my penis has tiny little surface bumps

I respectfully disagree with anon's post above, as the bump you see most certainly can be related to hair. As mentioned above, hair follicle shafts are only seen from above, but the gland underneath the skin (sebaceous gland) can become irritated. Here are two possibilities for you to look into:

1) Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles. It can be caused by an infection in the hair follicles, by chemical irritation or by physical irritation (for example, shaving or friction from clothing). Typical body sites that are involved in folliculitis include the face, thighs and scalp.

2) Epidermoid cysts, also called sebaceous cysts, are benign (non-cancerous) skin cysts formed from blocked oil glands in the skin. Most commonly, epidermoid cysts are found on the genitals, trunk and back; but, they also can occur in other areas of the skin.

I do agree, however, that if you are worried, a quick trip to the doctor wouldn't hurt. And, again, if you have any reason(s) for the question (recent incident of unprotected sex), then you would want to have the bump looked at as well.

It may very well be a condition called "Pearly Penile Papules". This is a harmless disorder, but people might mistake it for an STD or some form of warts. As far as I know, you can't get rid of them, but there may be a surgery to fix it. However, without seeing a picture, it's really hard to tell, since only you know what they look like.

I highly doubt they are related to hair, as hair grows from the dermis and the pores from which they grow are not able to physically felt and are extremely hard to see with the naked eye. The only part of hair that is above the surface is the shaft. If a hair is pulled, bulb and everything, you wouldn't be able to feel any raised bumps from where the hair was removed. Now, they MAY be arrector pili muscles, which are very tiny muscles responsible for "goose bumps". These muscles aren't under your voluntary control, so it's possible that they are contracting and, because the skin down there is very thin, becoming visible while contracted. That's just a guess, though.

It does not sound like any type of STD or dangerous condition, but you should really get examined by a doctor if you are worried. Hope this helps.

Hi,
Thanks for your question.

Since you said that you've "had this for as long as you can remember", it is likely just a normal skin bump for a hair follicle, as you mentioned. The skin on the penis is just like any other part of your body, and has similar nicks, bumps, is lumpy or bumpy or smooth or uneven.

Here is a great place to read other similar questions regarding "lumps and bumps" on penises, from a University health site called Go Ask Alice:
http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0905.html

The most important thing to note: if you see any changes in appearance of the lump or bump, that is when there is cause for concern. The pain/discomfort is not as relevant as if the bump changes dramatically is size or shape or color.

Why the question now, however? Are you worried about anything that has happened (ie, recent sexual experience that was not protected)? Are you having any other symptoms?

Thanks for coming to EmpowHer. We are a women's health website but I'm sure our moderators will be happy to research your question and give you some helpful links.

Best in health,
Michelle