Last updated on September 28, 2020
Question:
Hi.
I’m 13. I’m really terrified right now of something serious going on with my penis. I have this quite long bump (hard and painless) on my glans just near the rim. I’m uncircumcised and don’t wash my penis often. I have loads of smegma. I’m pretty sure it isn’t pearly penile papules. I have no other symptoms of penile cancer except this unless you’d call the bump a growth. I am a hypochondriac and I can worry at the slightest things. I also have very sensitive glans and the tip of my glans is pink, purple, flesh, glans kind of color.
I have noticed a few reddish spots that don’t itch or anything and I do masturbate often but like once every three days without any kind of lube.
I have had no sexual contact, although I once held my mum’s vibrator when I discovered it in her wardrobe.
I really don’t want to tell my parents. It’s just too awkward and embarrassing. Can you give me an idea of what it may be before I consult my parents?
Thanks!
Answer:
You have to remember that I can’t see what you see, so relative words such as “long” don’t give me much information. Is it a single bump or a series? Is the bump a different color from the rest of your glans? How long is it? How wide is it? How much does it come up? Is there a difference in texture on the top of the bump? Right now, the number of possibilities is too high. Perhaps with some detailed information, I can narrow it down for you.
I know your glans is sensitive. Most uncircumcised boys have very sensitive glans. However, you need to do a better job of keeping your penis clean. Smegma is composed of oils and dead skin cells, so it can become a breeding ground for germs. The most common problem is a smelly penis. But it is possible for some of it to dry and harden, which might be mistaken for a bump.
Therefore, the first thing to do is clean up the area. If you have a tub, it will be easier. Take a long, hot bath and unsheathe your penis and let it soak for a while. Gently rub any smegma loose that easily comes off. Don’t pick at stubborn spots or rub hard. Then thoroughly rinse with clean water before sheathing your penis. Continue to do this each day until all the old smegma is gone.
If you have spots that remain stubbornly attached, unsheathe your penis before you get into the tub and rub hair conditioner or baby oil on the area. Give it a few moments to soak in and then soak your penis in the tub.
It may take a week or more to get yourself clean. If during this time your lump disappears, then you know what caused it. If it is still there, at least your doctor will have an easier time examining it. While it is embarrassing, it is better to be safe in this particular case than sorry. You need to see either a urologist or a dermatologist.
Question:
Thanks for replying. I can’t see the bump because there’s skin binding the glans and the foreskin just opposite the frenulum. It feels quite hard in texture and a bit round and then it sort of goes up. It’s quite small and doesn’t cause pain. It must go up about half a millimeter.
Answer:
That helps me understand much better. It sounds like either hardened smegma that has glued your foreskin to your glans or perhaps a bit of scar tissue that has built up. Your foreskin is not supposed to stick to your glans as a teenager, so the first job is to gently encourage it to release. I would like you to read and follow the directions in The skin on my penis doesn’t pull back all the way to release the tip of the penis. It may take up to a month or more before the skin detaches. Meanwhile, I also want you to soak and clean under your foreskin as best you can because this will also help with the detachment.