HomeAnswersInternal Medicinewhite patchesWhy are the patches and white dots on my penis head spreading?

I have noticed patches and white dots on my penis head. What are those?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Preetha. J

Published At November 2, 2020
Reviewed AtJanuary 18, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have noticed patches and white dots all over the head of my penis and am freaking out. I have not been sexually active for the past six months, and I was advised that this is not STD. I noticed it around three weeks ago now, and I am too embarrassed to go to the doctors. I have taken a picture of it and will share it to understand better what it is.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the query.

I can understand your concern. According to your statement, you suffer from patches and white dots all over the penis' head for the last three months. According to the pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity) provided here, you may suffer from fordyce spots or pearly penile papule. Fordyce spots are small, slightly raised white spots on the glans penis. They are a variant of sebaceous glands. In a word, fordyce spots are visible sebaceous glands without hair. Again, pearly penile papules are small pink, white growth that develops on the penis' head. The exact etiology of this disease is unknown. Both Fordyce spots and pearly penile papule are harmless and usually do not need any medical treatment. In case of any other query, ask me.

Patient's Query

Thank you, doctor, for your reply.

But it does not go away. I want to know why is it spreading now?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for joining again.

Fordyce spots commonly develop due to heat, humidity, stress, or hormonal changes. The presence of any triggering factors that may aggravate heat, pressure, humidity, or hormonal changes, etc., can cause an increase in their size. They are usually 1 to 3 mm in diameter but can be more significant and spread due to persistent triggering factors. Fordyce spots may affect one's self-confidence and may cause worry, but they are benign and not STD (sexually transmitted disease) related. It will not affect one's sexual life or his paternity. But it will take enough time to disappear. Over many years, they may go away on their own. Again, pearly penile papules appear in males in their second and third decades. They may fade with age, but it will take a longer time. They are usually less than 1 mm in size, but sometimes they become larger than 1 mm. It is generally developed on an uncircumcised penis. Skin biopsy from the penile lesion can confirm the diagnosis in case of both conditions. Laser therapy, cryotherapy, etc., can be a treatment option in case of both conditions. If any other query, knock me, and I will try to reply to you further.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam
Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

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