Fordyce Spots, A Mystery Revealed

Fordyce Spots, A Mystery Revealed

Fordyce spots, also called Fordyce granules, are small yellowish-white bumps that appear on the shaft of the penis, labia majora or labia minora, scrotum, around and inside the mouth, and nipples. These spots can grow to up to 1 to 3 millimeters in diameter and will become slightly bigger when sexually aroused. Fordyce spots are not harmful and do not require treatment but they can be an embarrassing problem for some people causing anxiety, stress, or discomfort when in public areas such as the locker room at the gym.

Share This Post

What are Fordyce Spots | Who is at risk | Causes | Diagnosed | Treatment | How to prevent

Fordyce spots, also called Fordyce granules, are small yellowish-white bumps that appear on the shaft of the penis, labia majora or labia minora, scrotum, around and inside the mouth, and nipples.

These spots can grow to up to 1 to 3 millimeters in diameter and will become slightly bigger when sexually aroused.

Fordyce spots are not harmful and do not require treatment but they can be an embarrassing problem for some people causing anxiety, stress, or discomfort when in public areas such as the locker room at the gym.

We will go over what Fordyce spots are, how they affect people with different skin types, how they’re diagnosed by a doctor or dermatologist, and treatments for Fordyce spots including prevention tips.

What are Fordyce spots?

Fordyce spots are small, raised bumps called papules that can appear on the lips and inside of the mouth, and male and female genitals.

Specifically, it is common for Fordyce spots to appear on or around the vermilion border, which is the pale skin at the outermost rim of your lips.

The spots may be white, yellow, or red in color and tend to become more visible when a person is suffering from stress or anxiety. 

But what exactly are they? Fordyce spots are ectopic (slightly abnormal) visible sebaceous glands, meaning they form from your oil glands also known as a sebaceous gland.

They are in an unusual place because sebaceous glands are usually associated with the glands next to hair follicles but Fordyce spots do not have hair follicles.

Sebaceous glands are usually responsible for producing sebum, the natural oil your body produces which can also clog pores and cause acne

The spots received their name from the American dermatologist John Fordyce who was the first to chronicle them in the medical field.

He is also the dermatologist who lends his name to the Fox-Fordyce disease, a rare skin disorder.

image of fordyce spots

Who gets Fordyce spots?

Fordyce spots are common if you have reached puberty.

There is a 2015 report stating that they occur in 70-80% of adults.

While they may not be as prominent in females as they are with men, both genders can get them.

While Fordyce spots can affect you at any age, it is common for them to become noticeable around puberty.

This same study showed that twice as many men had Fordyce spots compared to women.

Although some studies link Fordyce spots with predictors of other illnesses, it should be noted that they are not the cause of them and by themselves are benign. 

What causes Fordyce spots?

Frequently, people are concerned about Fordyce spots because they have read they can be caused by STDs or they believe they are an STD like genital warts.

While this may seem like a reasonable assumption to make, the truth is that there has not been any research linking these two conditions together in any way.

The reality is that Fordyce spots are completely normal and there is no reason to worry about them unless for cosmetic reasons. 

How are Fordyce spots diagnosed?

Fordyce spots are diagnosed by looking at their symptoms and their appearance.

The way they are most commonly diagnosed is via clinical observation by your physician, although in rare cases a biopsy is required to differentiate the spots from other conditions. 

Besides STDs, other skin conditions can be mistaken for Fordyce spots. The conditions include but are not limited to:

  • Milium cysts, which are white bumps that usually appear on the face
  • Epidermoid cysts, which are hard bumps underneath the skin; and 
  • Basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer 

There are other diseases but these are some of the most common ones associated with a misdiagnosis of Fordyce spots.

Should you have any questions, we recommend that you talk to your healthcare provider. 

How do you treat Fordyce spots?

There are several treatment options for Fordyce spots. Some of these include: 

  • Micro-punch surgery, where a doctor uses local anesthesia and a device to “punch” your skin and remove unwanted tissue.
  • Isotretinoin, a retinoid used to help lessen skin discoloration and is an often-used treatment for acne, also called acne vulgaris. 
  • Laser treatment where doctors use a laser to treat the Fordyce spots.

There are also other methods but these are some of the most common. 

YouTube player

Please note that most doctors recommend leaving your Fordyce spots alone as they are benign and won’t cause any harm. 

Which method you choose will depend on the size, location, and severity of your symptoms.

Speak to a doctor about their recommendations for which treatment may work best for you.

Home remedies and over-the-counter treatments are not recommended to try due to how sensitive the areas are that may need treatment. Always consult your physician before starting any treatment plan. 

Is there a way to prevent Fordyce spots?

Yes, you can avoid causing irritation on the skin for an extended period of time which may allow them to develop.

Try not to scratch or pick at your skin as this may cause scarring over these areas and make it more likely that Fordyce spots will appear in those places.

You should also try to minimize exposure to harsh chemicals such as detergents, bleach, chlorinated water, etc.

This may mean washing clothes by hand instead of with other clothing items to avoid irritating dyes that can worsen the condition.

Fordyce spots are completely natural and even with these measures they may still appear.

If you have a cosmetic reason for not wanting them please consult your physician regarding the best treatment plan for you. 

Summary

Fordyce spots are common benign skin lesions that usually appear on the genitals and around and inside the mouth.

They can be left alone if you do not have a cosmetic issue with them or treated by your doctor, depending on their severity.

There are several treatments available ranging from micro-punch surgery to isotretinoin but most doctors recommend leaving these small clusters of bumps alone unless there’s an aesthetic reason behind wanting removal such as for personal preference reasons.

Armed with this information, we hope to have provided a solid base to approach your healthcare provider with any questions you should have regarding Fordyce spots and choosing the best treatment plan for you. 

References, Studies and Sources:

www.oatext.com/pdf/CCRR-1-140.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fordyce_spots

jmedicalcasereports.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1752-1947-8-249

We are committed to providing our readers with only trusted resources and science-based studies with regards to medication and health information. 

Disclaimer: This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you suspect medical problems or need medical help or advice, please talk with your healthcare professional.

Share This Post

Popular Destinations

Recent Articles

Stress Acne: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Stress Acne: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Stress. It's a powerful emotion that can wreak havoc on your body. One way that stress can appear is on your skin in the form of stress acne. Stress causes acne by increasing oil production and clogging pores, which leads to an overgrowth of bacteria. To combat this unwanted side effect of stress, we have created a guide with everything you need to know about stress acne: its causes, prevention strategies, and treatments.

Read More »
Cystic Acne

Cystic Acne: What Is It, And How Do You Treat It?

Cystic acne is a type of acne that causes cysts to form deep in the skin. These cysts are often painful and may take weeks or months to heal. If you have cystic acne, then you may need a dermatologist's help. In this article, we will answer all your questions about cystic acne, what it is, who can get it, how do you diagnose it, how do you treat cystic acne, and more.

Read More »
A Guide to Anti Aging Cream for Men

A Guide to Anti Aging Cream for Men

It is frequently said that men are like fine wine – they get better with age. And while in general, men may seem to age more gracefully than women, having a regular skin care routine can help keep your skin looking revitalized. Below are some active ingredients to look for in your anti-aging creams that have been clinically proven to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Read More »

Share On:

More To Explore

Stress Acne: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Stress. It's a powerful emotion that can wreak havoc on your body. One way that stress can appear is on your skin in the

Cystic Acne: What Is It, And How Do You Treat It?

Cystic acne is a type of acne that causes cysts to form deep in the skin. These cysts are often painful and may take

A Guide to Anti Aging Cream for Men

It is frequently said that men are like fine wine – they get better with age. And while in general, men may seem to

Is Clindamycin Right for You as an Acne Treatment?

Learn more as we discuss clindamycin for acne, how clindamycin works, the different forms of treatment, and whether it is the right form of

Clearing Up Butt Acne: Treatment, Prevention and More

Red bumps that appear like acne on the buttocks can occur in both men and women and is a common skin condition. Continue reading

How Much Does Accutane Cost?

As generic forms of the drug entered the market, the cost of the medication has come down, so how much does Accutane cost today?

Your Comparison Guide of Minocycline vs Doxycycline

Minocycline and Doxycycline are both second-generation tetracycline-class antibiotics. They both are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have been proven effective for the treatment of acne, also known as acne vulgaris, but what else is

How to Diagnose and Treat Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor is a common skin infection that causes red, scaly patches on the chest, back, or neck. You may also see flaky white

10 Best Ways to Help Prevent and Remove Blackheads

Blackheads develop when sebum from oil glands gets trapped in hair follicles or pores. Bacteria build up after time, so removing blackheads is important

What Is Minocycline?

Minocycline is a second-generation antibiotic in the tetracycline class of antibiotics. Second-generation, in this case, means that it is a semi-synthetic compound; first-generation tetracyclines are naturally

What is Accutane?

What is Accutane and can it really be used to treat acne? Read our latest blog for more details!

The Difference Between Tretinoin, Retinol, and Retinoids

Topical treatments like tretinoin, retinol, and retinoids for acne and wrinkles can be a little confusing to understand what each one is and what

What is Melasma and How Do You Treat It?

Melasma, sometimes referred to as chloasma, is a skin disorder characterized by darker spots on the skin. The patches can vary in color

A Comprehensive Guide to Minocycline for Acne

If you suffer from acne, there is a targeted medication for treating acne–minocycline. Minocycline is a prescription drug used to treat infections by preventing

Tretinoin Strengths and How They Work With Acne

Tretinoin is a topical medication that is used for the treatment of acne, also called acne vulgaris, and the most common brand in the

How to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, or dark spots on the skin, can be tricky to get rid of. If you are dealing with this condition, you are not

How to Deal with Blood Blisters

Blood blisters are a medical condition where fluid-filled bubbles grow out of blood vessels in the skin. They form under the skin and can

Geologie Review: Does This Personalized Men’s Skincare Work?

Geologie offers personalized skin care products tailored to each male customer they have. The personal touch is certainly nice, but do their products really

Understanding Melasma Treatments

Melasma is a skin conition that is characterized by hyperpigmented spots on the skin. Melasma is sometimes referred to as chloasma. The spots are most

Everyday Tips for Anti-Aging Skin Care

With so many anti-aging products available on the market, it is overwhelming to find which products actually work and are worth spending money on

Body Acne 101: Prevention and Treatment

Body acne is a common condition that affects many people, especially during puberty. It can appear anywhere on your body and can be unsightly

Paronychia: What You Need to Know

Many people are unaware that paronychia is a nail infection. Paronychia usually affects one or more of your fingers, but can also affect your

The ABCs of Skin Lesions

Skin lesions can be a source of anxiety for many people. Whether they're due to an infection, injury, or disease, skin lesions are often

Perioral Dermatitis: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Perioral dermatitis is a common skin condition that occurs around the mouth. It often starts with red, inflamed patches and may then progress to

Niacinamide and Vitamin C: Benefits for Your Skin

Niacinamide and Vitamin C are two popular ingredients that you can use to improve the health of your skin. Niacinamide is a form of

Hyperpigmentation and Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition that affects people of all ages. In fact, roughly 80 percent of people ages 11 to 30 have

What is Clindamycin Phosphate?

Clindamycin phosphate is a salt form of the antibiotic medicine clindamycin. Clindamycin phosphate provides coverage for bacteria that are resistant to erythromycin, methicillin, or penicillin. Clindamycin is used to treat acne, also known as acne vulgaris,

15 of the Most Common Types of Skin Lesions and Prevention Strategies

Skin lesions are common skin conditions that appear as an abnormal growth. There are many skin lesions, each of which is caused by a

Collagen Supplements: Does the Research Support the Hype?

The use of collagen supplements is becoming a popular health trend. Collagen is an important protein in your body, and collagen supplements may have

Treating Acne with Spironolactone

Acne is a common skin condition that affects adolescents to adults. But when your acne doesn’t respond to typical treatments, your dermatologist may prescribe