Discovering small white dots on your lips can be concerning. While they might seem alarming, these spots are frequently a normal and harmless variation of your skin’s anatomy. In most instances, they do not indicate a serious health issue.
Fordyce Spots: The Most Common Culprit
The most frequent reason for white dots on the lips is Fordyce spots, also known as Fordyce granules. These are visible, enlarged sebaceous glands that occur without associated hair follicles. Sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin and hair.
Unlike typical sebaceous glands that open into hair follicles, Fordyce spots open directly onto the skin’s surface. They are considered a normal anatomical variation rather than a medical disorder. Though present from birth, they often become more noticeable around puberty when hormonal changes stimulate these glands to enlarge.
Fordyce spots appear as small, slightly elevated papules, ranging from 1 to 5 millimeters in diameter. They can be white, yellowish-white, or skin-colored. These spots are commonly found along the vermilion border of the lips and sometimes inside the cheeks. They may occur as solitary lesions or in clusters, becoming more visible when the skin is stretched.
These spots are not contagious, painless, and not associated with any disease or infection. Approximately 70% to 80% of adults have Fordyce spots, making them a common occurrence.
Other Potential Causes of White Dots
While Fordyce spots are the most common cause, other conditions can also manifest as small white dots on the lips. One possibility is milia. Milia are tiny, harmless keratin cysts that form when skin protein becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface.
Milia appear as small, white-to-yellow, dome-shaped cysts, typically 1 to 2 millimeters in size. While they frequently occur on the face, they can also appear on the lips. Unlike Fordyce spots, which are enlarged oil glands, milia are keratin-filled cysts. Milia are typically painless, non-itchy, and not contagious.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many white dots on the lips are harmless, certain signs warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional. Seek medical attention if the white dots are accompanied by pain, itching, or bleeding. Changes in the size, shape, or color of the dots, or if they appear to be spreading, should also prompt a medical evaluation.
If you experience difficulty eating or swallowing, or if there is any swelling in your jaw or neck, these symptoms indicate a need for professional assessment. Any persistent white spots that do not heal within two to three weeks, or if you have general concerns about the appearance of the dots, should be discussed with a doctor.
Living with and Managing White Dots
Fordyce spots are benign and typically do not require medical intervention. Since they are a natural part of the body’s anatomy, leaving them alone is often recommended. However, for individuals concerned about cosmetic appearance, various treatment options are available, though not medically necessary.
Options include laser therapies, such as CO2 laser treatment, to reduce visibility. Other procedures like micro-punch excision, which removes individual spots, or electrodessication, which uses an electric current, are also available. Topical treatments, such as retinoids, may also reduce their prominence. These cosmetic procedures carry potential side effects, such as temporary redness or scarring, and the choice to pursue them is elective.