Developing PPP when you are a teen can be both frightening and frustrating. A lot of teens are first concerned about the possibility of a sexually transmitted infection. This can be quite confusing particularly for those that have yet to experience sex.

Pearly penile papules is not a sexually transmitted disease and is not contagious. This means it cannot be “caught” or passed on via sex. Pearly penile papules is more likely a genetic variance much like how moles or freckles appear on some people.

Diagnosis
Firsts things first, it is best to visit a doctor for a professional diagnosis as many conditions of the penis can resemble pearly penile papules. Once a diagnosis of pearly penile papules is made, you can then explore your options. This includes accepting that you have pearly penile papules or getting treatment.

Telling your parents
In my experience telling your parent/s is one of the best things you can do in this circumstance. More often than not they will be understanding of the situation you are in and will do anything they can to help you out. That includes organising a visit to the doctor and treatment if necessary.

Treatment Considerations for Teens
CO2 treatment for pearly penile papules can be performed at any age, however, there are some considerations that need to be mentioned before getting treatment in your teens:

• Pearly penile papules usually has a growing phase that can take 3-4 years after they first appear to reach their full size and density (amount of papules). The good news is, after this 3-4 year period, the papules seem to stop growing in size and number. At this stage if no treatment is sought, these papules will remain for the rest of your life without diminishing in size or number. The size and amount of papules will differ from person to person. One person may have only ten or so small papules, while others will get many papules of varying size, such as was my experience (see my pearly penile papules pictures).
• Due to this growing phase, it is recommended that you only get treatment after this 3-4 period has passed. If treatment is performed during the growth phase, then there is a high chance that the papules will continue to grow afterwards.
• If you do get treatment during the 3-4 year growth period you may need further treatment once the growing phase ends. A secondary treatment is not really a problem as the procedure is simple and recovery quite quick. The only factor that needs to be considered, however, is the cost of two procedures.