Pearly penile papules, also known as hirsutoid papillomas, are small, skin-colored bumps that form around the head of the penis. A papule is a raised, pimple-like growth on the skin that does not produce pus. While these tiny bumps may seem alarming, they are harmless and will tend to fade in appearance as you age.

This condition is seen in 8 to 43 percent of men. The papules usually appear after puberty, and are more common in men who have not been circumcised. However, they can appear on any male.

They are not a sexually transmitted infection. Unlike sexually transmitted infections, they are not caused by infection or disease and are not contagious. They are also not considered harmful.

Pearly penile papules are often mistaken for symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection, such as genital warts. However, genital warts are typically larger, are shaped more like cauliflowers, and can develop in areas other than the penis, such as the scrotum or anus.

If you are having sex or have had sex in the past, bumps on the penis may be signs of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, also called sexually transmitted infections or STIs). Painful blisters, bumps, or ulcers may be herpes. Genital warts (HPV) also can show up as bumps on the penis. Sometimes these are irregular in shape or hard to see, and they’re not painful. Syphilis also can give a guy painless ulcers on his penis. Finally, molluscum contagious is an infection that can be spread through sexual contact and give someone small, painless bumps.

No. PPP are not contagious. You can’t get them through contact with a person who has them, and there is no way you can “infect” someone with them through sexual contact.

Pearly penile papules shouldn’t interfere with your health or affect activities such as intercourse. As you get older, the papules will probably fade. If you notice any other changes to your penis or symptoms such as painful urination or erectile dysfunction, see a health care provider. These developments aren’t likely to be related to pearly penile papules, but it’s important to be proactive when it comes to any health issue, even one that may be awkward to discuss at first.