What are Fordyce Spots

Fordyce Spots are harmless yellowish white spots that are typically found on the lips or genitals. Fordyce Spots have been named after a dermatologist John Fordyce.  Fordyce Spots can begin to appear during puberty and remain throughout a person’s life. They do not cause any damage to health, they mostly just a matter of aesthetics, especially when Fordyce spots on lips. Because of the location of these spots, many people are sensitive about having them.  

Causes of Fordyce Spots

Fordyce Spots are just a highlight of sebum, which can be seen to the naked eye having yellow-white or matte white appearance. Sebum is the oily fluid secreted by the sebaceous gland. When this oil gets blocked in the gland which does not contain any hair, it slowly converts into lesions or bumps. Normally the sebum is sent into the hair follicle or hair shafts. When no hair is present, it causes bumps called Fordyce spots.  This means that they are simply the outward emergence of the overgrowth of sebaceous glands under our skin. Fordyce spots on lips are found on both men and women, but Fordyce spots are more common in men. Men with this condition sometimes consult with a dermatologist because they are worried they may have a STD.

Treatment of Fordyce Spots

Most doctors consider this a normal physiological phenomenon and advise against treatment.

·         Vaporizing laser treatments such as CO₂ laser or electro desiccation have been used with some success in diminishing the appearance of this condition. There are also reports of this treatment not lasting and  laser burns on the skin.

·         Treatment with pulsed dye lasers is expensive, but is less likely to leave scar than other methods. Treatment is very expensive, and it is not widely available.

·         Fordyce Spot treatment using micro-punch excision has achieved Good cosmetic results with no recurrence of the Fordyce Spots.

Related articles

1. How to Erase Acne Scars
2. Skin Care Basics – Four steps to keep your skin healthy
3. Tips for Looking Great
4. Natural Exfoliates
5. How to Conceal Acne Scars
6. Dermatological Procedures for Acne Scars
7. How to Treat Acne Scars
8. Oily Skin Prevention Tips