White Spots on the Penis: All Causes, Symptoms & Treatments Explained
Safe, confidential, and medically accurate guidance from a Central London specialist clinic.
White spots on the penis are extremely common and almost always harmless. They can appear as tiny bumps, raised papules, or flat patches, usually around the glans, shaft, or foreskin. In most cases, these white spots are not sexually transmitted, do not affect your health, and require no treatment unless removal is desired for cosmetic reasons.
At our Central London clinic, we help men understand the cause of their white spots and offer safe, effective treatment options when necessary, including electrosurgery (Hyfrecator) — the method we recommend for most cases — or CO₂ laser in selected situations.
What Are White Spots on the Penis?
White spots can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from normal anatomical variations to benign dermatological issues or, rarely, infections. Common descriptions from patients include:
- Tiny white bumps on the penis head
- White spots along the shaft or foreskin
- Raised or flat white dots
- Clusters around the rim of the glans
Most of these are completely normal and harmless, but accurate diagnosis is important to rule out rare infections or skin conditions.
Are White Spots on the Penis Normal?
Yes — the majority are benign and do not require treatment.
Common normal causes include:
- Pearly Penile Papules (PPP)
- Fordyce Spots
- Ectopic Sebaceous Glands
- Tyson Glands
- Milia / Keratin Cysts
- Other harmless anatomical variations
Even when spots are harmless, many men seek treatment for cosmetic or personal confidence reasons, which we can provide safely.
All Causes of White Spots on the Penis
Pearly Penile Papules (PPP)
Small, dome-shaped, symmetrical bumps around the corona of the glans.
- Harmless, non-infectious, not sexually transmitted
- Cosmetic removal possible via electrosurgery (Hyfrecator) or CO₂ laser
Fordyce Spots
Visible sebaceous glands appearing as small white or yellowish dots along the shaft or scrotum.
- Benign and painless
- Can be treated cosmetically using electrosurgery or laser
Ectopic Sebaceous Glands
Sebaceous glands located in unusual locations, visible as pale bumps. Harmless.
Tyson Glands
Fordyce spots are enlarged oil glands that appear as pale white, cream or yellowish spots on the penis shaft, scrotum, or lips.
Lymphocele / Lymphangiosclerosis
Occasionally appear as rope-like or pale lumps along veins or lymph channels. Usually harmless.
Penile Acne / Folliculitis
White bumps caused by blocked hair follicles or mild inflammation. Usually temporary.
Milia / Keratin Cysts
Tiny hard white cysts under the skin. Benign and painless.
Genital Warts (HPV)
Soft, cauliflower-like growths that can appear pale or skin-colored. Distinguishable from PPP/Fordyce.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Small, umbilicated bumps caused by a viral infection. Contagious; needs medical review.
Yeast Infection (Thrush)
White patches accompanied by redness, irritation, or discharge. Treatable with antifungals.
Balanitis
Inflammation of the glans causing white patches, irritation, or discharge. Requires medical evaluation.
Lichen Sclerosus
White, shiny, sometimes scarred patches. Needs dermatologist or urologist review.
Psoriasis & Dermatitis
White or flaky patches with redness. Usually chronic and non-infectious.
STIs
Rarely cause white spots. Most STIs present as sores, ulcers, or blisters. Proper assessment ensures correct diagnosis.
How to Tell the Difference Between PPP, Fordyce, Acne & STIs
|
Feature |
PPP |
Fordyce Spots |
Infection / STI |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Location |
Glans rim |
Shaft / scrotum |
Anywhere |
|
Pattern |
Symmetrical rows |
Random clusters |
Random / spreading |
|
Colour |
White/flesh-tone |
White/yellow |
Red, ulcerated, or pus-filled |
|
Pain/itch |
None |
None |
Often yes |
|
Contagious |
No |
No |
Sometimes |
Do White Spots Need Treatment?
Most do not require medical treatment.
Treatment is cosmetic and optional.
- Electrosurgery (Hyfrecator) – most effective and precise
- CO₂ laser – alternative for selected cases
- Topical creams or antifungals for inflammatory causes only
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional review if:
- Bumps are painful, itchy, or spreading
- Ulcers, discharge, or bleeding appear
- Concern about STIs
- Desire for cosmetic removal