The pores in the skin of your penis can become clogged with oil, sweat, dead skin cells or other debris, which might lead to pimples on your penis.
Pimples on the penis usually look like pimples on any other part of the body: small, round bumps on the skin’s surface, that are red in colour, with a white or yellowish head.
Some sexually transmitted infections can cause spots or sores, that look like pimples, on the penis. If you notice any sore on your penis, it’s best to get it checked by a doctor, especially if it’s there for longer than a day or two or looks like it’s getting worse.
Learn more about sexually transmitted infections here.
Causes of pimples on your penis
Pimples are caused by blockage of pores in the skin, and there are things that can make this occur more often.
Poor hygiene
Keeping your penis clean by regularly washing it with warm water and a gentle soap can help prevent pimples from developing.
Humidity
A humid climate can make your groin extra sweaty, blocking pores in the area, increasing friction and irritation, and encouraging bacteria and fungi to grow — all of which cause pimples.
Shaving pubic hair
Shaving or waxing pubic hair on your penis can cause irritation and ingrown hairs, resulting in pimple-like bumps.
How to treat a pimple on your penis
Don’t pop or squeeze it
Squeezing the pimple to try and pop it can cause injury to the skin that might take longer to heal than if it was left alone.
Keep the area clean
Wash your penis with warm water and gentle soap, and dry the area well.
Avoid certain over the counter products
Acne medications like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are too harsh for your sensitive penis skin and can cause more irritation.
Allow it to heal on its own
Pimples will go away without treatment.
If the pimple lasts longer than a week, becomes painful, swollen, or you’re experiencing other symptoms, see a doctor.
While pimples on the penis are usually harmless, they could also be a more serious condition.
Conditions that cause pimple-like bumps on the penis
Cysts
A cyst on the penis is a fluid-filled bump that can appear on the penis head, shaft, or base. Cysts are usually harmless and don’t require treatment.
Fordyce spots
Fordyce spots are small, pale spots found on your penis and scrotum. They’re a specific type of natural oil-producing gland that are completely normal and most people have them.
Sexually transmitted infections
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have symptoms that look like pimples on the penis. Genital herpes can cause painful, itchy, fluid-filled blisters or red spots on the penis and surrounding areas, and syphilis can cause red spots or sores on the penis. If you notice penis pimples or other unusual changes, it’s important to see a doctor. They can check for STIs and give the right treatment, like antibiotics or antiviral medicines. Using condoms during sex helps protect against STIs and keeps you and your partner safe.
Pearly penile papules
Pearly penile papules are painless, dome-shaped bumps that usually occur on the head of the penis, near where it meets the shaft. They can be flesh-coloured or white, and can look like small pimples or skin tags. Pearly penile papules don’t need treatment because they’re a normal part of male anatomy.
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin condition that causes small dome-shaped bumps with a ‘dimple’ or ‘pit’ in the middle. The molluscum contagiosum virus is transmitted between people through direct contact or transfer from shared towels or other items used while bathing or swimming. Molluscum contagiosum will go away on its own, but it takes about six to 12 months.
If you’re unsure about what’s causing bumps on your penis or if they last longer than a few days, see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
