From the Research
Definition and Characteristics
- Penile follicular papules are not directly mentioned in the provided studies, however, pearly penile papules (PPP) are described as common, benign lesions that appear on the corona of the glans penis during adolescence or early adulthood 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- PPP are characterized by their uniform, dome-shaped papules that orient in one to two rows around the glans penis 1.
- They are asymptomatic and considered to be acral angiofibromas 2.
Treatment and Management
- Treatment options for PPP include cryotherapy, electrodessication, and curettage (ED&C), as well as laser therapy 1, 2, 4, 5.
- Laser modalities, such as erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) and CO2 laser, have been shown to be effective in treating PPP with minimal complications and discomfort 4, 5.
- Fractionated CO2 laser is a well-tolerated treatment for PPP, even in darker skin types 5.
Psychological Impact
- Despite their benign nature, PPP can cause significant psychological distress due to their resemblance to sexually transmitted infections 1, 2, 3.
- Patients may experience anxiety and distress due to the presence of PPP, highlighting the importance of adequate reassurance and treatment options 1, 2, 3.