A community for guys with Pearly Penile Papules
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Q & A

A Few Quick Questions
17 Feb 2012

Today I received a comment and question from Eddie.

Eddie asks:

Hi Mate,

I’m a 25 year old bloke from london. I have these bloody things for about 10 years now. They have never affected my sexual life before, my ex was even remotely fascinated by them (after I fought long and hard to prove they weren’t an std!!). But, I am a fairly proud lad, and they really bother me. From having a quick browse of your site, I feel this co2 laser is the only real answer. I have a few questions (admittedly they are probably on your website, but I’m in a bit of a rush at the moment!).

1) Do I go see my GP first etc?
2) How much does it cost? (doubt my work will be too happy if i sling this on my medical insurance they so kindly offer me!)
3) Is it instant? or do I have to go back for more sessions
4) Does this genuinely work and are there ANY risks attached – I can’t risk losing the old chap!!!

If you could get back to me at any point I would be over the moon. Obviously not something I can talk to many people about!

Hope to hear from you,

Eddie – peace

And here is my response:

Hi Eddie,

Thanks for your email. You’re right, I do go into quite a bit of detail on my website. Here is a quick response to your questions:

1) Do I go see my GP first etc?
If you have not yet been diagnosed by a professional, it may be a good idea to see your GP first. If you know for sure you have PPP you can go straight to a dermatologists. There are two types of dermatologists. The typical dermatologist deals with skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc). These dermatologists require a referral from your GP and they will typically not offer any type of treatment for PPP. The second type of dermatologist are those that work in skin clinics offering skin laser resurfacing, skin tag and mole removal, sunspot treatment, etc. It is this second type of dermatologist that will have access to CO2 laser and have the necessary skill to treat PPP.  

2) How much does it cost? (doubt my work will be too happy if i sling this on my medical insurance they so kindly offer me!)
PPP treatment is typically considered a cosmetic procedure. As such, it is not covered by private or public medical insurance. There have been a couple of members over the years that have managed to get the treatment covered, so there is no harm in trying. Cost of PPP removal differs from country to country and doctor to doctor. From members reports cost range from USD$900-3500 in the US and £2000-3500 in the UK. My treatment cost AUD$3000.

3) Is it instant? or do I have to go back for more sessions
The actual procedure takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Most doctors will zap all the papules in one go, however, a second follow-up procedure may be required to zap any remaining papules. This follow-up procedure is usually covered in the initial costs. Recovery time is 2-3 weeks. The recovery period will not impact your life (work, gym, etc), however, it is recommended you take it easy. You will of course have to abstain from sex during the recovery period. You will be glad to know that you can still have erections without pain while recovering.

4) Does this genuinely work and are there ANY risks attached – I can’t risk losing the old chap!!!
Yes! CO2 treatment of PPP does GENUINELY work. There are case studies from the medical profession, my own experience, plus that of numerous members of my website. As a case in point: I am still PPP free 6 years after receiving CO2 treatment for my PPP.

There are always risks attached to any procedure and what one person determines as a risk may not be a concern for another. To best address your concerns speak to your doctor before making a decision to go through with treatment. With that aside: In the hands of a skilled dermatologist, I consider co2 treatment of PPP a low risk procedure. There is very little that can go wrong. In my opinion, the greatest risk is the chance of infection during the recovery phase. Again, this risk is minimal as long as you following your doctors instructions and keep the area clean and sterile.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Dennis
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Is Pearly Penile Papules cancerous?
11 Feb 2012

Today I received a question of concern from Robert:

Robert asks:

Hi,

I’m quite paranoid wether this thing [pearly penile papules] may came out to be cancerous?

Thanks

Robert

And here is my response:

Hi Robert,

PPP is not an abnormal growth; it is considered a normal tissue variant. There is absolutely no evidence to show that pearly penile papules is either contagious or cancerous. Furthermore, previous theory that PPP was related to HPV (which has links to some forms of cancer) has since been disproved.

Sincerely,

Dennis
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Does PPP increase the risk of HIV transmission?
24 jan 2012

Today I received a question from Amine:

Amine asks: 
Excuse me, I have a question about the papules. Do they increase risk of AIDS? 
Thanks Amine

And here is my response:

Hi Amine,
Current knowledge indicates that pearly penile papules does not increase the risk of HIV transmission. PPP is normal intact skin and do not have any breaks or openings on the skin surface. This means PPP provides the same protection as the surrounding skin.
More information about HIV transmission can be found here.
Sincerely,
Dennis
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Black Papules
19 Jan 2012

Today I received a comment and question from Chris.

Chris Asks:

Hello from NYC. Thank you for doing your site. I have been living with HPV for a few years now. Lately the wart outbreaks have subsided but I have little black looking pimples around the rim of my penis. Anyways my health insurance doctor said he could remove whatever I had but that it would be too abrasive considering where they were. He just told me they were a “reaction” to the HPV but didn’t tell me anything more. So now I have little black pimples around the rim of my penis with no name and no remedy.

Could these be papules even though they aren’t white ?

Thanks,

Chris

And here is my response:

Hi Chris,

I have not heard or read any reports of pearly penile papules being black in colour. As far as I know pearly penile papules are always white, hence the name “pearly.”

In the past, PPP has been referred to as a HPV, however, there is evidence to show that PPP is not connected to any of the HPV strains. This is not to say that people cannot have both HPV and pearly penile papules concurrently. In fact, there are many reports of people having both.

While I cannot comment directly on the treatment of your condition, the treatment of PPP using CO2 laser is very easy and effective and, after the recovery phase, leaves the skin just like surrounding tissue.

If you have questions about your doctor’s advice, there is no harm in getting a second opinion from another doctor or dermatologist.

In all cases, please follow you own doctor’s advice for your individual circumstance.

Sincerely,

Dennis

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I was worrying about a thing growing on my penis
5 Jan 2012

A comment and question from Arnielo.

Arnielo asks:

I just discovered your website. What a great resource! I was worrying about a thing growing on my penis. It’s a dry mole in my observation and it has expanded in size. I don’t know what I’m going to do to assure if this thing is a wart.

Thank you

Arnielo

And here is my response:

Hi Arnielo,

The best thing you can do is visit a doctor for a professional diagnosis. Once you find out what it is then the doctor will advise appropriate action, if any.

Sincerely,

Dennis

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Is there any inexpensive method for me to try at home?
23 Dec 2011

A comment and question from Giovanni.

Giovanni asks:

This is my first time searching on the internet for a cure or to see what ppp was. It feels much better to know that it is not a transmitted disease or anything worse, but I still stress out every time I see them, and it makes me very sad to have them. Is there any inexpensive method for me to try at home?

Thanks and God bless you

Giovanni

And here is my response:

Hi Giovanni,
I am glad you have found my website as now you know there is hope in getting your PPP treated. PPP are very stubborn and unfortunately, there are no home treatments available to effectively treat PPP. Please read my page on Home Remedies and Treatments for more information.

Laser treatment in a doctors clinic is the only way. Start saving up and get treatment as soon as you can.

Sincerely,

Dennis

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Neurofibromas
21 Dec 2011

A question from Ganesh.

Ganesh asks:

Can we remove neurofibromas through electrodesiccation treatment?

Thanks

Ganesh

And here is my response:

Hi Ganesh,

Thanks for your message. It is best to direct your enquiry to a doctor or specialist. I am neither. I only know about laser treatment in relation to pearly penile papules.

Regards,

Dennis

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Trouble Finding a Doctor
15 Dec 2011

Today I received a question from Andre.

Andre asks:

Hello,

I am a guy from South Africa. I just want to know where can i do the treatment because here you can’t do it. We don’t have this.

Thanks

Andre 

And here is my response:

Hi Andre,
A CO2 laser machine is pretty standard equipment in most dermatological clinics so you should be able to find a doctor in your area to treat your pearly penile papules. Try contacting dermatologists (and possibly urologists) in your area. The best bet are dermatologists that operate in clinics that perform treatments such as laser resurfacing, sunspot treatments, skin tag and wart removals, etc. These clinics will more often than not have the required machine and doctor skill.
Sincerely,
Dennis
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Does PPP grow back after treatment?
15 Dec 2011

A question from Pairos.
Pairos asks:

Hi Dennis,

I have a question. After the treatment with CO2, do the papules come back?

Thanks

Pairos

And here is my response:

Hi Pairos,

At this stage it is an unknown factor. Before I started my site 6years ago there was close to zero documented evidence about treatment let alone ongoing results. So, I can only answer from my own experience and that of members of my site that have been kind enough to pass on their own ongoing reports.

It has now been 6 years since I had my treatment done by CO2 laser and I still remain PPP free. Another member I recently heard from has been PPP free for 5 years. Again, he was treated by CO2 laser. I have had a few reports of PPP growing back, however, type of laser used for treatment and the doctors’ skill seem to be a factor in these cases.

As far as I can ascertain treatment using CO2 laser treatment gives the best longevity of treatment result. Using other methods or removal including other types of lasers may return less than favourable results.

There is also the genetic factor. We are all individuals and each of our bodies respond differently. I do not rule out the possibility that my pearly penile papules may grow back at some stage. If they do grow back I would get treated again without hesitation. For me, life without PPP is worth the 1 hour procedure and the dollars spent.

As you can see, there are many variables to consider including type of laser used in treatment, doctor skill, and the genetic factor. But all these factors are null and void if you never get treatment in the first place. So, please don’t let the possibility of your PPP growing back stop you from getting treatment.

Sincerely,

Dennis
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Is there anything I can do without going to the doctors?
15 Dec 2011

A comment and question from James.

James asks:

Hey,

First I just want to say well done for this site, you’re the first person on the internet that has been honest about PPP. I’m certain I have it and its absolutely destroying me inside and I have my anniversary in two weeks with my girlfriend and I’m dreading it. I know I shouldn’t be but it’s embarrassing and she hasn’t seen it yet. I’m afraid and I need help. Is there anything i can do without going to the doctors?

Yours truly,

James

And here is my response:

Hi James,

I can completely understand your embarrassment and turmoil. Unfortunately, if you want your PPP gone, then you have no option but get doctors involved. CO2 laser treatment is a very simple treatment. You will only need to see the doctor once or twice then you can get on with your life without the trouble of pearly penile papules.

While you are working on getting treatment, the best thing to do is tell your girlfriend. If she asks you any questions about it, show her some of the internet resources that explain PPP. Telling your girlfriend and getting treatment will give you the peace of mind and discomfort free sex that you are seeking.

All the best,

Dennis

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Will getting circumcised help?
23 Nov 2011

I received a question today from Ryan.

Ryan asks:

I wanted to know if getting circumsized will help. I say this because I am not and have folded toilet paper around the rim of the head and pulled my foreskin over and the next day they have went down tremendously. So I’m guessing if maybe being circumcized will help due to it constantly being in the open with no moistness??

Thank you

Ryan

And here is my response:

Hi Ryan,

If you already have pearly penile papules, getting circumcised will not cause them to suddenly drop off. While it may reduce the size and general appearance of PPP due to a reduction of moisture in the tissues, the papules will be much more visible and pronounced without a foreskin to hide them from view.

There are studies that show a higher incidence of pearly penile papules in uncircumcised men, however, these same studies show that PPP still appear in circumcised men. I have received reports from members who were circumcised soon after birth yet still develop pearly penile papules. This potentially shows some sort of genetic influence rather than just environment.

The only possible benefits I see in getting circumcised is after CO2 treatment of PPP. Being circumcised  may help prevent the possibility of re-occurrence after treatment. Saying this, access to effective treatment for pearly penile papules makes the debate of circumcised vs uncircumcised unnecessary.

Sincerely,

Dennis

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