PPP Home Treatment: How Safe Is It And What Are The Risks?
Last updated: 2022-10-11
Pearly penile papules, or PPP, are pearl-like bumps that form on the penile head and the foreskin in some uncircumcised men. They're small but gather in rows, making them unsightly and worrying.
According to research, up to 48% of males worldwide can develop PPP in their lifetime. Unfortunately, scientists have yet to determine why and how these bumps grow. Although it's not harmful or contagious, little is known about this condition, and many sufferers mistake it for a sexually transmitted disease.
Physicians often don't recommend surgery or significant treatments upon PPP diagnosis. However, if PPP causes severe disruptions in a patient's life, a few dermatological procedures may be considered, including laser therapy, cryoablation, and other minor surgeries.
These clinical treatments often cost a few thousand dollars, putting a huge dent in a patient's savings. High treatment costs and stigma are the main reasons PPP patients prefer home treatments. But how safe are these methods? Let's find out in this blog.
PPP home treatments
For reasons stated above, including lack of accurate information, men with PPP tend to manage the condition independently. Doctors often don't recommend home treatments, even for benign issues like pearly penile papules, because they come with certain risks that may worsen the condition.
These are the common home treatments used to eradicate unsightly papules.:
1) PPP kits
Many men swear by some PPP home treatment kits' convenience, safety, and efficacy. These sets typically contain an electrical ionizer that burns and destroys the blemishes at their core, minimizing the risk of regrowth. PPP home treatment kits also include a numbing cream and disinfectants or alcohol pads.
How does it work?
Unlike contactless laser therapy, PPP pens have a thin, needle-like tip that needs to be placed on each of the penile bumps. Upon activation, usually by pressing the power button, the device burns the papule and destroys unwanted tissues. Our brand uses the same technology as dermatological equipment for electrodessication, making it one of the safest and most effective solutions on the market.
Since not all bumps may be removed in one home treatment session, you can use the device alongside the free extra needles after your penile skin has healed from the previous session.
Are PPP home treatment kits safe?
At-home PPP treatment kits are generally safe if you follow the instruction manual and ensure that your penile area, hands, and surroundings are clean and sanitized. Make sure that the electrical Ionizer has low temperature set specifically to be safe for PPP removal, otherwise, a surcharge of electrical current on the sensitive glans might cause important side effect, including damaging the nerves.
What are the common side effects?
- Skin abrasion
- Redness
- Irritation
- Scarring
- Slight bleeding
- Skin discoloration
As with other skin treatments, a PPP home treatment kit will cause abrasion that may lead to penile skin irritation. If not handled properly, skin abrasions may cause viral and bacterial infections. Hence, it's crucial to keep your surroundings and device sanitized. Wiping with a tissue or cotton soaked in alcohol before and after use can do the trick. Based on our data, there was only 1 infection reported out of 5,500 PPP Kit used, that is less than 0.002% risk of an infection. Regardless of the rare risk, we have updated our instruction manual to detect infections in the early stage and guidance for it to be treated accordingly.
Recovery time could take a few days, so ensure that you wear underwear that’s clean and not too tight.
PPP home treatment kit cost
The price for PPP home treatment kits varies, but some good ones may be bought for around USD$129. Comparatively, a session of PPP removal in clinics can cost a patient at least USD$1,000, depending on the severity of the case and other cost considerations.
2) Topical applications
Besides an at-home PPP removal kit, some men may have come across different methods on the internet. These include applying topical solutions like pearly papules removal cream and oils. Some might even rub on chemicals and potentially dangerous compounds like toothpaste and lemon juice to eliminate these pesky growths. Strong chemicals and compounds may lead to irreversible damage to your penis. These mixtures must be avoided at all costs.
Below are the most common topical products used in managing PPP at home.
- Penile papule removal cream:These products promise to reduce papule size and can be used for Fordyce spots. Most have retinol or Vitamin A, coconut, jojoba, and tea tree oil.
- Castor oil:This is mainly used for hastening wound healing and moisturizing the skin, but some claim castor oil can help manage PPP.
- Tea tree oil:A common ingredient in most skin care products, tea tree oil is known to be effective in treating rashes, acne, and skin abrasions.
Do topical solutions work on PPP?
Despite being cheap, these at-home treatments haven't been proven to remove penile pearly papules effectively. PPP is a non-cancerous lump made up of fibrous tissue and blood vessels. Hydrating the skin or removing them with anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, or antiviral ingredients won't work because none of these microorganisms cause the formation of such penile bumps.
What are the risks involved?
These oils and creams are relatively safe for penile skin application. However, they may trigger allergic reactions in some people, who may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Skin redness
- Itching
- A burning or stinging sensation
Again, acidic and abrasive compounds should not be used to treat PPP, as they may cause infection, inflammation, and scarring on a man's penis.
Conclusion
Pearly penile papules can cause extreme discomfort and anxiety in men. Thus, any abnormalities in the penile area and other body sections are enough to warrant a doctor's visit. If they aren’t legible for or prefer to forgo clinical treatments, patients must discuss home treatment options with a healthcare practitioner to understand the pros, cons, and risks involved.