What To Know about Fordyce Spots
Medically reviewed by Brendan Camp, MDMedically reviewed by Brendan Camp, MDFordyce spots are enlarged oil glands on the surface of your skin. They appear as white or yellow bumps and can be found on the lips, vulva, penis, or scrotum. You may notice a few scattered spots or clusters.While finding these bumps may seem alarming, they are normal and harmless. Researchers estimate that up to 90% of adults have Fordyce spots. While these spots don't need to be removed, cosmetic treatments are available if you don't like how Fordyce spots look.What Do They Look Like?
Design by Health / Getty Images' title='A close-up of Fordyce spots on a person's lips with a list of the spots' characteristics'>
Design by Health / Getty Images
Fordyce spots are pale, white, or yellow bumps that are 1-3 millimeters (0.04-0.12 inches) in diameter. You may have a few spots or a patch that is made up of multiple spots clustered together. Fordyce spots usually appear in the same pattern on both sides of the affected area. Stretching the skin surrounding Fordyce spots makes them even more visible. Fordyce spots are more common around the outer edges of your lips, inside your lips, and inside your cheeks. Fordyce spots can also appear on genital areas like the penis shaft, scrotum, labia, or clitoris. In rare cases, people can have Fordyce spots on the areolas (the pigmented area around the nipples) or esophagus (your food tube that connects the stomach and throat).If you have Fordyce spots, you may not even notice them. However, some people have large patches that are very visible. These spots are not painful, itchy, or contagious. It is also rare for these spots to bleed during sex if they're on the genitals. Fordyce spots appear on people of all ages and are something you are born with. You can develop more Fordyce spots as you age, and existing spots can become more noticeable. If you have Fordyce spots, they usually don't go away without treatment. What Causes Fordyce Spots?Fordyce spots are caused by enlarged oil glands on hairless areas, like the mucous membrane linings (the moist inner linings) of the mouth and genitals. Oil glands, or sebaceous glands, are usually connected to hair follicles and secrete an oily substance called sebum that moisturizes your skin and hair. However, Fordyce spots are only found on oil glands that are directly on the skin, not those connected to hair follicles.What causes oil glands to enlarge is likely linked to hormonal changes. Researchers have found that the increase of hormones during puberty and adulthood enlarges oil glands, making Fordyce spots more noticeable.Males are twice as likely to develop Fordyce spots than females. This is because androgenic hormones—which are known as the male sex hormones since they are more plentiful in males— affect Fordyce spots. Fordyce spots are the most common among males who are 17-67 years old. Can Fordyce Spots Be a Predictor of Other Conditions?Research has found that Fordyce spots may be a sign that you could be at risk for certain diseases. One study found people with hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) typically have Fordyce spots. Other research has found an association between hereditary colorectal cancer and the presence of Fordyce spots in the mouth.However, since Fordyce spots are common in the general population, many people with health conditions likely have Fordyce spots. More research is needed to confirm whether Fordyce spots can predict the development of any disease. DiagnosisA healthcare provider or dermatologist (a doctor specialized in skin conditions) can typically diagnose Fordyce spots with a physical exam, meaning they look at your skin. Your healthcare provider may also want to biopsy the spot to rule out other conditions. During a biopsy, a small amount of tissue is cut away and examined under a microscope.In some cases, Fordyce spots can look similar to other skin conditions, including:Epidermoid cysts: These tiny, hard lumps can form underneath the skin anywhere on the body. These are actually benign (non-cancerous) skin tumors that can be caused by clogged hair follicles.Milia: These benign small and firm white bumps appear on the face—usually around the eyes. They can also form on the penis or vulva. Sebaceous hyperplasia: These benign, soft, skin-colored growths are caused by enlarged oil glands—usually on the face.Basal cell carcinoma: This form of skin cancer can look like a shiny and translucent (see-through) skin-colored bump.Genital warts: These rough, skin-colored bumps are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The growths are sexually transmitted and can burn, itch, and bleed. As they form, they may look similar to Fordyce spots.Pearly penile papules: These benign white bumps form around the head of the penis. Molluscum contagiosum: These small, dimpled bumps look white, pink, or skin-colored. They are caused by a virus and can appear anywhere on the body after skin-to-skin contact or unprotected sex with someone with the virus. TreatmentFordyce spots don't need treatment since they are not harmful. However, you can have Fordyce spots treated if you feel self-conscious or don't like the way your Fordyce spots look. A healthcare provider can help remove or reduce the appearance of Fordyce spots with the following treatments:Carbon dioxide laser: A laser therapy removes the outer layer of the skin, helping to remove Fordyce spots.Cryoablation: This type of cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen or argon gas to freeze off Fordyce spots. Electrodesiccation and curettage: A topical anesthetic is applied to the skin, and a special tool is used to scrape or burn off Fordyce spots. Micro-punching: A topical anesthetic is applied to the skin, and a sharp, pen-like tool is used to "punch" part of the skin. This cuts out Fordyce spots. Skin peels: Bichloracetic acid is applied to the skin to help remove or shrink Fordyce spots. Photodynamic therapy: A light-sensitive medication (photosensitizer) is applied to the skin and targeted with light to destroy Fordyce spots. Topical tretinoin: This is a prescription retinoid that increases cell turnover to help the skin peel and unclog pores. Oral isotretinoin: This is a prescription oral retinoid that can help shrink oil glands that cause Fordyce spots. This medication is unsafe for people who are pregnant and can cause many side effects.How To Prevent Fordyce SpotsSince researchers believe people are born with Fordyce spots, you likely can't prevent them from forming. However, sticking to a skincare routine and caring for your skin may help you minimize their appearance. To potentially help reduce the look of Fordyce spots:Don't pick or squeeze your Fordyce spots.Wash your face with a mild cleanser day and night.Use a moisturizer after washing your face.Avoid using douches, feminine washes, or scented products on your genitals.When To See a Healthcare ProviderFordyce spots are not harmful and are considered benign skin lesions (non-cancerous bumps). They are also not caused by a disease or sexually transmitted infection (STI). So if you have Fordyce spots, you don't automatically need to see your healthcare provider for treatment. However, you should see a healthcare provider if you're concerned about any bumps you have and are unsure if they are Fordyce spots or something else. People often confuse Fordyce spots on the genitals with STIs like genital warts, which can cause a lot of anxiety and emotional stress. If you notice any new spots on your genitals, see your healthcare provider to rule out an STI or other infection.You can also visit a healthcare provider if you are interested in minimizing or getting rid of your Fordyce spots. They can talk to you about your treatment options.A Quick ReviewFordyce spots are pin-size, white or yellow bumps that are completely harmless. You may find them inside your cheeks or on the lips, vulva, penis, or scrotum. They are caused by enlarged oil glands on the skin's surface. Many people have Fordyce spots at birth but don't notice them until puberty starts to enlarge oil glands. You may have a few Fordyce spots on both sides of the affected area or clusters that look like patches. Having Fordyce spots can make people feel self-conscious or think they have an STI. See your healthcare provider for a diagnosis if you're worried about a new bump. If you have Fordyce spots, your provider can help fade or remove them with laser treatments, cryoablation, skin peels, or retinoids. For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Health.com.
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