"Hirsuties papillaris genitalis (more commonly referred to as 'pearly penile papules', or PPP) is a clinical skin condition of the male genital organs. It is a harmless anatomical variation with no malignant potential, although it can be mistaken for warts by inexperienced doctors. The papules appear as one or several rows of small, flesh-colored, smooth, dome-topped bumps situated circumferentially around the corona or sulcus of the glans penis. Pearly penile papules ARE NOT a sexually transmitted disease and are in fact quite common. Various studies have shown that the incidence may be in the between 8% and 48%, varying with region and whether or not the subjects are circumcised. They tend to be more common in uncircumcised men. Lesions typically are asymptomatic and persist throughout life; however, they gradually may become less noticeable with increased age. Sensitivity may or may not be a problem.

A similar condition - vestibular papillae of the vulva occurs in females, and similarly can be misinterpreted for HPV infection; again, this is not a sexually transmitted disease, but a normal variation on human anatomy."

There is a similar skin condition called Fordyce's spots where tiny white bumps are on the shaft of the penis. These are harmless as well.