Fordyce spots (or granules) are small raised, red or pale white spots that can appear on the labia, scrotum, shaft of the penis, or the edges of the lips. Usually these spots are visible sebaceous glands, usually secrete oil for hair and skin. These spots generally appear during puberty and are harmless; This condition is not contagious and is not classified as an STD (sexually transmitted disease) such as herpes and genital warts. No special treatment is required, but these spots are usually removed for appearance reasons. Laser treatments and other surgical procedures are usually the most effective.
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Part 1 of 2: Getting Rid of Fordyce Spots
Step 1. Consult a dermatologist
If you notice a bulge in the genital area or lip edge that doesn't go away and bothers you, ask your GP for a dermatologist referral. A dermatologist will be able to diagnose the condition and calm you down as Fordyce spots can sometimes look like small warts or in the early stages of a herpes outbreak. Fordyce spots are a common phenomenon and occur in 85% of the population at some time in their life; Men tend to be more susceptible to infection than women.
- You need to be aware that Fordyce spots are harmless, painless, and do not require treatment. These spots just need to be removed for the sake of appearance.
- Fordyce spots are easier to spot if the skin is stretched, and can only be seen during an erection (in men) or pubic hair treatment (bikini wax) for women.
Step 2. Ask if laser treatment can be done
If you want to get rid of Fordyce spots for the sake of appearance, ask a dermatologist if laser treatment options are available, which is the most common way to get rid of these spots and other skin conditions Vapor laser treatments, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers have been successful in treating Fordyce spots, in addition to pulsed dye lasers. Ask your doctor for the option that best suits your condition and budget.
- The CO2 laser was the first gas laser to be developed and is still the most powerful continuous laser wave treatment for various skin conditions.
- However, CO2 laser ablation can leave scars and may not be suitable for Fordyce spots on the face.
- In contrast, pulsed dye laser treatments are more expensive than CO2 lasers, but are less likely to leave scars.
Step 3. Consider a micro-punch treatment
Micro-punch surgery is a procedure that uses a pen-like device to puncture small holes in the skin and remove tissue. This procedure is usually performed in hair transplant surgery, but research shows it is also effective for removing Fordyce spots, especially in the genital area. The risk of injury in micro-punch surgery is less than with CO2 lasers and spots not returning, which can still occur with CO2 laser and pulsed dye treatments.
- Local anesthesia is given to relieve pain from micro-punch surgery.
- The tissue removed by the micro-punch technique is not destroyed (as opposed to laser therapy in that it can be viewed through a microscope to rule out more serious skin conditions, such as warts or cancer.
- The micro-punch treatment is usually fairly quick and can get rid of dozens of Fordyce spots in a matter of minutes; therefore, this option is ideal for people who have hundreds of spots on the genital area or face.
Step 4. Consider topical application from a doctor's prescription
There is some evidence to suggest a link between hormonal imbalances triggered by puberty, pregnancy, and menopause with Fordyce's spots, like acne. So, various prescription creams commonly used for acne and other skin blemishes can treat Fordyce's spots. Ask your dermatologist if Fordyce's spots can improve with topical glucocorticoids, retinoids, clindamycin, pimecrolimus or benzoyl peroxide.
- Clindamycin cream is very helpful in fighting the sebaceous glands, although Fordyce's spots rarely become swollen.
- For young women, taking oral contraceptives can help reduce or get rid of Fordyce spots, such as acne.
- CO2 laser ablation is often accompanied by the use of topical exfoliating acids, such as trichloracetic and bichloracetic acids.
Step 5. Ask about photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy is treatment using light. A drug called 5-aminolevulinic acid is applied and allowed to penetrate the skin, then activated using a light, such as a blue light or a pulsed dye laser. This treatment can also treat and prevent certain skin cancers and acne.
- The price of this treatment is very expensive.
- This treatment also makes the skin more sensitive temporarily to sunlight.
Step 6. Know isotretinoin treatment
Isotretinoin treatment can last for several months, but the results against Fordyce spots can last a long time. This treatment is suitable for acne and other similar conditions related to the sebaceous glands.
Isotretinoin treatment carries some risks of serious side effects, including birth defects so it should only be taken for serious conditions, and women on isotretinoin treatment should not have sex or use contraception
Step 7. Learn the cryotherapy procedure
Cryotherapy is the process of freezing freckles using liquid nitrogen. Consult a dermatologist regarding this treatment to get rid of Fordyce spots.
Step 8. Find out about electrodessication / cauterization
This treatment is a form of laser therapy that burns Fordyce spots. Talk to your dentist to see if this procedure is right for you.
Step 9. Keep your body clean
Keeping the skin clean so it's free of excess oil and bacteria can help Fordyce's spots appear, especially during adolescence and pregnancy, when hormone levels peak. However, this method is not very effective in curing spots that have appeared. The use of cleansing products to clean the face and genitals can open the pores and sebaceous glands, which are quite effective in preventing blackheads/acne.
- Wash your genitals and face thoroughly regularly, especially after sweating and exercising.
- Consider using a mild exfoliating agent, such as a loofah, when cleansing your skin.
- If you have Fordyce's spots on your genitals, it's best not to shave your pubic hair as the spots will be more noticeable. If you want to get rid of pubic hair, you should opt for a laser procedure.
Part 2 of 2: Differentiating Fordyce Spots from Other Conditions
Step 1. Don't mistake Fordyce's spots for herpes
Although Fordyce's spots appear on the same areas of the body as herpes lesions (lips and genitals), they are very different conditions. In contrast to Fordyce's spots, herpes lesions appear as red blisters or ulcers that initially itch before becoming painful (usually a burning pain). In addition, herpes lesions are also usually larger than Fordyce spots.
- Herpes is caused by the "herpes simplex" virus (either type 1 or 2) and is highly contagious. In contrast, Fordyce spots are not contagious.
- After recurrence, the herpes lesions fade and usually appear only when stressed. Fordyce spots sometimes fade, but are usually permanent and get worse with age.
Step 2. Distinguish Fordyce's spots from genital warts
Fordyce spots can look like genital warts, especially during the early stages when they are small. Both of these conditions also appear around the genitals. However, genital warts can grow to be larger than Fordyce's spots and are caused by HPV or the human papillomavirus. HPV is also transmitted and usually through skin-to-skin contact, for example through cuts, abrasions, or small tears in the skin.
- As they grow, genital warts often develop into cabbage-shaped bumps or small rod-like bumps. On the other hand, Fordyce spots usually look like “chicken skin” or sometimes “goosebumps” especially when the skin is stretched.
- Genital skin usually spreads to the anal area, whereas Fordyce spots rarely reach that area.
- Genital warts increase the risk of cervical cancer, whereas Fordyce's spots have nothing to do with other conditions.
Step 3. Don't mistake Fordyce's spots for folliculitis
Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles that are commonly seen at the vaginal opening and the base of the penis. Folliculitis is a small nodule formation around the pubic hair follicle. Usually, this condition is itchy, sometimes accompanied by pain and redness, and releases pus when squeezed, similar to acne. On the other hand, Fordyce spots are rarely itchy, painless, and sometimes produce a thick, oily fluid when squeezed, similar to blackheads. Folliculitis usually results from shaving pubic hair and irritation of hair follicles. Sometimes bacteria also play a role, although the condition is not considered contagious.
- Folliculitis is usually treated with topical creams or oral antibiotics, and better personal hygiene, including not shaving the pubis with a razor.
- It's best not to squeeze Fordyce spots because they can cause inflammation and enlarge them.
Tips
- Always see a doctor if you notice a strange bulge on the face or around the genitals
- Always practice safe sex even if you already know Fordyce's spots are not contagious. Be honest with your partner about the condition of your body.
- In some cases, Fordyce's spots completely disappear with age, although for some they get worse.
- It is estimated that the number of men who have Fordyce spots is twice as many as women.
