Spots, or granules, of Fordyes are small, pale red or white nodules (pimples) that can appear on the labia, scrotum, shaft of the penis, or at the edges of the lips. Essentially, these blemishes are visible sebaceous glands that secrete oil for the skin and hair. They usually appear during puberty and are completely harmless - they are not infectious diseases or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like herpes or genital warts. Fordyce spots do not require any treatment; they primarily want to get rid of them for cosmetic reasons. Laser or other surgical operations are most effective in these cases.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Getting rid of Fordyce stains
Step 1. Consult a dermatologist
If you notice small pimples on your genitals or along the edges of your lips that do not go away or do not bother you in any way, see a dermatologist. A dermatologist will be able to diagnose, and will certainly reassure you, since Fordyce spots, although they look like small warts or herpes in the initial stages, are harmless and appear in 85% of people. They are a little more common in men than in women.
- It is very important to understand that Fordyce spots are completely harmless, they do not cause any painful sensations, are not an infectious disease and do not require treatment. They are removed only for cosmetic reasons.
- Fordyce spots are more noticeable on stretched skin and can only be seen during an erection (in men) or when epilating the bikini area (in women).
Step 2. Find out about the possibility of laser treatment
If you decide to remove some of the Fordyce stains, talk to your dermatologist about possible treatments. The most common treatment is laser treatment. For the treatment of Fordyce spots, carbon dioxide lasers (CO2 lasers) are used, in rare cases, pulsed dye lasers are also used. Ask your doctor which option is best for you and your pocket.
- Carbon dioxide lasers were one of the first gas lasers, and they remain one of the most powerful continuous wave laser types currently used to treat skin problems.
- However, CO2 lasers very often leave scars and are therefore not recommended for treating Fordyce spots on the face.
- Unlike carbon dioxide lasers, pulsed dye lasers are much more expensive but less likely to scar.
Step 3. Consider the possibility of permanent makeup
For many women, with rashes on the lips, a dermatologist-cosmetologist may recommend permanent makeup to hide Fordyce spots. Permanent makeup is a kind of tattoo, only temporary. Over time, the dye that is injected into the skin dissolves, and the tattoo becomes less bright.
- The procedure for applying permanent makeup is very painful, so beauticians perform it under local anesthesia.
- This procedure is most effective when the nodules are located along the lip contour.
- It should be remembered that tattooing is a temporary solution to the problem. The pigment stays on the lips from 1 to 2 years, after which the procedure will have to be done again.
Step 4. Use prescription creams
Some research suggests that hormonal imbalances associated with puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can lead to Fordyce spots in the same way as acne (pimples). Thus, many prescription drugs that are used to treat acne and other skin problems can sometimes help to treat Fordyce spots. Ask your dermatologist about treatment options for Fordyce spots with glucocorticoids, retinoids, clindamycin, pimecrolimus, or benzoyl peroxide.
- Clindamycin cream is especially useful for inflammation of the sebaceous glands, however, this rarely happens with Fordyce spots.
- In some cases, taking oral contraceptives can help get rid of Fordyce spots (the therapeutic effect is similar to the effect of contraceptives on acne).
- Carbon dioxide laser ablation is usually combined with acid exfoliating creams (trichloroacetic acid or bichloroacetic acid).
Step 5. Ask about photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy is a light-activated treatment. A preparation of 5-aminolevulinic acid is applied to the skin, which penetrates into the skin and is then activated by a light source, in particular, using blue light or a pulsed laser. This method is also used to treat and prevent certain types of cancer and acne.
- Please note that this treatment can be expensive.
- This treatment temporarily makes the skin more sensitive to the sun.
Step 6. Consider isotretinoin treatment
Isotretinoin treatment of Fordyce spots can take several months, but it has long-term results. This method is also effective in treating acne and other sebaceous gland diseases.
Isotretinoin has some serious contraindications and possible side effects, including possible congenital abnormalities in children, so it should only be used as a last resort. Women using isotretinoin should avoid sex or use contraception
Step 7. Ask about cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is the process of freezing Fordyce granules using liquid nitrogen. Talk to your dermatologist about using this treatment to get rid of Fordyce spots.
Step 8. Learn about electrodesiccation / catheterization
This is a form of laser treatment in which Fordyce granules are cauterized. Discuss this treatment with your dermatologist.
Step 9. Compliance with hygiene
Cleanse excess oil and bacteria regularly to reduce the risk of Fordyce spots. This is especially true in adolescence and during pregnancy, when hormone levels change, however, regular skin cleansing alone rarely helps get rid of existing blemishes. Use a cleanser while washing your face and intimate hygiene to help unclog pores and sebaceous glands. Plus, regularly cleansing your skin can help prevent the formation of blackhead acne.
- Wash your intimate area and wash your face thoroughly and regularly, especially after exercise or when you sweat.
- You can use a mild exfoliating agent such as a sponge.
- If you have Fordyce spots on your genitals, do not shave off your pubic hair as it may become more visible. The best solution in this situation is probably laser hair removal.
Part 2 of 2: Differentiating Fordyce Spots from Other Diseases
Step 1. Don't confuse Fordyce spots with herpes
And although Fordyce spots appear on the same parts of the body as herpes (around the lips and genitals), these are different diseases. Unlike Fordyce spots, herpes sores look like red blisters or sores, initially they itch very much, and then itching gives way to burning pain. Also, herpes sores are usually larger than Fordyce spots.
- Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (type 1 or 2) and is highly contagious unlike Fordyce spots, which are not contagious at all.
- After opening the bubbles, herpes sores disappear, and they appear only during stress. Fordyce spots sometimes disappear, but usually they are constantly present, and sometimes the situation worsens with age.
Step 2. Distinguish Fordyce spots from genital warts
Fordyce spots can look like genital warts, especially in their early stages, when the warts are small enough. Like Fordyce spots, they also appear in the genital area. However, genital warts grow much larger than Fordyce's spots and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is also contagious and is usually transmitted through skin-to-skin contact - through cuts, abrasions, or minor injuries.
- As they grow, genital warts develop into cauliflower-like rashes or tiny stem-like protuberances. In contrast, Fordyce spots often look like "chicken skin" and sometimes "goose bumps", especially if the skin is stretched.
- Genital warts often spread to the anus, unlike Fordyce spots.
- Genital warts increase the risk of cervical cancer. In contrast, Fordyce spots are not associated with any disease.
Step 3. Do not confuse Fordyce spots with folliculitis
Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles and usually occurs at the opening of the vagina or at the base of the penis. Folliculitis is accompanied by the formation of pustules (pimples) around the pubic hair follicles. Very often, these pustules itch, sometimes hurt and are accompanied by redness, and when pressed, pus is released from them, something like a pimple. In contrast, Fordyce spots are extremely rarely accompanied by itching and pain, and when pressed, a thick fat-like substance is released from them, resembling the contents of clogged pores. Folliculitis often occurs due to shaving of the pubic hair and irritation of the hair follicles. In the process of inflammation of the follicle, bacteria play an essential role, but folliculitis is not a contagious disease.
- In most cases, folliculitis is successfully treated with creams or oral antibiotics; it is also recommended to pay more attention to hygiene and to stop shaving for a while.
- Doctors do not recommend squeezing out Fordyce spots, since the risk of developing inflammation is high, and the granules can only increase because of this.
Advice
- If you find any unusual rashes or pimples on your face or genitals, always see your doctor.
- Practice only safe sex, although Fordyce stains are not contagious. Be honest with your partner about your condition.
- In some cases, Fordyce spots completely disappear with age, although in some people they get worse in old age.
- According to statistics, men have Fordyce spots about twice as often as women.