What is the Difference Between Genital Warts and PPP?

Genital warts and pearly penile papules (PPP) are two different conditions that affect the genital region. Here are the main differences between them:

1. Appearance:

• Genital warts are flesh-colored, irregular in shape, and often grow in clusters. They can have a soft texture or be rough and hard.
• PPP are small, shiny, and fairly uniform in size. They are white or flesh-colored and resemble whiteheads.

1. Location:

• Genital warts can grow anywhere on the penis, scrotum, anus, or inner thighs. They can also grow inside the anus or the urethra.
• PPP only occurs on the head of the penis. The papules grow close together in lines around the base of the penis head.

1. Cause:

• Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection.
• PPP is not an STI and has no known cause.

1. Contagiousness:

• Genital warts are contagious and may spread to the anus, groin, thighs, lips, tongue, mouth, and throat.
• PPP is not contagious.

1. Treatment:

• Both genital warts and PPP can be removed with the correct medical procedures.
• Genital warts may respond well to topical medicines in addition to procedural interventions.

It is essential not to attempt to remove papules or warts by yourself and to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Comparative Table: Genital Warts vs PPP

Here is a table comparing the differences between genital warts and pearly penile papules (PPP):

Genital warts are caused by HPV and can grow in various areas on the male genitalia, while PPP are harmless and only occur on the head of the penis.