any health concerns. If you're sexually active and suspect an STI, talk to your doctor about any other symptoms you experience. If STIs are ruled out, you don't need to worry about the small bumps appearing on your penis.
If they do break open, keep the area clean and covered to prevent the introduction of bacteria. Otherwise, you can monitor the condition and let your doctor know if the condition worsens or if you begin to experience other symptoms.
Penile papules are different from genital warts. Penile papules may look similar to genital warts, so if you have any concerns, talk to your doctor about getting tested. The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes genital warts and is considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Genital warts differ from penile papules due to their cauliflower-like appearance with a rough texture and inconsistent shape. Penile papules are limited to the penis, but genital warts are contagious and may spread to the anus, groin, thighs, lips, tongue, mouth, and throat.
Penile papules are different from molluscum contagiosum. Penile papules are smaller than molluscum contagiosum, which may appear as larger, raised bumps that are pitted in the middle. A poxvirus causes molluscum contagiosum, and it can appear anywhere on the body. It is not exclusive to the genital areas.
Other STIs. Keep in mind that if you are not familiar with STIs, you may discount their appearance at first. Penile papules are harmless, but some STIs such as syphilis and genital herpes are very serious conditions.
Symptoms of syphilis include a firm round sore (or sores) at the location where the syphilis enters your body, like the anus or vagina, which heals in 3-6 weeks even without treatment. If you don't get treatment for syphilis, the next set of symptoms might be:
Herpes symptoms include:
If you have any doubts about changes in the appearance of your penis skin, talk to your doctor. Also, keep in mind that open sores leave you at a greater risk of contracting an STI. If your penile papules break open, abstain from sexual activities until your skin heals completely.
Pearly penile papules are harmless bumps that you may see on the head of your penis. You usually don't need any treatment for them, but if you don't like the way they look, you can have them removed by cryotherapy, laser treatment, or electrodesiccation and curettage. Although these papules aren't caused by an STI, talk with your doctor about them.
Are penile papules normal?
Yes. About 14%-48% of men have had them.
Is it OK to pop a penile papule?
No! Squeezing or popping them can lead to scarring or infection.
16 Natural Home Remedies For Warts
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You may be able to remove a wart at home with over-the-counter products and inexpensive home remedies, including diluted apple cider vinegar.
Warts are harmless growths on the skin. They're caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.
Warts are contagious. They can go away on their own, but it can take weeks, months, or years.
Conventional treatments include chemical peels, surgery, freezing, and laser surgery, but these treatments can be expensive and cause skin irritation.
Another option is to try natural home remedies for warts.
Not for genital warts or warts on your face
If you have genital warts or warts on your face, do not try these remedies. The skin in these areas is extremely sensitive, so it's best to visit your doctor instead.
Why certain home remedies may workNatural remedies to get rid of warts include using foods, plants, or other products that have either antiviral or acidic properties or enzymes that inhibit the HPV virus.
Natural antiviral remedies might help suppress the virus that causes warts, while natural acids can help remove layers of infected skin. However, you should know that the evidence for many of these remedies is anecdotal, at best.
People swear by it
Many home remedies have little or no reliable scientific evidence to back them up; however, individuals report success using them to remove warts.
Apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar is an acidic substance made from fermented apple juice. It's thought to work like salicylic acid, a common wart treatment that peels away infected skin, eventually removing the wart.
Vinegar also has natural antimicrobial properties that may help fight HPV, but more studies are necessary.
To try it, mix 2-parts apple cider vinegar and 1-part water. Soak a cotton ball with this mixture. Place it on the wart, and cover it with a bandage. Leave it on for three to four hours.
Always dilute apple cider vinegar with water. The acidity may cause irritation and chemical burns. Also, don't apply it on open wounds.
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Banana peelAnecdotal evidence suggests that banana peel might help get rid of warts.
However, there's not actually any research linking banana peels to the treatment of warts or viral skin infections, nor is there scientific evidence that banana peels fight HPV.
If you want to try it, cut a piece of banana peel and tape it over the wart before bed, so that the inner part of the peel is touching your skin. Leave on while you sleep and repeat daily.
GarlicGarlic, a traditional home remedy
Garlic has a long history of being used to heal skin conditions like psoriasis, keloid scars, and corns. It's also used for bacterial, fungal, and viral infections such as warts. In an older 2014 study, garlic extract got rid of warts within four weeks. The warts didn't come back.
Allicin, a key component of garlic, has antimicrobial effects and is often studied for its antiviral and immunomodulating properties.
To treat warts with garlic, crush up one clove and mix it with water. Apply to the wart and cover with a bandage. Repeat daily for three to four weeks. You can also apply garlic juice or rub a clove on the wart.
Orange peelAnother popular wart remedy is orange peel. It's an inexpensive option, but there isn't scientific data to back it up.
This remedy involves rubbing an orange peel on the wart once a day. Supposedly, the wart will change color, darken, and then fall off. This may take two weeks or more.
PineapplePineapple is rich in bromelain, a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes that may help remove dead and damaged skin.
While there is some data to support the potential effectiveness of bromelain in treating a few medical conditions, there aren't any scientific studies supporting its use to remove warts.
People have reported success in removing warts using pineapple juice in several ways. One method is to soak the wart in pineapple juice every day. Another technique is to apply fresh pineapple daily.
PotatoPeople claim that potato juice can "dehydrate" a wart, but no studies exist regarding its effectiveness.
To try this method, cut a small potato in half. Rub the cut side on the wart until it's covered in potato juice. Repeat twice a day.
Dandelion weedMany people think of dandelions as pesky weeds. However, ancient Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine use dandelions for their medicinal properties.
Dandelions have antimicrobial properties, which may be useful for fighting warts, but more research is needed to confirm.
To try this method, break apart a dandelion and squeeze out the sticky white sap. Apply to the wart once or twice a day. Repeat for two weeks.
Never use dandelions that have been sprayed with chemicals.
Aloe veraAloe vera gel is commonly used for skin conditions like burns and psoriasis. If your wart is itchy or painful, the gel may provide relief.
Aloe vera gel is also known to fight pathogens, including viruses. A 2016 study found that it works against herpes simplex virus type 1, but no studies exist on its effectiveness against fighting HPV.
To use aloe, remove a leaf from an aloe vera plant and cut it open. Apply the gel to the wart. Repeat daily.
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AspirinAspirin is made of salicylic acid, a common ingredient in over-the-counter wart treatments.
Salicylic acid works to heal warts by peeling away the infected skin. Over time, this removes the wart.
Aspirin is thought to have a similar effect. The suggested method is to crush aspirin tablets and mix with water. Apply the paste on the wart and cover with a bandage overnight.
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Clear nail polishClear nail polish is another anecdotal wart remedy. It's said to "suffocate" the virus, but there isn't hard evidence on its effectiveness.
At the very least, clear nail polish can act as a protective coating.
The method involves coating the wart with clear nail polish. Some people do this every other day, while others do it two or three times a day.
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Vitamin CVitamin C has immune-boosting properties and is essential for wound healing and healthy skin tissue. An older natural history study from 2003 suggests that higher amounts of Vitamin C consumption are inversely associated with persistent HPV infection, but more reliable evidence is needed.
To try Vitamin C as a topical treatment for warts, crush up a vitamin C tablet and mix it with water. Apply the paste to the wart, cover with a bandage, and leave overnight. Repeat daily.
Some people claim that lemon juice and vitamin C make a more effective paste. This could be from the acidity of lemon juice. Lemon juice may cause skin irritation, so use it with caution.
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Vitamin EAnother home remedy for warts is vitamin E. This nutrient is vital for a healthy immune system. It's thought to improve your body's reaction to HPV, but there aren't any studies to support this claim.
You can puncture a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil to the wart. Protect the wart with a bandage and keep it on overnight. Repeat daily for two weeks.
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Bee propolisHoney bees produce a resin-like substance called propolis. It's made of plant substances, beeswax, pollen, and bee enzymes.
Bees offer wart relief
Research suggests that Propolis has antiviral properties and promotes skin cell production. It's used to treat acne, wounds, and the herpes simplex virus. These benefits may also help heal infected skin and fight HPV.
To use propolis, apply it on the wart. Place a bandage on top and leave overnight. Repeat daily.
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Castor oilCastor oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used as a natural remedy for warts, ringworm, dandruff, and other skin conditions.
Apply castor oil on the wart every day. It might take two or more weeks for the wart to fall off.
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Duct tapeDuct tape is one of the most popular home remedies for warts. It's inexpensive and easy to find. Duct tape is said to remove the infected skin over time.
Most of the research on duct tape's effectiveness is outdated. A 2002 study found that duct tape is more effective than freezing, but a conflicting 2007 study suggested that duct tape isn't any better.
A 2020 study concluded that while cryotherapy has a higher efficacy than duct tape for treating plantar warts in adults, duct tape may be a practical and convenient alternative for treating plantar warts in adults in some circumstances.
To use duct tape, stick a small piece on the wart. Remove it every three to six days. Soak the wart in water and scrub it with a pumice stone or emery board. Leave it uncovered for 10 to 12 hours. Repeat the process.
If you have sensitive skin, use duct tape with caution. It may cause redness, irritation, and bleeding.
Shop for duct tape.
Tea tree oilTea tree oil has powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat skin conditions like acne and athlete's foot. Researchers are currently studying if the oil's antiviral properties may also help get rid of warts.
Some methods suggest applying tea tree oil on the wart, but undiluted oil can cause skin irritation. You should always dilute it first.
To do so, combine 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil with 12 drops of a carrier oil, like almond oil or castor oil.
Add 3 to 4 drops of this mixture on a cotton ball. Place it on the wart for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat two or three times a day.
If you experience irritation, you might need to dilute it even more.
Shop for Tea tree oil.
If natural remedies aren't working to rid you of warts, you may want to pursue conventional medical treatment with a doctor.
Some of the most effective and popular medical treatments for wart removal include:
Warts usually go away on their own, but natural home remedies for warts may help speed up the process.
Most home remedies for warts aren't backed by evidence-based research. However, some people claim that these remedies have worked for them.
Always do a patch test first. Even natural treatments can cause skin irritation.
Bumps In The Vaginal Area: 7 Causes
Do not panic if you spot small bumps on the vaginal area. Most vaginal bumps are harmless, but some might signal an infection. Other causes may include cysts, ingrown hairs, and, in rare cases, vaginal cancer.
Vaginal bumps will resolve and typically go away on their own. You might require oral or topical antibiotics if you have an infection. Read on to learn about bumps in the vaginal area, including what causes them and what to do if you notice one.
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It's common for people to mix up the vagina with the vulva. The vagina is an internal canal that connects the uterus to the outside of your body. A fetus develops inside of the uterus during pregnancy. The vulva, in contrast, is the external female genitals: the clitoris, labia, and vaginal opening. Itchy, rash-like, or swollen skin surrounding bumps might be contact dermatitis. Your skin may be sensitive to an irritant, such as a new detergent or body wash. Allergens might cause flares in other cases. Identifying and avoiding irritants and allergens can help prevent and treat contact dermatitis. A healthcare provider may order some allergy tests to figure out what's causing your symptoms. Allergic Contact Dermatitis This is an allergic reaction, which typically starts 24–48 hours after you come into contact with an allergen. Allergens you may use near your vaginal area include: Fabric materials and dyes Fragrances in soaps and douches Preservatives Irritant Contact Dermatitis Bumps near the vaginal area may occur if your skin adversely reacts to friction with an irritant. Some of the most common irritants that cause contact dermatitis include: Soap Detergent Fabric softener Hair dyes Small bumps near the vaginal opening may be cysts, or sacs filled with air, fluid, pus, or other bodily substances. Cysts can be as small as a pea or as large as an orange. Most cysts do not cause symptoms. Some people can have discomfort during sex or when inserting a tampon. Consult a healthcare provider if you notice any mass near your vagina, no matter your symptoms. Bartholin's Cysts Bartholin's cysts form in two small glands (Bartholin glands) on either side of the opening that secretes a fluid to lubricate the vagina. Fluid can build up in a Bartholin gland, resulting in a blockage. These cysts can become swollen and painful. These small, red bumps can occur anywhere on the skin where you have hair if something clogs or infects a hair follicle. One of the most common causes of folliculitis is Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. These bacteria can enter and clog hair follicles when you shave, wax, and wear tight, sweaty workout leggings or dirty underwear. Fungi and viruses can also cause folliculitis. See a healthcare provider if you frequently have folliculitis or your symptoms last longer than three days or worsen. People with a weak immune system may have severe folliculitis symptoms. You might notice ingrown hair, or hair that grows back into your skin if you shave or wax your pubic hair. Ingrown hairs often look like small, inflamed bumps that burn or itch. You may be more prone to ingrown hairs if you have curly or coarse hair. You can prevent ingrown hairs by not shaving your skin dry, shaving in the direction your hair grows, and using shaving cream. Make sure you change your razor blades often and never use a dull razor. Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as genital herpes, genital warts, syphilis, and granuloma inguinale, can cause bumps near the vaginal area. Be sure to visit a healthcare provider right away if there's a possibility you contracted an STI. Avoid sexual activity until you get test results and treatment if needed. Herpes Genital herpes, a common STI in the United States, might cause sore-like blisters that can break and become painful. Sores can come back if you have an outbreak. There's no cure for herpes sores. Medications can help reduce symptoms and the risk of spreading the virus to others. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes genital warts, typically as one or a group of small bumps around the vaginal area. Those warts may appear flat or look like cauliflower. There's no cure for HPV. A healthcare provider may prescribe creams, apply a chemical in-office, or recommend surgery to treat genital warts. Vaccines help prevent HPV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV vaccines to people aged 9–26. The vaccine can also reduce your risk of cervical cancer, which links to certain strains of the virus. Molluscum Contagiosum Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection, not an STI. It's a virus that spreads through physical or sexual contact or objects like clothing or towels. Creams, oral medications, and physical removal can treat molluscum contagiosum. The virus only affects the skin's top layer, so it does not stay in your body after the lesions are gone. A skin tag is a small growth of skin that's typically benign (noncancerous) and not painful. Skin tags can occur anywhere on your body, usually on the armpits, neck, and trunk. You may also find skin tags near the vaginal area. These skin tags might become irritated if your clothing and underwear repeatedly rub against them. Although rare, a bump near your vaginal area might be a sign of vaginal cancer. Other symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. This type of cancer is more likely to occur in people aged 60 and older and those who have had human papillomavirus (HPV). You also might be at risk if you have had a Pap smear that found abnormal cells in the cervix, uterus, or vagina. It's important to see a healthcare provider anytime you feel a bump or lump near your vaginal area. They can examine the bump and administer diagnostic tests to figure out what's causing the bump. A healthcare provider can also advise treatment and further steps if necessary. Contact a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of an STI or vaginal cancer, including: Abdominal pain Abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge, and odor Fever Itching and redness near the vaginal area Pain while urinating and during sex You can often treat benign bumps in the vaginal area at home. It's essential to clean your vulva with warm water and then gently pat it dry. Avoid douching, using scented hygiene products, and wearing tight clothing and underwear. Other treatments can vary depending on what's causing the bump. A healthcare provider may recommend: Antibiotics: A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat Bartholin's cyst if it requires more treatment. You might need to take antibiotics if you have severe folliculitis. Chemotherapy and radiation: These treatments use medicine or high-energy particles or waves, respectively, to get rid of cancer cells. Moisturizer: Use a moisturizing cream if you develop contact dermatitis symptoms. A healthcare provider may prescribe a high-strength cream or ointment. Surgery: A healthcare provider can surgically remove or drain cysts. You might require surgery to remove a cancerous lump in the vaginal area. Warm compress: Folliculitis mostly resolves on its own, but hot and moist compresses can help. Folliculitis, eczema, cysts, STIs, and more may cause bumps in the vaginal area. Although most are harmless, see a healthcare provider if you notice any vaginal bumps. Many bumps will not require treatment, but ruling out cancer and infections is important.Thanks for your feedback!
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