Lumps and spots on the penis
Changes to the skin of the penis are a common reason to seek advice, and in most cases something harmless lies behind them.
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Medicines commonly prescribed for Lumps and spots on the penis
For informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication.
Dosage form: TABLET, 200 mgActive substance: aciclovirManufacturer: Aristo Pharma Iberia S.L.Prescription requiredDosage form: TOPICAL SOLUTION, 1 g cilopiramine olamine/ 100 mlActive substance: ciclopiroxManufacturer: Chiesi España S.A.U.Prescription requiredDosage form: TABLET, 800 mgActive substance: aciclovirManufacturer: Towa Pharmaceutical S.A.Prescription required
Changes to the skin of the penis are a common reason to seek advice, and in most cases something harmless lies behind them. Some of these features belong to normal anatomy and need no treatment at all. But telling normal apart from an infection or a skin condition is not something to attempt alone, and some of these conditions respond far better the sooner they are treated. Hence a simple rule: any new lump or spot is worth showing to a clinician.
What counts as normal
These occur in many men, do not spread and need no treatment:
- pearly penile papules — a row of small identical bumps around the rim of the glans, appearing in adolescence;
- Fordyce spots — small pale dots, which are visible oil glands;
- sebaceous cysts — firm nodules under the skin, without inflammation.
Their main feature is stability: they do not grow, do not hurt and do not change over years.
What needs treatment
- Genital warts — soft skin-coloured growths, sometimes in clusters, caused by human papillomavirus;
- herpes — painful blisters and then raw areas, often preceded by burning and tingling;
- molluscum contagiosum — smooth firm nodules with a dip in the centre;
- syphilis — a firm painless ulcer that heals by itself, creating a false impression of recovery;
- balanitis — redness, swelling, itching and soreness of the glans, often fungal and not infrequently the first sign of undiagnosed diabetes;
- lichen planus, psoriasis, eczema — skin conditions that produce lesions here as well;
- lichen sclerosus — whitish thickened areas that stop the foreskin retracting;
- penile cancer — rare, but with a non-healing ulcer or a firm lump it is the first thing to exclude.
When to see a clinician
- a new lump, ulcer, raw area or rash has appeared;
- the glans is red, swollen, itchy or sore;
- the foreskin no longer retracts, or will not return to its position;
- there is discharge from the urethra or stinging when passing urine;
- a lesion has not healed in more than two or three weeks, is growing, or bleeds;
- the lymph nodes in the groin have enlarged;
- any change has appeared after unprotected sex.
Emergency help is needed if a retracted foreskin has trapped the glans and will not go back, with increasing swelling and pain — that situation requires immediate attention.
What happens at the appointment
The clinician will examine the area, ask when the changes appeared, whether there is itching, pain or discharge, and also about sexual contacts — these questions are asked of everyone, not to judge but to choose the right tests. A swab from the glans or urethra is usual, along with a urine test, blood tests for sexually transmitted infections, and blood glucose in recurrent balanitis. For a lesion that will not heal, a biopsy is taken.
There is no need to feel awkward about this appointment: for a clinician it is routine, and here delay costs more than embarrassment.
Treatment
This depends on the cause: antifungal creams for candidal balanitis, antivirals for herpes, antibiotics for bacterial infections, removal of warts and molluscum with topical treatments or procedures, topical anti-inflammatories for skin conditions. With sexually transmitted infections a partner is treated too, otherwise the infection comes back.
Prevention
Condoms reduce the risk of most infections, though they do not fully protect against warts and herpes, since contact with uncovered skin is possible. HPV vaccination helps, as does daily hygiene — washing under the foreskin with warm water and without harsh products — and regular check-ups when changing partners.
Online consultation
In an online appointment a doctor can review your description and photographs, help distinguish a normal variant from something needing treatment, arrange the necessary tests, prescribe treatment and explain when an in-person examination is essential.
This article is for general information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
Medically reviewed by
Reviewed on Jul 3, 2026
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