Fordyce spots are small white or yellowish bumps that commonly appear on the lips, genitals, or inside the cheeks and are often misunderstood. They are harmless, normal oil glands visible on hairless skin areas and are not caused by infections, poor hygiene, or sexually transmitted diseases.
These spots are not contagious, painful, or itchy, and do not require treatment unless for cosmetic reasons.
People are born with Fordyce spots, but they often become more noticeable during puberty due to hormonal changes and increased oil production.
While they usually do not go away completely, their visibility may decrease with age or hormonal shifts.
Doctors generally advise against treatment because these spots pose no health risk, though cosmetic options exist but may carry side effects and are not always permanent. It is important to consult a dermatologist if the spots change in appearance or cause concern, as other conditions might look similar. Overall, Fordyce spots are a normal skin feature that doesn’t affect health and shouldn’t cause worry, helping people feel more comfortable with natural variations in their skin.
