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The Prevalence of Penile Pearly Papules among Young Men
Hamza Yildiz1, Zafer Demirer, Ibrahim Ozmen
1Hamza Yildiz, MD, Department of Dermatology, Eskisehir Military Hospital , 26020 Eskisehir, Turkey; hamzayildiz@gmail.com.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of pearly penile papules (PPP) among young men in Eskisehir, Turkey. This was a prospective, non-randomized, cross-sectional study. From December 2014 to September 2015, 2613 consecutive male patients who were referred to the dermatology outpatient clinic were included in the study. Patients were inspected for the presence of PPP, localization, and association with human papilloma virus (HPV). A total of 2613 patients were included in the study. The average age of the patients was 21.33±2.08 (mean ± Standard Deviation (SD); ranging from 18 to 24) years. All of the patients were white and circumcised men. Of the 2613 patients, 449 (17.18%) PPP were observed. PPP were localized on the corona of the glans penis (100%), coronal sulcus (18.9%), frenulum (15.1%), ventral shaft (5.3%), and dorsal shaft of the penis (2.4%). Of the 449 patients with PPP, 23 (5.3%) underwent treatment; 73 (16.2%) would consider removal, 7 (1.5%) had a previous treatment for HPV, and 5 (1.1%) had HPV. PPP are encountered very commonly in the pubertal age in boys and young men. All medical practitioners should be familiar with PPP. Their similarity to genital warts may generate a false apprehension of venereal disease and may lead to unwanted and hazardous treatments. Therefore, better health education is needed.
Insights
Pearly penile papules (PPP) are common in young men, affecting 17.18% in this Turkish study. Awareness is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments for this benign condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Urology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pearly penile papules (PPP) are benign, common findings on the glans penis.
- Misidentification of PPP can lead to patient anxiety and unnecessary medical interventions.
- Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of PPP is important for healthcare providers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of pearly penile papules (PPP) in young men in Eskisehir, Turkey.
- To document the common locations of PPP on the penis.
- To assess the association of PPP with human papilloma virus (HPV) and previous treatments.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, non-randomized, cross-sectional study design.
- Inclusion of 2613 consecutive male patients aged 18-24 years presenting to a dermatology clinic.
- Visual inspection for presence, localization of PPP, and history of HPV or treatments.
Main Results:
- A prevalence of 17.18% for PPP was observed in 449 out of 2613 patients.
- PPP were exclusively located on the corona of the glans penis (100%), with other sites including coronal sulcus and frenulum.
- A small percentage of patients with PPP had HPV (1.1%) or sought treatment (5.3%).
Conclusions:
- Pearly penile papules are highly prevalent in young, circumcised men.
- Medical practitioners require better education on PPP to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments.
- Improved health education can alleviate patient apprehension regarding this common physiological finding.
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