PEARLY PAPULES OF THE CORONA OF THE GLANS

What are pearly penile papules ?

The pearly corona is an aesthetic concern that affects 39% of men, with a predominance among those who are not circumcised.
These are small growths (their size varies between one and three millimetres) that appear during adolescence on the corona of the glans. They are painless and non-contagious, they are not pathological but physiological (they do not correspond to a disease) and do not interfere with sexual life.

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Key Points

Treatment of Pearly Penile Papules in Geneva

The pearly corona of the glans, commonly referred to by men as ‘bumps on the glans’, is a benign dermatological condition.
Although these growths are harmless and not sexually transmissible, they can be an aesthetic and psychological concern for some men. Fortunately, several

treatments are available.
The treatment of the pearly corona of the glans with an electric scalpel is a safe and effective medical procedure.
In this article : explanations about the pearly corona of the glans, its causes, its treatments and post-treatment recommendations.

What are the causes of the pearly corona ?
Why do I have white spots around the glans ?

The pearly corona of the glans, also known as pearly penile papules, is a benign physiological variation that appears as small dome-shaped growths around the edge of the glans penis. These are angiofibromas that enlarge under hormonal stimulation. The pearly corona of the glans is not related to a disease, an infection or poor hygiene. It is a completely benign and harmless condition.
Although the exact cause of this condition is not fully understood, several factors contribute to its development.

  • Normal anatomical variation : the pearly corona of the glans is considered a normal variation of male anatomy. It is not the result of an infection or a sexually transmitted disease.
photo cause crown beaded glans
  • Embryonic blocks : during embryonic development, pearly penile papules may form due to variations in the formation of genital tissues.
  • Hormonal influence : hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, can contribute to the development of pearly papules. Testosterone levels gradually decrease over time, and around the age of sixty the lesions spontaneously diminish.
  • Lack of circumcision : it has been observed that the pearly corona of the glans is more common in uncircumcised men. This could be due to the accumulation of secretions under the foreskin, but this link is not definitively proven.
  • Genetic factors : there may be a genetic component, with some men simply being more predisposed to developing this condition due to their family background.

How to treat the pearly corona of the glans ?
The treatment of bumps on the glans

The treatment of the pearly corona is not a medical indication in the strict sense.
Since this condition is often a source of anxiety and discomfort during intercourse, it is rather an aesthetic treatment.

photo crown treatment of the glans penis using an electric scalpel

A medical consultation precedes the procedure in order to eliminate differential diagnoses.
On the day of the session, the area to be treated is carefully cleaned and disinfected. A numbing cream is applied. The session lasts about ten minutes and is completely painless.
During the first session, 80% of the lesions will be eliminated, and a free touch-up is scheduled 4–5 weeks later to vaporise the residual lesions.
Several techniques exist : laser, peeling, electric scalpel.
Doctor Romano now uses exclusively the electric scalpel. This device allows the targeted tissues to be burned with precision, minimising bleeding and the risk of scarring.
The growths are destroyed by vaporisation without damaging the surrounding tissues.
In some cases this procedure cannot be performed : contraindications include the presence of metal plates in the body (dental implants are not a contraindication) and the presence of a pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator.

Electric scalpel vs laser for the treatment of the pearly corona of the glans

The electric scalpel and the laser are both effective options for treating the pearly corona of the glans.
The electric scalpel allows the papules to be vaporised with great precision, without damaging the surrounding tissues. Compared to the laser, this technique is less expensive and does not expose the patient to the risk of scarring. After-effects are generally painless, and healing is quick, with full recovery in about five days.
The laser is a more aggressive method that can cause pigmentation or small residual “marks”. Healing lasts between two and three weeks. The targeting of the papules is less precise and the surrounding tissues are affected.

Recommendations

After the procedure, it is essential to follow specific recommendations to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

  • Hygiene : gently clean the treated area with lukewarm water and a mild soap. Avoid irritating or perfumed products on the treated area.
  • Post-treatment care : apply the recommended healing cream.
  • Avoid certain activities : do not take anti-inflammatory medications, go swimming, or use saunas, steam rooms, or hammams for seven days.
  • Repositioning : ensure proper repositioning of the foreskin for the first two days.
  • Avoid irritations : wear loose cotton underwear to reduce friction and allow good ventilation. Avoid activities that could cause excessive sweating or irritation of the treated area.
  • Avoid sexual intercourse : abstain from sexual activity for one week.
  • Medical follow-up : report any abnormal developments immediately.

Natural treatment for bumps on the glans

There are no natural treatments that can help reduce the appearance of the pearly corona of the glans.
We report to you what is commonly found on the internet :

  • The regular application of essential oils with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil, may help soothe the skin and prevent infections.
  • Aloe vera, known for its healing and hydrating properties, can also be applied locally to promote skin regeneration.
  • Lukewarm baths with Epsom salt can help reduce inflammation and maintain good hygiene of the area.

Unfortunately, these natural methods are not a gentle alternative to medical treatments and are not effective.

Results before / after pearly penile papules treatment

Healing occurs within five to seven days. At the end of this period, the corona of the glans regains a perfectly smooth appearance, without scarring or pigmentary issues, whether lighter or darker spots. After-effects are minimal : tiny openings appear on the corona, but they close spontaneously within a week. During the first two days, the patient may feel slight discomfort or a sensation of heaviness, which quickly disappears.

What is the price of the pearly penile papules treatment ?

In Geneva, the treatment of the pearly corona is generally performed using an electric scalpel. The price ranges between 600 CHF and 800 CHF, depending on the extent of the lesions, the number of papules to be treated and the complexity of the procedure. The price includes the first session and the touch-up session 4 to 6 weeks later.

Pearly penile papules treatment reviews

Patient reviews regarding the treatment of pearly penile papules using an electrosurgical scalpel are highly positive.
The removal of the papules significantly enhances self-confidence and overall well-being.
Patients appreciate the speed and effectiveness of the procedure, as well as the absence of pain during both the treatment and the healing phase.

Is the treatment of the pearly corona of the glans painful ?

The treatment is completely painless thanks to the local anaesthetic applied before the procedure. Patients may feel a slight sensation of heat or tingling during the treatment.

The treatments for the beaded crown of the glans are :

  • Electric scalpel : uses electricity to remove papules with precision.
  • Laser : uses a beam of light to vaporise the papules.

No, the pearly corona of the glans does not disappear spontaneously. 

Yes, the pearly corona of the glans is relatively common. It is considered a normal anatomical variation.

Condylomata and lichen.

The diagnosis is clinical.

No, pearly papules are not contagious.

Pearl papules on the glans do not generally require treatment, as they are neither dangerous nor contagious. However, if they cause aesthetic or psychological discomfort, they can be removed.

The pearly papules of the glans appear during adolescence and remain stable. In some cases, they may become less visible with age.

The best way is to consult a doctor. Possible symptoms in case of a condition affecting the glans are : itching or burning sensations ; redness ; pain ; discharge ; ulcers or lesions ; changes in appearance : any change in the appearance of the glans must be assessed by a doctor.

Other areas to be treated