[Question #12315] Genital warts or skin tags

8 months ago

Hello,

I have had a small round lump, at the base of my penis, where my public hair starts.

It is hard, a couple of millimetres across, slightly dark than the rest of my skin and has a hair follicle within it. I think I’ve had it at least a year, maybe longer, it bleeds sometimes when I trim my hair.

When trimming this week I noticed a second spot of blood, this was from two new lumps close together, much softer and look more like new skin tags just starting to develop. Again at the base of the penis where my pubic hair starts.

Do these sound like genital warts? Images I have seen of warts seem more like clusters of blisters.

Can you develop skin tags on the base of the penis? I have a larger tag on my scrotum since I can remember and 2 small ones I believe developing on my neck.

If so, should I abstain from sex until I have them frozen off or similar?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

8 months ago

Welcome back to the forum after a few years. I'm happy to help.

Of course we cannot diagnose anything and make no attempt to do so. However, your description is entirely typical for folliculitis (inflammation due to ingrown hairs), which is common in the pubic area including the base of the penis; and do not fit at all with genital warts. It's harder for me to judge skin tags.

From all you say, I see no reason to abstain from sex. Beyond that, all I can suggest is to see a health care provider in person to get a clear diagnosis and professional advice.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

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