Fordyce spots are visible sebaceous glands that appear on moist body surfaces, such as the lips and genital areas. They are a normal anatomical variant, meaning they are a natural part of the body’s structure, not an infection or a disease. These small bumps are found in the majority of the adult population. The desire to remove them stems from cosmetic concerns rather than any associated health risk.
Understanding Fordyce Spots
Fordyce spots are technically ectopic sebaceous glands, meaning they are oil-producing glands located in areas of the body that lack hair follicles. They present as small, painless papules, usually measuring between one and three millimeters in diameter. These bumps can appear pale, white, red, or yellowish, and are often easier to see when the surrounding skin is stretched.
Common locations include the vermilion border of the lips, the inside of the cheeks, the glans penis, the scrotum, and the labia. Although present from birth, hormonal changes during and after puberty often cause them to enlarge and become more noticeable. Their formation is linked to the migration of sebaceous glands during embryonic development.
Why Treatment is Often Unnecessary
From a medical perspective, Fordyce spots are benign, non-contagious, and harmless. They do not cause pain or discomfort, and they pose no risk to a person’s health. They are a common finding, present in an estimated 70% to 80% of adults.
Since they are a natural occurrence and not a medical problem, removal is pursued only for cosmetic reasons. Seeking treatment is a personal choice aimed at managing visual appearance, not at curing a pathology.
At-Home Management and Cosmetic Reduction
Individuals looking to reduce the visibility of Fordyce spots can explore non-invasive, over-the-counter methods focused on minimizing sebum buildup and exfoliating the skin. Maintaining a consistent hygiene routine, involving washing affected areas with mild cleansers, is the first step.
Topical retinoids, such as over-the-counter retinol cream (0.025% to 0.05%), may help by promoting skin cell turnover. Starting application every other night helps build skin tolerance to the product. Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid (1-2%) or glycolic acid (5-7%) can also be used a few times a week. These exfoliants work to remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin’s surface.
Certain moisturizing oils may offer cosmetic benefits by keeping the skin hydrated, which can regulate oil production and minimize the spots’ appearance. Jojoba oil, for example, can be applied twice daily as a natural alternative. Consistent use of these products is necessary, with visible results often taking four to eight weeks to become noticeable.
Professional Removal Options
When cosmetic concern is high, a dermatologist can offer several clinical procedures for reduction. One common approach is Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser ablation, which uses light energy to precisely vaporize the sebaceous glands. This method is favored for its precision, providing good cosmetic results with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
Another technique is micro-punch surgery, where a small instrument is used to physically remove individual spots. This can be effective for isolated or larger lesions but may carry a higher risk of scarring compared to laser procedures. For spots that appear red, a Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) may be used to target the small blood vessels around the glands, reducing the redness.
Prescription topical treatments, such as high-strength retinoids like tretinoin cream, are also sometimes employed. These are applied to promote cell turnover and gland shrinkage, though they can cause irritation and are less reliably effective than laser or surgical procedures. Patients should discuss the significant cost and risk of temporary side effects, such as swelling, redness, or pigment changes, with their provider.