Fordyce spots or pimples are tiny bumps that appear due to the obstruction of the sebaceous glands. They look like small bumps in the area where they appear and are commonly found on the lips of the mouth, on the penis, on the scrotum, or the vulva. Unlike what many believe, they do not constitute a health problem, as they are a benign and natural skin condition that does not cause any symptoms. However, those who present them may feel that it is a severe aesthetic problem for them, so they worry about looking for a specific treatment to help them get rid of them. If you want to know more about this condition, continue reading this FastlyHealarticle because we explain what they are the causes and treatment of Fordyce spots on the lips specifically.
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What are Fordyce spots, and what do they look like?
The Fordyce spots are tiny raised bumps (can measure about 3 mm), white, yellow, pale red, or the same skin tone that may appear on the lips of the mouth of both men like women. These spots appear on the penis, scrotum, or vulva at other times.
They are also known as Fordyce pimples, they are not painful, and it is a natural skin condition, so they do not constitute a disease, they are harmless, and they are not contagious, unlike what many people believe. Its name comes from the dermatologist John Addison Fordyce, the first specialist to discover them clinically.
Why do Fordyce spots come out
Fordyce spots are caused by the sebaceous glands’ blockage in the skin. The sebaceous glands are responsible for producing sebum naturally and regularly to keep the skin well protected and lubricated, and these are located within the hair follicles. However, when there is no hair follicle, the natural fat of the skin, instead of going out to the outside, gets trapped in the sebaceous glands (sebaceous hyperplasia), giving rise to the formation of Fordyce pimples, in this case in the edges of the lips usually.
This skin condition occurs naturally at birth, although it usually manifests itself primarily in the puberty stage and is generally present in the dermis of the affected person for life. It has been shown that as one advance in age, the bumps diminish and become less visible.
Symptoms of Fordyce spots on the lips
Because Fordyce spots are a natural skin condition, they do not cause symptoms, so there is no pain or irritation. If these or other symptoms are experienced, it is essential to consult with your doctor, as they could indicate another health problem not related to these bumps on the lips.
However, for many of those affected, the presence of these pimples in an area as visible as the lips of the mouth can pose a severe aesthetic problem that generates a series of negative emotional symptoms, such as low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, depression, lack of self-confidence, etc., which is why many put themselves in the hands of specialists to find a definitive solution that allows them to eliminate Fordyce spots and put an end to this condition that causes them so much insecurity and discomfort.
Treatment for Fordyce spots on the lips
There is no specific medical treatment for Fordyce spots on the lips because, as we have already mentioned, they do not cause symptoms and are harmless. Now, there are many people who, for aesthetic reasons, are interested in finding a solution that helps them eliminate, reduce or mitigate them.
Some methods can be used to achieve this. However, it will always be advisable to consult a dermatologist in advance to make sure that this treatment will not cause any damage and is appropriate for our state of health; The treatments for Fordyce spots that can be contemplated are the following:
- Laser treatment.
- CO2 laser.
- She pulsed the dye laser.
- Electrodesiccation
- Cryotherapy.
- Micro-puncture removal surgery.
- Topical anti-sebum treatments.
- Tretinoin application.
- It took isotretinoin, although its consumption for prolonged periods is not recommended since it usually carries many side effects.
All these treatments to remove Fordyce pimples should be recommended by a medical specialist, and in no case should they be performed without their supervision.
Natural remedies for Fordyce spots on lips
In addition to the above methods, you can also take some simple steps and lifestyle habits to try to reduce Fordyce spots on your lips and keep your skin looking healthy and looking its best. Take note of the following tips to treat Fordyce pimples naturally:
- Follow a balanced and healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and, above all, include foods rich in antioxidants, ideal for promoting healthy skin and contributing to its healing.
- Control your cholesterol and triglyceride levels since it has been pointed out that people with elevated levels tend to present a more significant number of these bumps.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin well hydrated.
- Take care of your hygiene and use cosmetic products that respect the skin’s natural pH.
- Some natural oils, such as coconut or jojoba, can help reduce the appearance of these pimples and nourish the skin in the affected area.
- The treatments shown in the article Home remedies for oily skin will help you reduce excess sebum.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Fordyce spots on the lips: treatment, we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair, and nails category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.