I have Pearly Penile Papules; I used to flip out about it but I did some research and saw where they're (sorta) normal and I don't usually have any problems out of them. However, a few days ago one flared up out of nowhere. It got all red and was a couple mm across (it actually looked similar to the pimples I get elsewhere on my body when I have acne breakouts). The first evening I noticed it, couldn't pop it and it hurt to the touch. The next morning, I popped it like I do pimples; again it hurt to the touch. The next day it leaked pus similar to another pimple, still hurt. The day after, it shrunk and quit hurting.

The bump is still there. It's still small and slightly red, but it doesn't hurt unless I really mess with it (I masturbate regularly and that doesn't bother it, to give you an idea just how much I can mess with it without it hurting). It has a texture similar to that of scar tissue, like an acne scar.

Is it more likely that was just acne and now I'm going to have a scar, or is it probable that something else is going on there?

Bumps around your penis may be (sorta) normal, but puss leaking out of a sore on your penis is never normal. Acne on your penis I assume is a possibility, but it sounds like something more sinister is going on here.

Have you been to the doctor for this problem?

Is there a possibility that you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease?

When you are having one of these flare-ups you should really be seen by a doctor. It sounds like Herpes, which comes and goes, but unless you have a physician look at it while it is actively flaring up, anything anyone here tells you would be pure speculation.

It could be cyst.

For the record, STOP popping it. Let it drain or pop on its own. You could spread it by popping it or worsen it if it is an infection.

The only advice I can give you is to get to the doctor when it is flaring up, not when it is in the pearly stage, that way the doc can get a sample of the puss and have it analyzed. Good luck!