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• Part 1 of 2: Remove spots from Fordyce
• Part 2 of 2: Differentiating spots of Fordyce from other conditions
• Tips

Spots (or papules) of Fordyce are small, slightly raised, bright red or white bumps that can appear on the labia, scrotum, shaft of the penis, or on the edge of your lips. It is mainly visible sebaceous glands that normally secrete oils for the skin and hair. They usually occur during puberty and are harmless - they are not contagious and are not considered an STD (sexually transmitted disease), such as herpes or genital warts. Usually no treatment is necessary, but they are removed for cosmetic reasons. Laser and other surgical treatments are the most effective medical therapies.

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Part 1 of 2: Remove spots from Fordyce

1. Consult a dermatologist. If you notice small bumps on your genitals or around the edge of your lips and they don't go away or bother you, ask your doctor for a referral to a dermatologist who specializes in skin conditions. The dermatologist will be able to diagnose your condition and provide you with reassurance, as Fordyce spots can sometimes resemble small warts or the early stages of a herpes outbreak. Spots of Fordyce are a common phenomenon and occur once in a lifetime in 85% of the population - men are a little more likely to develop them than women.
   • It's important to understand that Fordyce's spots are harmless, painless, are not contagious, and don't require treatment. Their removal should only be done for cosmetic reasons.
   • Fordyce patches are more noticeable when the skin is tense, and may only be visible with an erection (men) or while treating pubic hair (bikini wax) in women.
2. Inquire about the available laser treatments. If you decide to remove some spots of Fordyce for cosmetic reasons, consult your dermatologist about the available laser treatments which are the most common method of removing them as well as for the treatment of some other skin conditions. Evaporative laser treatment, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers, have been used with some success on Fordyce spots (as have pulsed dye lasers). Ask your doctor which is the most appropriate treatment for your condition and condition.
   • CO2 lasers were the first gas lasers developed and to this day remain the laser treatment with the highest continuous wave energy available for various skin conditions.
   • Removal via CO2 laser can, however, leave scars, so this treatment is not recommended for removing spots of Fordyce on the face.
   • Treatment with pulsed color lasers, on the other hand, is more expensive than treatment with a CO2 laser, but usually leaves less scars.
3. Otherwise, consider micro-punch treatments. Micro-punch surgery is a treatment that uses a device similar to a pen to drill a small hole in the skin and remove tissue. This method is most commonly used in hair transplantation, but research has shown that it is also effective in removing Fordyce patches, especially on the genitalia. The risk of scarring with micro-punch surgery is less than with a CO2 laser. The spots also don't seem to return, which is possible with CO2 and pulsed color laser treatments.
   • A local anesthetic is needed to avoid the pain of micro-punch surgery.
   • The tissue removed by micro-punch techniques is not destroyed (unlike laser therapy). So this tissue can be studied under a microscope to rule out other serious skin conditions, such as warts or cancer.
   • Micro-punch treatments are usually short-lived and can remove dozens of spots of Fordyce in minutes - making it ideal for individuals with hundreds of spots on their genitals or face.
4. Remember to use prescription topical creams. There is some evidence to suggest that hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause can lead to patches of Fordyce in the same way that they lead to acne (pimples). Therefore, a variety of prescription creams normally used for acne or other blemishes on the skin can lead to results for Fordyce spots. Consult your dermatologist for effectiveness when using topical glucocorticoids, retinoids, clindamycin, pimecrolimus, or benzoyl peroxide.
   • Clindamycin ointment is particularly useful for treating inflamed sebaceous glands, however it is rare for Fordyce patches to swell.
   • In younger women using oral contraceptives, Fordyce patches may diminish or disappear, just as it has an effect on acne.
   • CO2 laser ablation is usually combined with the use of topical exfoliating acids, such as trichloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid.
5. Inquire about photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy is a light-activated treatment. A drug called 5-aminolevulinic acid is applied to the skin so that it can penetrate, and then it is activated with a light source, such as a blue light or a pulsed dye laser. This treatment also works in the treatment or prevention of some skin cancers and acne.
   • You should know that this treatment can be expensive.
   • This treatment also causes the skin to be temporarily sensitive to sunlight.
6. Inquire about isotretinoin. Treatment with isotretinoin can take several months, but can have long lasting results for Fordyce spots. This treatment works well for acne and other similar sebaceous gland disorders.
   • The use of isotretinoin carries serious risks and side effects, including possible birth defects, so it should only be used in serious conditions. Women taking isotretinoin should abstain from sex and use contraception.
7. Inquire about cryotherapy. Cryotherapy is the freezing of the bumps using liquid nitrogen. Consult your dermatologist about the possibility of using this treatment to remove spots of Fordyce.
8. Inquire about electrodessication / cauterization. This is a form of laser therapy that burns away the spots of Fordyce. Consult your dermatologist to see if this is an option for you.
9. Be hygienic. Keeping your skin clean and free of excess oils and bacteria can help prevent Fordyce spots from appearing in some individuals, especially during the teens and pregnancy when hormone levels rise. In most cases it is not a reliable way to remove existing spots. Using clarifiers to cleanse your face and genitals can help unclog pores and sebaceous glands, which is also an effective approach to prevent blackheads / blemishes.
   • Wash your genitals and face thoroughly on a regular basis, especially after exercising and sweating.
   • Consider using a mild peel, such as with a vegetable sponge, to cleanse your skin.
   • If you have spots of Fordyce on your genitals, avoid shaving your pubic hair as the spots can become more noticeable. Laser hair removal may be a better choice.

Part 2 of 2: Differentiating spots of Fordyce from other conditions

1. Don't confuse Fordyce's spots with herpes. Since spots of Fordyce occur in the same places on the body as herpes lesions (around the lips and genitals), they are a very different condition. Unlike Fordyce's spots, herpes lesions resemble red blisters or sores and are itchy before becoming painful - usually experienced as a burning pain. Herpes lesions are also larger than Fordyce's spots.
   • Herpes is caused by the virus "herpes simplex" (either type 1 or 2) and is highly contagious. Spots of Fordyce, on the other hand, are not contagious.
   • After an outbreak, herpes lesions fade, and they usually recur during times of stress. Spots of Fordyce sometimes fade, but are usually permanent or get worse with age.
2. Distinguish spots of Fordyce from genital warts. Patches of Fordyce can be very similar to genital warts, especially during the early stages when the warts are quite small. Both conditions also appear around the genitalia. However, genital warts grow much larger than Fordyce's spots and are caused by HPV or the human papillomavirus. HPV is also contagious and is mainly spread through skin-to-skin contact - through a cut, scrape, or small tear in the skin.
   • As genital warts grow, they usually resemble cauliflower-like bumps or small stem-like protrusions. Spots of Fordyce, on the other hand, usually resemble "goosebumps," especially when the skin is tense.
   • Genital warts usually spread to the region around the anus, while spots of Fordyce usually don't.
   • Genital warts increase the risk of cervical cancer. Spots of Fordyce, on the other hand, are not related to other conditions.
3. Don't confuse Fordyce's spots with folliculitis. Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicle that usually occurs around the opening of the vagina and base of the penis. Folliculitis involves the formation of small pimples around the hair follicles of the pubic hair. They are usually itchy, sometimes painful, red, and pus comes out when compressed - similar to pimples. On the other hand, patches of Fordyce are very rarely itchy, never painful, and can sometimes release a thick, oily discharge when compressed - similar to blackheads. Folliculitis usually results from irritation of the hair follicles when shaving the pubic hair. Bacteria are usually involved, however it is not considered a contagious condition.
   • Folliculitis is usually successfully treated with topical creams or oral antibiotics, and better with hygiene measures, including no longer shaving with a razor.
   • It is not recommended to compress any spots of Fordyce as they can ignite and enlarge.

Tips

• Always consult a doctor if you notice any unusual bumps on your face or around your genitals.
• Always make sure to have safe sex even when you know that Fordyce's spots are not contagious. Be honest with your sexual partner about your condition.
• In some cases, spots of Fordyce can fade completely with age, however, in some older people they can get worse.
• It is estimated that twice as many men as women have spots of Fordyce.