Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionSymptomsCausesTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Once thought to be an abnormal symptom, they are now considered to be a normal skin variation. Fordyce spots are very common, occurring in 70–80% of adults.
Read on to learn about the symptoms of Fordyce spots and what to do if you want to treat them.
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What Are Fordyce Spots?
Sebaceousglands typically open into ahair follicle. They secrete a waxy, oily substance calledsebumwhich helps moisturize skin and hair.
Fordyce spots consist of clusters ofectopic(in an abnormal place or position) sebaceous glands. They are not associated with hair follicles, and they open directly onto the skin’s surface.
Fordyce glands are considered normal and occur in up to 80% of adults. They affect all genders and ages but are more commonly seen in males ages 17–67. They are present at birth but enlarge during puberty in response to hormones.
Symptoms of Fordyce Spots
Fordyce spots are pale white or yellow papules (small, solid bumps) that are about 1–3 millimeters in size. They are not tender and are usually asymptomatic, though they may cause itching for some people.
They can occur as one papule but usually appear in clusters of 50–100. If there are many of them, they may appear merged as patches. They usually occur symmetrically (the same on both sides).
They are most commonly found on thevermilionborder of the lips (the area where the red part of the lip meets the skin) and the oral mucosa (the moist lining inside the mouth). They can also occur onthe penis, scrotum, and labia.
Uncommonly, they may also occur in theesophagus, thegastroesophagealjunction (where the esophagus meets the stomach), the uterine cervix,the thymus(a gland located behind the sternum), and the tongue.
Fordyce spots are easier to see when the skin is stretched. For example, penile Fordyce spots are more noticeable during an erection.
Are Fordyce Spots Serious?
Fordyce spots themselves are not a cause for concern. They are not harmful, and they are not sexually transmitted or contagious.
Fordyce spots are not associated with harmful symptoms or systemic disease but rarely may cause penile discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Causes of Fordyce Spots
It isn’t known how Fordyce spots form, but they are considered a normal variant of skin development. They are more noticeable duringpubertywhen oil glands enlarge and occur more frequently with age. Some scientists believe they may be associated with theendocrine system, which directly affects sebaceous glands.
How Are Fordyce Spots Treated?
Fordyce spots are harmless and don’t usually require treatment.
“Treatment” often consists of the healthcare provider confirming that the bumps are Fordyce spots rather than another condition and reassuring the patient that they are normal and nothing to worry about.
Some people may seek treatment for aesthetic reasons. In this case, treatment options include:
These treatments can have side effects and may lead to complications such as scarring and infection.
Before trying treatments for Fordyce spots, talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits versus the risks. It’s also important not to squeeze or pick at your Fordyce spots, which can also lead to infection or scarring.
Summary
Fordyce spots are small, harmless bumps, usually found around the lips, in the mouth, or on the genitals. They are sebaceous glands that are not associated with hair follicles.
Fordyce spots are considered normal and usually do not cause symptoms.
Treatment is usually not necessary but may be sought for cosmetic purposes.
A Word From Verywell
If you think you have Fordyce spots, confirm it with your healthcare provider. Unless they are bothering you, you can leave Fordyce spots alone. They are common, normal, and harmless.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gaballah KY, Rahimi I.Can presence of oral Fordyce’s granules serve as a marker for hyperlipidemia?Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2014;11(5):553-558.Leung AKC, Barankin B.Fordyce spots.Clin Case Rep Rev. 2015;1(6). doi:10.15761/CCRR.1000140American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Fordyce spots.Das S, Bakshi S.Fordyce spots of buccal mucosa.Arch Med Health Sci. 2022;10(1):132. doi:10.4103/amhs.amhs_276_21Cherian S, Bapat PM, Chaturvedi UP, et al.Ectopic sebaceous glands over buccal mucosa: a case report on Fordyce spot.International Journal of Head and Neck Surgery. 2021;12(3):119-120. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10001-1444
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gaballah KY, Rahimi I.Can presence of oral Fordyce’s granules serve as a marker for hyperlipidemia?Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2014;11(5):553-558.Leung AKC, Barankin B.Fordyce spots.Clin Case Rep Rev. 2015;1(6). doi:10.15761/CCRR.1000140American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Fordyce spots.Das S, Bakshi S.Fordyce spots of buccal mucosa.Arch Med Health Sci. 2022;10(1):132. doi:10.4103/amhs.amhs_276_21Cherian S, Bapat PM, Chaturvedi UP, et al.Ectopic sebaceous glands over buccal mucosa: a case report on Fordyce spot.International Journal of Head and Neck Surgery. 2021;12(3):119-120. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10001-1444
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Gaballah KY, Rahimi I.Can presence of oral Fordyce’s granules serve as a marker for hyperlipidemia?Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2014;11(5):553-558.Leung AKC, Barankin B.Fordyce spots.Clin Case Rep Rev. 2015;1(6). doi:10.15761/CCRR.1000140American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Fordyce spots.Das S, Bakshi S.Fordyce spots of buccal mucosa.Arch Med Health Sci. 2022;10(1):132. doi:10.4103/amhs.amhs_276_21Cherian S, Bapat PM, Chaturvedi UP, et al.Ectopic sebaceous glands over buccal mucosa: a case report on Fordyce spot.International Journal of Head and Neck Surgery. 2021;12(3):119-120. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10001-1444
Gaballah KY, Rahimi I.Can presence of oral Fordyce’s granules serve as a marker for hyperlipidemia?Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2014;11(5):553-558.
Leung AKC, Barankin B.Fordyce spots.Clin Case Rep Rev. 2015;1(6). doi:10.15761/CCRR.1000140
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Fordyce spots.
Das S, Bakshi S.Fordyce spots of buccal mucosa.Arch Med Health Sci. 2022;10(1):132. doi:10.4103/amhs.amhs_276_21
Cherian S, Bapat PM, Chaturvedi UP, et al.Ectopic sebaceous glands over buccal mucosa: a case report on Fordyce spot.International Journal of Head and Neck Surgery. 2021;12(3):119-120. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10001-1444
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