Fordyce spots are common, small, painless bumps that often appear on the lips. These naturally occurring spots are benign and pose no health risks. Their presence is a normal variation of human anatomy.
Understanding Fordyce Spots
Fordyce spots are visually distinct, presenting as small, slightly raised papules that can be white, yellow, or flesh-colored. They typically measure between 1 to 3 millimeters in diameter, roughly the size of a pinhead or sesame seed. While they can appear individually, they often cluster together, sometimes forming patches. Stretching the skin in the affected area often makes these spots more noticeable.
These spots frequently manifest along the vermilion border of the lips, the line where the lip meets the surrounding skin, and can also be found inside the mouth on the cheeks. They are essentially visible sebaceous (oil) glands that do not have an associated hair follicle, unlike most sebaceous glands. This characteristic differentiates them from conditions like acne or cold sores.
Their Cause and Characteristics
Fordyce spots arise from naturally occurring sebaceous glands that become visible on hairless areas of the skin, such as the lips. These glands are present from birth but typically become more apparent during or after puberty, when hormonal changes can cause them to enlarge. Their appearance involves the buildup of sebum within these glands due to the absence of a hair follicle to release it.
Fordyce spots affect approximately 70% to 80% of adults. They are not contagious and cannot be spread through skin-to-skin contact. While they affect people of all genders and ages, some studies indicate they are twice as common in males. These spots do not cause any physical symptoms like pain or itching, though rarely, spots in the genital area might become inflamed or itchy during sexual activity.
When Professional Advice is Warranted
Fordyce spots generally do not necessitate medical intervention. However, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable if the spots change in appearance, such as becoming painful, bleeding, or altering in color or size. A medical opinion is also beneficial if there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, as some other conditions can appear similar.
For individuals bothered by the cosmetic appearance of Fordyce spots, various removal options exist. These procedures are typically chosen for aesthetic reasons rather than medical necessity. Options may include laser treatments, such as CO2 laser resurfacing, or micro-punch surgery. Other methods like cryotherapy, which uses extreme cold, or topical treatments containing retinoids, may also be considered.