Warts, PPP, Fordyce spots & More
Discovering a lump or bump in your genital area can be unsettling. It’s natural to feel concerned and want answers quickly. While many of these growths are completely harmless, some may require medical attention. This guide offers clear, evidence-based information to help you understand and differentiate between several common genital skin conditions.
We recognise that navigating this information can feel overwhelming, so we’ve included a comparison table below to help you better understand how these conditions differ in appearance, symptoms, contagiousness, and treatment options.
| Condition | Appearance | Symptoms | Contagious? | Treatable by Hyfrecation | Treatable by Laser | Treatable by Surgery | Topical/OTC Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anal Skin Tags | Soft, fleshy growths around the anus | Usually asymptomatic; may itch if irritated | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Anal Warts | Fleshy, cauliflower-like growths | Itching, bleeding, discomfort | Yes (STI) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (topical creams) |
| Angiokeratoma of Fordyce | Small, dark red or purple bumps on scrotum or vulva | Usually asymptomatic | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Bartholin’s Cyst | Painless or tender lump near vaginal opening | May cause discomfort during walking or sex; painful if infected | No | Not suitable | No | Yes | Yes (sitz baths, compresses) |
| Bowenoid Papulosis | Small, flat reddish-brown or purple papules | Usually asymptomatic; may itch | Yes (HPV-related) | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (topical creams) |
| Fordyce Spots | Small, whitish/yellowish painless bumps | Asymptomatic | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (cosmetic only) |
| Genital Molluscum Contagiosum | Pearly, dome-shaped bumps with central indentation | Usually painless; may itch | Yes (viral) | Yes | Yes | Yes (incl. curettage) | Yes |
| Genital Skin Tags | Soft, fleshy growths on genitals | Usually asymptomatic; can be irritated by clothing | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Genital Warts | Fleshy, cauliflower-like lesions | Itching, bleeding, discomfort | Yes (STI) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Haemorrhoids | Swollen veins in anus or rectum | Pain, bleeding, itching | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes (topicals, sitz baths) |
| Pearly Penile Papules (PPP) | Small, dome-shaped, pearly bumps in rows around glans | Asymptomatic | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Penile Cyst | Small fluid-filled sac under penile skin | Usually asymptomatic; discomfort if large | No | Not recommended | Not recommended | Yes | No |
| Scrotal Sebaceous Cyst | Slow-growing lump beneath scrotal skin | Usually asymptomatic; can inflame/infect | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Seborrhoeic Keratosis | Waxy, brown/black raised lesion | Usually asymptomatic; may itch | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Vestibular Papillomatosis | Small skin-coloured papules on vulva | Asymptomatic | No | Yes | Yes | No | No – normal variant |
Hyfrecation: A Minimally Invasive Option
Hyfrecation is a minor surgical technique using low-energy electrical current to destroy targeted tissue. It’s an effective treatment for several benign skin lesions including skin tags, angiokeratomas, Fordyce spots, and seborrhoeic keratoses. The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic and has minimal downtime.
At our clinic, we offer hyfrecation in a comfortable and discreet setting, ensuring safety and effectiveness in managing eligible lesions.
Taking the Next Step
It can be difficult to differentiate between similar-looking conditions — such as genital warts, pearly penile papules, Fordyce spots, and vestibular papillomatosis — without expert input. Self-diagnosis often leads to unnecessary worry or incorrect treatment.
If you notice any changes in your genital area such as new lumps, bumps, rashes, or irritation, we recommend booking a consultation with a Specialist Healthcare Professional. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and guide you through your treatment options.
We offer a range of genital dermatology services — including in-person and online consultations, as well as minor procedures such as hyfrecation. Our clinical team understands the sensitive nature of these concerns and strives to create a respectful, non-judgmental environment.
Fees
Genital Dermatology Consultation - £150
Genital Dermatology Consultation + Main Procedure + Follow Up - From £550
Local anaesthetic (by injection or cream depending on the lesions) is also included in the price. The following conditions have fixed prices:
- Fordyce Spots - Patch Test (£350) + Main Procedure (£750 penile and/or £750 shaft)
- Pearly Penile Papules (PPP) - £750-1000
- Vestibular papillomatosis - Patch Test (£350) + Main Procedure (£750)
Follow up (within 4 weeks) - 1x Included
By default, patients 1x follow up visit is included in the quote we offer you. In some complex cases, we may offer an additional follow up visit (this will be clarified in your quote/consultation).
Payment Options
Self Pay - by Cash/Card, but not American Express
Health insurance - via a self reimbursement policy
ClarePay/Klarna - a payment plan to split the cost over 4 payments.
Next Steps
Care In Clinic
Same day hyfrecation treatment for patients with a pre-appointment quote.
Page last reviewed by Mrs Magdalena Nowacka on 19 July 2025 for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.