What causes a hard bump on the foreskin?

The appearance of hard bumps on the foreskin may be related to sebaceous cysts, pearly penile papules, genital warts, folliculitis or balanitis. It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly for a clear diagnosis and avoid self-treatment.

1. Sebaceous cyst

Blockage of sebaceous glands may lead to localized cyst formation, which appears as a painless hard bump with a smooth surface. It is usually related to insufficient local cleaning or excessive sebum secretion. If secondary infection may cause redness, swelling and pain, you need to use erythromycin ointment or mupirocin ointment to fight infection as directed by your doctor, and perform cyst resection if necessary.

2. Pearly penile papules

It is most common around the coronal sulcus of the foreskin and appears as pearly white or light red papules, which are benign hyperplasia. It may be related to local irritation or physiological variation, and generally does not require treatment. If it affects the appearance, laser removal can be considered, but it needs to be differentiated from genital warts to avoid misdiagnosis.

3. Genital warts

Sexually transmitted diseases caused by HPV infection, which appear as cauliflower-shaped or papillary growths. It is contagious and requires intervention by cryotherapy or topical imiquimod cream. The confirmed diagnosis requires an acetate white test or HPV typing test, and partners should be screened simultaneously.

4. Folliculitis

Bacteria infect the hair follicles, causing redness, swelling, and induration, which may be accompanied by the formation of pus heads. It is often caused by shaving damage or poor hygiene. Fusidic acid cream or clindamycin gel can be applied externally to keep the area dry. Repeated attacks require investigation of underlying diseases such as diabetes.

5. Balanitis

Fungal or bacterial infection causes redness, swelling, induration and discharge of the foreskin, which is common in people with excessive foreskin. Clotrimazole cream or levofloxacin tablets need to be selected according to the pathogen. Severe cases require circumcision. You should pay attention to opening and cleaning it every day to avoid the accumulation of smegma.

It is recommended to wash the perineum daily with warm water and avoid using harsh lotions. Choose breathable cotton underwear to reduce local friction. If the hard pimple continues to enlarge, rupture, or is accompanied by abnormal urination, you must seek immediate medical attention from a urologist or dermatologist. It is forbidden to squeeze or apply folk remedies on your own to prevent the spread of infection. People with excessive foreskin can consult a doctor to evaluate the necessity of surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.