Fordyce spots are common, small bumps that appear on the skin. They are medically benign, meaning they are harmless and do not represent a disease or health problem. These spots are simply visible sebaceous glands—the normal oil-producing glands of the skin—appearing in a location where they are not typically seen. Understanding their nature can alleviate the concern they often cause.
What Fordyce Spots Are and Why They Appear
Fordyce spots are technically ectopic sebaceous glands, meaning the oil glands are present in areas of the body that lack hair follicles. They appear as small, slightly raised papules, generally between 1 and 3 millimeters in diameter. The spots are typically pale, whitish-yellow, or flesh-colored, though they can sometimes appear reddish, particularly on the genitals.
These visible glands are most frequently found along the vermillion border of the lips, inside the cheeks, and on the genital areas (penis, scrotum, and labia). They are present in most people, with estimates suggesting 70% to 80% of adults have them. While present from birth, they often become more noticeable around puberty due to hormonal changes that stimulate the glands to enlarge.
Addressing Common Health Concerns
Fordyce spots are not a health concern and do not require medical treatment because they are a normal anatomical variation. The spots are non-infectious and cannot be transmitted from person to person through any form of contact, including sexual activity. They are not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or sexually transmitted disease (STD).
A common source of anxiety is mistaking Fordyce spots for conditions like genital warts or herpes, especially when they appear in the genital area. Fordyce spots are fundamentally different because they are not caused by a virus, bacteria, or any other pathogen. They are also not associated with any systemic illness or cancer.
If new bumps appear, consultation with a healthcare provider is prudent to ensure an accurate diagnosis, as other skin conditions can resemble Fordyce spots. Unlike pathological bumps, Fordyce spots are typically painless and do not blister, though they may sometimes itch or become mildly inflamed. A visual examination by a dermatologist is usually sufficient to confirm the spots are benign and pose no risk.
Cosmetic Removal and Management
Since Fordyce spots are harmless, intervention is solely for cosmetic reasons, often sought when their appearance causes self-consciousness or emotional distress. Patients should be aware that these procedures are elective and may not be covered by insurance. Effective methods target the enlarged glands to either reduce their size or remove them entirely.
The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is a precise treatment that gently vaporizes the raised spots with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue. Pulsed-dye lasers can also reduce the visibility of the spots, often with a low risk of scarring. Micro-punch excision is a surgical technique, useful for spots in the genital region, where a tiny instrument removes the individual glands.
Topical treatments, such as retinoids like tretinoin, may be recommended, as they reduce the prominence of the spots through exfoliation. For widespread cases, especially those with co-existing acne, a course of oral isotretinoin may be considered. Patients should consult a dermatologist to discuss anticipated outcomes, potential for recurrence, and necessary aftercare for any chosen treatment.