What makes fordyce spots worse

Fordyce spots are neither itchy nor painful. Popping or squeezing the bumps will not cause them to go away and will only irritate them. Although Fordyce spots can be found on the genitals, they are not considered a sexually transmitted disease.

Fordyce spots can appear at any point in life, but they usually become noticeable after the teenage years and are most commonly found in elderly people. The most common location for Fordyce spots is at the border of the lips, especially near the corners of the mouth. Oil glands, called sebaceous glands, are usually associated with hair follicles. Fordyce spots appear on your skin where no hair is present.

They usually develop as isolated or scattered bumps, but sometimes they cluster together. Fordyce spots tend to be about 1 to 3 millimeters. If they develop in your genital area, they can be a reddish color. Stretching out the surrounding skin makes the spots more visible. Fordyce spots are most likely to form around the outside of your lips or the inside of your lips and cheeks.

They usually appear symmetrically, on both sides of your lips. Fordyce sports are often barely noticeable, but in some cases they can be unsightly. Rarely, spots on your penis might bleed during intercourse. In your genital area, you might mistake Fordyce spots for genital warts or another sexually transmitted disease.

Fordyce spots are a natural part of your anatomy. According to a study published in the Clinical Case Reports and Reviews journal, twice as many men as women have Fordyce spots. Some sources report that individuals with oily skin have an increased incidence of Fordyce spots.

A study involving family members found that percent of the participants who had an inherited form of colorectal cancer also had Fordyce spots in their mouth. The authors suggest the presence of Fordyce spots might help doctors identify families who have a greater chance of developing this form of cancer.

The study reports that more research is still needed. Another study published in the Dental Research Journal suggests that large numbers of Fordyce spots in your mouth might be associated with hyperlipidemia. The spots can appear in anyone but are twice as frequent in men and in people with very oily skin. Fordyce granules are not contagious or caused by an infectious agent such as bacteria or viruses.

They arise naturally in the region of the mouth or genitals. The treatment of Fordyce spots is carried out only for aesthetic reasons, but it is not always possible to completely eliminate the lesions. Some of the more common options include:.

You can also make a vanilla and sugar scrub. Be careful when applying anything new to the skin, especially in the sensitive genital area. If you try these, use small amount on just a small area first to see how your skin reacts. Not Helpful 13 Helpful Doctors don't know exactly why some people get Fordyce spots.

Some think that you may just be born with the tendency to get them. And hormones may cause them to come up as you age. Not Helpful 20 Helpful Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Always see your doctor if you notice unusual bumps on your face or around your genitalia. Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2. Always practice safe sex even if you know your Fordyce spots aren't contagious.

Be honest with your sexual partner about your condition. Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2. In some cases, Fordyce spots completely fade away with age, although with some elderly people they can get worse. Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1. It's estimated that nearly twice as many men have Fordyce spots compared to women. Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0. Related wikiHows How to. How to. More References 5. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: 7.

Updated: January 29, Categories: Skin Health. Medical Disclaimer The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Article Summary X To get rid of Fordyce spots, which are small, raised, pale or red bumps that may appear on your genitals or lips, keep your skin clear of excess oils and bacteria, particularly during the teen years when hormone levels soar.

Italiano: Eliminare i Granuli di Fordyce. Bahasa Indonesia: Menyingkirkan Bintik Fordyce. Nederlands: Plekjes van Fordyce verwijderen. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. Reader Success Stories V. Oct 6. More reader stories Hide reader stories. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Mark Peters Mar 15,