Anytime you notice small, raised bumps on your or your partner’s lips, genitals, or other areas of bare skin, it’s natural to feel concerned. Skin bumps are often associated with contagious issues, from a rash to genital warts. However, bumps don’t always mean exposure to an infection. In some cases, they could be an incredibly common, benign, and harmless condition known as Fordyce spots. Still, it’s important to distinguish these spots from other potential conditions, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
In this blog, we’ll cover what Fordyce spots are, why they occur, how to identify them, and common misconceptions.
What Are Fordyce Spots?
Fordyce spots, or Fordyce granules, are small, raised, pale or white bumps on bare skin, most commonly the lips, genitals, or inside the mouth. In reality, these spots are enlarged sebaceous glands (oil glands). These spots are not associated with hair follicles, so they most commonly appear in areas without hair.
Common among men and women, Fordyce spots affect a significant portion of the population. In fact, studies have shown that these spots are present in 70 to 80 percent of adults. While these spots are harmless and non-contagious, Fordyce spots can easily be mistaken for other conditions, leading to unnecessary concern.
Cause of Fordyce Spots
Humans have skin sebaceous glands that secrete sebum, a protective coating that helps the skin retain moisture. Normal sebaceous glands are typically not visible to the naked eye, but some conditions make them visible, as with Fordyce spots.
Genetics play a significant role in the development of Fordyce spots, with some researchers suggesting they are present at birth, becoming more visible during adolescence and puberty as hormones change. Fordyce spots are not linked to infections, diseases, or sexually transmitted infections like human papillomavirus (HPV) or herpes. They are simply an anatomical variation that is entirely normal.
Symptoms of Fordyce Spots and How to Identify Them
Fordyce spots appear as small, pale, yellowish, or white bumps that are smooth, uniform, and painless. These may appear as a singular spot or a small group or cluster of spots, which are easier to see when the surrounding skin is stretched. The spots typically don’t grow in size or cause discomfort, which can help differentiate them from other conditions. However, some people with Fordyce spots have reported that spots located on the penis become itchy or inflamed during sex.
Other skin conditions may be mistaken for Fordyce spots, including:
- Millium Cysts: these appear as hard, white, round bumps on the face
- Sebaceous Hyperplasia: a condition resulting in the formation of small, soft bumps
- Epidermoid Cysts: the formation of small, hard lumps under the skin
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: a type of skin cancer appearing as a bump, red patch, or other growth
If you’re uncertain or notice changes to existing spots, consulting a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis can offer reassurance.
Identifying Fordyce Spots vs. Genital Warts (HPV)
Due to their appearance, Fordyce spots are often confused with genital warts caused by HPV. Here’s how to tell them apart:
- Similarities: Both can appear as small, raised bumps on the genital area.
- Differences: Genital warts usually have a rough, cauliflower-like texture and often grow in clusters. They can cause discomfort or itchiness, whereas Fordyce spots are smooth, uniform, and painless with no associated discomfort.
Identifying Fordyce Spots vs. Herpes
Fordyce spots are sometimes mistaken for herpes lesions, mainly when they appear around the mouth or genital area. However, it’s essential to be aware of how to correctly identify each:
- Similarities: Both conditions can manifest around the mouth or genital region.
- Differences: Herpes typically appears as painful blisters or sores that eventually burst and crust over, accompanied by other symptoms, including itching, burning, and flu-like symptoms. Fordyce spots do not form blisters or cause pain and maintain the appearance of small bumps without evolving into open sores.
Identifying Fordyce Spots vs. Syphilis (Chancre Sores)
In the early stages of syphilis, chancre sores may appear as small, painless bumps that can be confused with Fordyce spots.
- Similarities: Both can present as small, painless bumps.
- Differences: Syphilis chancres are typically solitary, firm sores that eventually ulcerate, and syphilis has systemic symptoms like fever or swollen lymph nodes. Fordyce spots appear in clusters, remain painless, and cause no additional physical symptoms.
Can Fordyce Spots Be Treated or Removed?
Since Fordyce spots are harmless, most people do not seek treatment. In some cases, these spots will disappear over time. However, there are various treatment options individuals may use to minimize the appearance of these spots should they choose to do so for cosmetic reasons, including:
- Cryotherapy: Extreme cold is used to freeze and destroy the tissue
- Electrodesiccation: A special electric needle is used to burn away the skin
- Laser Skin Resurfacing: Uses short-pulsed light energy or continuous light beams to remove thin layers of skin while minimally damaging surrounding areas
- Micro-punch Surgery: A pen-like instrument is used to “punch” the skin and remove specific tissue
- Topical Treatments: Creams, including retinoids, can be used to help reduce or eliminate Fordyce spots
Home Remedies for Fordyce Spots: Are They Effective?
There are some home remedies that individuals can attempt to use to reduce or remove Fordyce spots. However, there is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of these natural treatments. Some potential home treatments include:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has natural astringent properties that promote pore shrinking and drying up oil. One tablespoon of vinegar should be diluted with 1/4 cup of water and applied two to three times per week. Results may be visible after four to six weeks of treatment.
- Argan Oil and Jojoba Oil: Both of these oils contain vitamin E, which includes antioxidants that support increased blood circulation and skin firmness. Applying this oil to the spots twice daily may help reduce their appearance after about four weeks.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil can help moisturize your skin to reduce natural oil production that can make Fordyce spots more noticeable.
If you are interested in trying an at-home treatment for Fordyce granules, be sure to consult with your physician to avoid any possible adverse reactions.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Fordyce Spots
Myth: Fordyce Spots Are Caused by Poor Hygiene
It’s a common misconception that Fordyce spots are related to poor hygiene. Many people believe better personal care routines can prevent or eliminate Fordyce spots, but this is not true. Fordyce spots are naturally occurring and not influenced by cleanliness or hygiene habits. Fordyce spots are purely a result of anatomy and physiology. While maintaining good hygiene is always beneficial, it has no impact on the presence or visibility of these spots.
Myth: Fordyce Spots Are a Type of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
Fordyce spots are often mistaken for STDs due to their appearance, mainly when they occur in the genital area. However, Fordyce spots are neither contagious nor infectious and unrelated to sexually transmitted diseases. They are simply benign skin variations that many people have, appearing as small, pale bumps that do not transmit through sexual or physical contact.
Myth: Fordyce Spots Are a Sign of HPV or Herpes
Due to the appearance of Fordyce spots on the lips or genital area, people often worry that they are related to HPV or herpes. Both HPV and herpes are viral infections that present with visible symptoms on the skin, often causing raised or blister-like lesions. However, Fordyce spots are smooth, uniform, painless, and do not blister or crust. Although any virus or infection does not cause these spots, it’s ideal to have them confirmed by a healthcare provider to rule out an infectious condition with a similar appearance.
Myth: Only Men Get Fordyce Spots
While Fordyce spots are frequently noticed on male genitalia, both men and women can have them. They are often less noticeable on female genitalia, but they can appear on the labia as well as other parts like the lips and inside the mouth for both genders. Fordyce spots are simply more prominent on male genitalia due to differences in skin visibility. The reality is that Fordyce spots are common among adults of all genders and are part of the body’s natural variation in skin anatomy.
Myth: Fordyce Spots Need to Be Treated or Removed
Since Fordyce spots are harmless, treatment is not necessary. Many people are concerned about the appearance of Fordyce spots, especially if they are visible in intimate areas. However, treatment options are purely cosmetic and chosen only if someone feels self-conscious about them. There is no medical requirement to treat Fordyce spots as they pose no health risk and do not lead to any further complications.
Unsure if You’re Dealing with Fordyce Spots or an STD? Get Tested with Priority STD Today
Getting tested can provide clarity if you’re uncertain whether you have Fordyce spots or another possible condition. These spots are harmless, but it’s critical to know for sure that this is the condition you are up against to prevent the possible spread of an STD to partners.
Prioritizing your health and understanding the nature of Fordyce spots can give you peace of mind and ensure you’re taking steps toward your overall well-being. Consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis, or consider getting tested for STDs through Priority STD Testing to ensure your sexual health.