Pearly penile papules are small raised nodules (bumps), usually 1-2 mm in size, which are located around the rim of the penis head in the form of string of pearls.  Usually developing during adolescence, they have been reported in up to 35% of males. Uncircumcised men are more likely to have pearly penile papules.  Very often these lesions are confused with genital warts, although there is no known link between warts and pearly penile papules.

Pearly penile papules are NOT cancer and are NOT spread via contact or sex. Most men with penile papules do not seek medical treatment.

Men do not need to have them removed but some men feel uncomfortable having spots or dots on the penis.  Some men are worried that a partner my not have sex with them because they look like warts or other sexually transmitted bumps such as herpes.

Many treatment methods have been tried, including circumcision and freezing. But these methods had proven to be either ineffective or have side effects.

Until recently,burning and carbon dioxide laser were considered the most effective treatment options.

Radiofrequency surgery was introduced into dermatology, it became a great option to remove unwanted papules effectively, safely, and with no scarring or bleeding.  Originally used to remove papules on the nose or other small bumps radiofrequency removal is an effect technique.   Because radiofrequency uses radio waves and not electricity, there is less damage to surrounding tissue and its small and light hand-piece allows for more precise and complete removal.

Usually one treatment is enough to remove all penile papules.

Treatment area is numbed with lidocaine cream making the area not sense pain or heat.   The skin takes a week to ten days to heal.  Patients can resume daily work activities that same day but we encourage no sexual relations until the healing process is finished