Fordyce spots are common, small, pale or reddish bumps appearing on the lips, often along the vermillion border. These visible spots are ectopic sebaceous glands—oil glands developed in an area lacking hair follicles. Fordyce spots are entirely benign, non-contagious, and are not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). They are a normal anatomical variant present in a large percentage of adults and generally do not require medical intervention. Individuals seeking to reduce their appearance have options ranging from professional procedures to daily management techniques.
Understanding the Nature of Fordyce Spots
Fordyce spots, also known as Fordyce granules, are enlarged sebaceous glands formed without an associated hair follicle. These ectopic glands produce sebum, an oily substance, and are visible because they are situated just beneath the mucosal surface of the lips or inside the cheeks.
The spots are typically small, ranging from 1 to 3 millimeters, and are usually whitish-yellow, pale red, or flesh-colored. They can occur as single spots or in clusters of up to 50 or more, becoming more noticeable when the surrounding skin is stretched. They are thought to be present from birth and become more prominent around puberty due to hormonal changes.
Fordyce spots are considered a normal skin variation, harmless, and generally asymptomatic, causing neither pain nor irritation. Diagnosis is typically made through a simple visual examination, making a biopsy unnecessary. Treatment is pursued strictly for cosmetic reasons, but consultation with a dermatologist is recommended to ensure the spots are not confused with other conditions like milia or certain STIs.
Professional Dermatological Treatment Procedures
Individuals seeking significant reduction or removal of Fordyce spots often rely on professional dermatological procedures. Laser treatments are a common approach, particularly the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser, which is highly precise for vaporizing affected tissue. This method removes thin layers of skin where the sebaceous glands are located. Healing time after CO2 laser resurfacing ranges from five to 21 days, and the procedure is often performed after applying a numbing cream or local nerve block.
Another laser option is the Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL), which targets the blood vessels supplying the spots, causing them to shrink. Multiple sessions are often required for significant clearance, and there is a small risk of scarring or pigment changes. Electrodessication, which uses an electric current via a specialized needle to burn away the sebaceous glands, may be used for smaller, more granular spots.
The micro-punch technique is a physical method using a pen-like instrument to excise individual Fordyce spots. This technique is invasive and can result in a longer recovery period, potentially up to a month. For widespread spots, dermatologists may prescribe topical retinoids, such as Tretinoin. These Vitamin A derivatives promote cell turnover and exfoliation, which can reduce the spots’ appearance, but they require consistent use and may cause skin irritation.
Everyday Management and Prevention
While professional treatments offer the most dramatic results, daily strategies can help minimize the visibility of Fordyce spots and keep the lips healthy. Maintaining good lip hygiene involves gently cleansing the lip area to prevent the accumulation of oils and dead skin cells. Using a non-comedogenic lip balm can keep the lips moisturized without introducing heavy, oily ingredients that might make the spots more noticeable.
Over-the-counter topical products containing mild exfoliants like salicylic acid (a BHA) or glycolic acid (an AHA) may be applied. These acids promote gentle exfoliation on the skin’s surface, which can lead to a slightly smoother appearance over time. Applying a mild retinol cream can also help, as retinoids encourage skin cell renewal.
It is important to avoid attempting to pick, squeeze, or manually extract the spots, as this action will not remove the sebaceous gland and can instead lead to inflammation, infection, and potential scarring. Although lifestyle factors like managing stress and maintaining a balanced diet are largely anecdotal, they are sometimes suggested as general skin health practices. Consistent application of over-the-counter products for at least four to eight weeks is typically needed before any potential reduction in visibility is observed.