How are pearly penile papules treated?
There is no medical reason for PPPs to be treated, and you should not use any over-the-remedies to remove them as this can cause irritation or scarring.
However, very rarely, if PPPs are causing you to feel distressed, a doctor may recommend the following methods to remove them. It’s important to know that these methods run the risk of replacing the pearly penile papules with scars.
Laser surgery
One of the more common and effective methods used to remove PPPs, infra-red rays are used to remove the growths using heat damage. It not only removes the growths, but also smooths the skin.
Electrodessication and curettage
An electrode is used to deliver a high frequency electric current to super-heat a targeted area of skin. Curettage is the process of scraping off the tissue with a delicate curette tool. An electrosurgical device may be used to cauterise the wound, forming a tiny scab. The process takes no more than 30-35 minutes, and healing takes 1 to 3 weeks. Side-effects can include scarring.
Radiosurgery
Radiation is used to damage the skin cells that make up the papules, and causes them to fade. The process takes no more than 15-25 minutes, and healing takes 1 to 3 weeks. Side-effects can include scarring.
Cryosurgery
This technique uses liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures to freeze targeted areas of tissue. The pearly penile papules’ cells are destroyed. The process takes no more than 15-20 minutes, and healing takes 1 to 3 weeks. Results are variable; after multiple treatments, typically 80-90 per cent of the PPPs are removed. Side-effects can include scarring.