If you've never had sex, little white bumps on the shaft of the penis may be pimples, a skin cyst, or ingrown hairs. These are common and they're nothing to worry about. Another condition that's normal and no cause for concern is pearly penile papules. These whitish bumps appear on the glans (head) of the penis or along the edge of the glans in many guys. Pimples, cysts, ingrown hairs and papules won't do any harm — though if you try to pop them they could get infected.
If you are having sex or have had sex in the past, bumps on the penis may be signs of an STD:
STDs may not cause pain or symptoms, but they can put your health (and your partner's health) at risk if they are not treated quickly.
If you're concerned about bumps on your penis, see a doctor or go to a clinic for advice on what to do. Don't try to pop any bumps or use pimple cream on them, as this could make things worse.
Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date Reviewed: Oct 27, 2020
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