Pearly penile papules are small, smooth, white or skin-coloured spots that are found around the head of the penis. They are 1mm-3mm across and often appear in small rows. They are a normal part of your skin, and they aren’t related in any way to personal hygiene or STIs. Do not attempt to pick or squeeze them as this can cause scarring or infection, and always get them checked if you are unsure.

Fordyce spots are small yellow-white spots found on thin skin of both the penis and the vulva. They are completely harmless. They are caused by a kind of overgrowth of the lubricating glands, which keep the skin from drying out and cracking. They do not require treatment but remember to get them checked if you are worried.

Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles in the skin. It is a common problem and is not usually serious.

You will see tiny pus-filled spots developing at the base of the hair, often in groups. It usually occurs in places where hair follicles are damaged by friction or shaving pubic hair, or where a follicle is blocked. Excessive sweating can be another cause.

Mild cases often disappear within 7-10 days without the need for treatment. You can take some general measures like shaving in the direction of hair growth, taking a break from shaving for a few days, not wearing tight clothing over the affected area, keeping cool and exposing the area to fresh air. If you have folliculitis, do not share razors, flannels and towels.

Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that occurs when you come into contact with a particular substance.

This can be an irritant (a substance that directly damages the outer layer of skin) or an allergen (a substance the causes the immune system to respond in a way that affects the skin). It is a type of eczema that causes the penis or vulval skin to become blistered, red, scaly, cracked and dry. This will usually occur within a few hours or days after exposure to the irritant or allergen. It can affect any part of the body.

If you have severe, persistent or recurrent symptoms, you should seek help from your GP or from Leeds Sexual Health.

Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis. The foreskin (the loose flap of skin that covers the head of the penis) is also often affected. It is a common condition, and it occurs more often in those who have not been circumcised. Symptoms can include:

• Redness
• Itchiness
• Swelling and soreness around the head of the penis or foreskin
• Thick discharge under the foreskin
• A rash on the penis
• An unpleasant odour and pain when peeing.

Balanitis is not usually serious, but it can be a sign of another condition, such as an Sexually transmitted infection (STI) or thrush. If you are not improving with avoiding irritants and keeping the skin moisturised, then seek help your GP or from Leeds Sexual Health.

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