What's the matter with a small white pimple on the foreskin?

The appearance of small white bumps on the foreskin may be related to factors such as pearl rash, ectopic sebaceous glands, balanitis, condyloma acuminata or sebaceous cysts. It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly for a clear diagnosis and avoid self-treatment.

1. Pearl rash

Pearly rash is a common benign lesion of male genitals. It manifests as small white papules arranged neatly on the coronal edge of the foreskin, with a diameter of 1-3 mm, and is painless and itchy. It may be related to local hygiene conditions, excessive foreskin or physiological development variations. Generally, no special treatment is required. Just keep the perineum clean and dry. If it affects the appearance, laser removal can be considered.

2. Ectopia of sebaceous glands

Ectopia sebaceum is the hyperplasia of sebaceous glands in abnormal locations, manifesting as light yellow or white granular protrusions, mostly distributed on the inner plate of the foreskin or the surface of the glans. The disease is related to changes in hormone levels and is neither contagious nor malignant. Usually no treatment is required. Avoid repeated friction and irritation. When symptoms are obvious, topical retinoic acid cream can be used to relieve symptoms.

3. Balanitis

Balanitis caused by fungal or bacterial infection may cause white discharge or pustular rash, accompanied by redness, swelling, burning and other symptoms. Candida albicans infections are common in people with diabetes and require treatment with clotrimazole cream. Bacterial infections can be treated with topical mupirocin ointment, and circumcision should be considered in patients with excessive foreskin.

4. Genital warts

Genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may initially appear as white cauliflower-like growths, which are contagious. The diagnosis needs to be confirmed by acetic acid white test or pathological biopsy. Imiquimod cream can be applied topically, or physical therapy such as freezing and laser can be performed. The spouse should be examined at the same time and sexual intercourse is prohibited during treatment.

5. Sebaceous cyst

Cysts formed by obstruction of the sebaceous gland ducts in the foreskin appear as removable white indurations under the skin, which may cause redness, swelling and pain due to secondary infection. Small cysts can be observed, but those that increase significantly or are repeatedly infected require surgical removal. You should pay attention to daily cleaning and avoid squeezing the cyst. In case of secondary infection, you need to take oral cefaclor dispersible tablets to fight inflammation.

Routinely wash the inside and outside of the foreskin with warm water every day and avoid using irritating lotions. Choose breathable cotton underwear to keep the area dry. If a pimple enlarges, ruptures, exudes fluid, or is accompanied by abnormal urination, you must seek immediate medical attention from a urology department or dermatology department. Sexual intercourse is prohibited during treatment, and spouses with related symptoms need to be treated together. Eat a light diet, limit spicy and irritating foods, and properly supplement vitamin B to enhance skin resistance.