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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.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

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.

Consult with a doctor about Lumps and spots on the penis

Consult with a doctor about Lumps and spots on the penis

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Medically reviewed by

Andrei Popov
Andrei Popov
General medicineMedical License: 464628925

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2026

Online doctors for Lumps and spots on the penis

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Lumps and spots on the penis with a doctor online.

Doctor
5.0(1)

Tomasz Grzelewski

DermatologyAllergology21 years of experience

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques. For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance. Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults. In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions. Patients commonly seek his care for: 

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
  • allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms
  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
  • urticaria, atopic dermatitis and skin reactions
  • recurrent infections in children
  • sports-related health questions
  • general family medicine concerns

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

Book a video appointment
€106
Doctor
5.0(8)

Lizaveta Trafimchuk Takhvaniuk

DermatologyGeneral medicine10 years of experience
Licence no. 58788

Dr. Lizaveta Trafimchuk Takhvaniuk graduated in Medicine and subsequently specialized in Dermatology and Venereology. She has more than 10 years of clinical experience and is licensed to practice in Spain, where she focuses on the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions.

Throughout her education and professional career, Dr. Trafimchuk has gained extensive experience in managing diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, as well as in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Her clinical approach is based on evidence-based medicine, combined with personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs.

In her daily practice, she treats a wide range of dermatological conditions, including chronic inflammatory dermatoses such as acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. She also has experience in treating pigmentation disorders, including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and dyschromia.

She has developed a particular interest in trichology, treating various types of alopecia, chronic hair loss, and scalp disorders. In addition, she has experience in managing infectious dermatoses of fungal, viral, and bacterial origin, as well as in evaluating benign and suspicious skin lesions, with referral to specialized care when necessary.

With a strong interest in a comprehensive approach to skin health, she also treats scars, post-procedural skin changes, and conditions related to hormonal factors and aging, including those associated with pregnancy, menopause, and age-related skin changes.

Thanks to her experience and continuous professional development, Dr. Trafimchuk provides high-quality medical care that is professional, confidential, and aligned with modern dermatology standards.

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€72
Doctor
0.0(0)

Daria Litash

Dermatology2 years of experience
Licence no. 69233

Dr. Daria Litash is an experienced physician specializing in general medicine, weight management, healthy weight loss, and overall wellness. Her approach combines thorough medical assessment with personalized recommendations to help patients improve their health and maintain an active, balanced lifestyle.

During every online consultation, she places particular emphasis on taking a detailed medical history and identifying the underlying causes of symptoms. When clinically appropriate, she recommends blood tests or additional diagnostic investigations to provide a more accurate assessment and create an individualized treatment plan.

Her main areas of expertise include:

  • Healthy weight management and weight loss
  • Overweight treatment and long-term weight maintenance
  • Hair loss assessment and management
  • Skin health evaluation
  • General medical consultations for adults
  • Preventive medicine and healthy lifestyle guidance

Dr. Litash also holds a qualification in Aesthetic Medicine, allowing her to approach skin and hair concerns from both a medical and preventive perspective, always following evidence-based principles and current clinical recommendations.

Her professional background includes several years of experience working in community pharmacy in Spain, providing her with extensive knowledge of medications, treatment options, and therapeutic alternatives available on the Spanish market, as well as experience in selecting international pharmaceutical products when clinically appropriate.

Her online consultations are designed to provide clear, personalized, and patient-centered medical care, helping individuals better understand their health, make informed treatment decisions, and achieve sustainable long-term wellbeing.

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€96

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