Listen to this article Have you recently noticed small white bumps on the edge of your lips? They could be fordyce spots. These tiny pimples usually appear in yellow-white, pale red and light brown color. Show
But, don’t worry! Fordyce spots are painless and don’t pose any major health risks. In this article, let’s understand the causes, diagnosis, treatments, and prevention of fordyce spots on the lips.
Highlights:
What Are Fordyce Spots?Fordyce spots are ectopic or abnormal oil glands that have become enlarged. These white-yellow coloured, raised bumps usually occur on the skin where no hair follicle exists. This could include the exterior part of your lips or on the inside of your cheeks. Fordyce spots normally appear either as scattered or an isolated cluster of bumps. Sometimes, they can appear in the genital areas of men and women [1] [2]. According to Clinical case reports and reviews in Canada, Fordyce spots are normally prevalent in almost 70-80% of adults across the globe. Fordyce spots are not an STD (sexually transmitted disease), but a common skin condition that is prevalent in many adult men and women. What Do Fordyce Spots On Lips Look Like?Fordyce spots look like tiny, raised yellowish or white clusters of pimples. You could find them on the inside of the cheeks and the borders of your lips [3]. What Causes Fordyce Spots On Lips?Fordyce spots are a common characteristic of the human anatomy. These white spots are normally present when you are born, but not detected or noticeable until you reach puberty. In the teen years, fluctuations in the hormonal levels enlarge the oil glands, making the Fordyce spots prominent and visible. In a case report on Fordyce spots, researchers claimed that Fordyce granules are the target of androgenic hormones and receptors in dermal sebaceous glands. Fordyce spots can appear in both men and women. However, these are more prevalent in men than women, and also visible in individuals with an oily complexion. How Do You Know If You Have Fordyce Spots?The most common symptoms of Fordyce spots include:
How To Get Rid Of Fordyce Spots On Lips?If you wish to get rid of Fordyce spots, there are various treatments that you can try, including home remedies, ayurvedic therapies, and medical treatments. A. Home Remedies For Fordyce Spots On Lips1. Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is widely used to treat several hair, skin, and health concerns. It has both astringent and antimicrobial properties, which help to heal and treat various skin ailments [4]. ACV’s astringent property controls and regulates the excess sebum production in your skin. How To Use:
2. Garlic Garlic is renowned for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties [5], which help to eliminate and inhibit bacterial presence in the bloodstream. Daily consumption of garlic cloves helps maintain good oral hygiene and inhibits bacterial growth. How To Use:
3. Coconut Oil Dehydrated, dry, and broken skin may lead to excessive production of sebum in the skin. Coconut oil acts as an excellent moisturizing agent [6], which effectively treats dry skin condition . It also controls excess oil secretion in the skin How To Use:
4. Argan & Jojoba Oil Jojoba and argan oil are rich sources of Vitamin E. Also known as a skin-friendly vitamin, Vitamin E effectively treats and heals a wide range of skin conditions and infections. Also, argan oil is very helpful in improving skin hydration [7]. How To Use:
B. Ayurvedic Treatment For Fordyce Spots On LipsBloodletting should be done in the first line of ayurvedic treatment for Fordyce spots. This mode of treatment includes the following steps -
Ayurvedic RemediesWith holistic ayurvedic remedies, you can make your lips spotless, beautiful, and healthy. 1. Turmeric & Milk
2. Beetroot Juice
3. Ghee
4. Milk & Pomegranate Seeds
5. Lemon & Mint Leaves
Click Here To View More! C. Medical Treatments For Fordyce Spots On Lips1. Micro-Punch Surgery Your dermatologist may suggest this option to effectively and swiftly eradicate multiple white spots from your lips or any other area [10].
2. Laser Treatments Two types of laser treatment are available,to treat Fordyce spots,and each uses a highly-focused beam of ray which is projected at different wavelengths. In the first kind, a carbon dioxide laser is used to extract and clean Fordyce spots in the affected area. In a 2003 study, carbondiaoxide super pulsed laser was found to be a safe and effective treatment for Fordyce spots. However, it may cause scarring in the skin in the beginning. The second type is pulsed dye laser treatment, which is suggested to most people as it does not leave many scars behind. This is, however, an expensive treatment option. 3. Topical Treatments The topical mode of treatment to remove or reduce Fordyce spots include isotretinoin [11], and dichloroacetic acid [12]. In a few cases, dermatologists may suggest combining topical treatments with laser-based treatment. However, these treatments may cause potential side effects like burning sensation and inflammation. How Do You Prevent Fordyce Spots On Lips?Here are a few preventive measures which you can follow to avoid Fordyce spots on your lips:
Risk Factors Of Fordyce Spots On LipsWhile the exact causes of Fordyce spots are still not known, they are often associated with various skin concerns and skin types. Fordyce spots are prevalent in men compared to women and affect individuals with an oily complexion. The white spots near and around the mouth are also associated with hyperlipidemia [13]. Studies have established associations between Fordyce spots and the risk of heart disease. How Are Fordyce Spots Diagnosed?Dermatologists may diagnose the Fordyce spots by their physical appearance. In a few cases, they may even suggest a biopsy for confirmation. In a biopsy, a small tissue sample is removed from the affected region for further examination. When To Seek Medical Care For Fordyce Spots?Fordyce spots are harmless and do not pose any significant health risks. Also, they don’t occur due to any disease or condition. They are also not prominent in many individuals. However, Fordyce spots may become unsightly in a few cases. You can then visit a doctor to get them treated. There are chances that you may confuse Fordyce spots with another skin condition. You can consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis. If the Fordyce spots on your lips are affecting your morale and overall appearance, then you may seek the advice and help of a knowledgeable dermatologist or ayurvedic doctor. They may guide you with the right treatment option. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fordyce Spots1. Can Fordyce Spots Spread?Fordyce spots or granules don’t appear due to infectious microorganisms like viruses or bacteria. Hence, they are not contagious and don’t spread to other areas of the body. These spots naturally appear in the genitals, mouth, or lips of an individual. 2. How Long Do Fordyce Spots Last On Lips?In a few cases, Fordyce spots disappear and fade away on their own with advancing age. However, the spots can become worse in some elderly individuals. 3. What Does It Mean If Fordyce Spots On The Upper Lip Start Itching?Fordyce spots are normally asymptomatic and don’t cause pain or itching in the affected area. However, if it results in itchy and inflamed skin, then it may indicate another underlying skin condition that requires immediate medical attention. 4. Who's At Risk With Fordyce Spots?Fordyce spots may appear at any stage of your life. However, the risk increases with advancing age as Fordyce spots are highly prevalent in elderly people. The Last Word
Know Your Dosha Now References1. Fordyce Spots (2021), Practical Dermatopathology (Third Edition), ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/fordyce-spots 2. Clinicopathologic Manifestations of Patients with Fordyce's Spots (Feb-2012), Annals of Dermatology https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3283840/ 3. Mucoscopy of Fordyce's Spots on Lips (Jul-Aug-2019), Indian Dermatology Online Journal https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6615395/ 4. Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect (May-2006), Medscape General Medicine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/ 5. Immunomodulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Garlic Compounds (Apr-2015), Journal of Immunology Research https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jir/2015/401630/ 6. In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil (Jan-2019), Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411017300871 7.Design, characterization, and clinical evaluation of argan oil nanostructured lipid carriers to improve skin hydration (Aug-2014), Dovepress https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4137996/ 8. Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence (May-2016), Phytotherapy research https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.5640 9. Potent health effects of pomegranate (Mar-2014), Advanced Biomedical Research https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4007340/ 10.Micro-punch technique for treatment of Fordyce spots: A surgical approach for an unpleasant condition of the male genital (Jan-2013), Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1748681512004986 11.Dichotomous Long-Term Response to Isotretinoin in Two Patients with Fordyce Spots (Apr-2012), Pediatric Dermatology https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1525-1470.2012.01749.x 12. Treatment of Fordyce Spots with Bichloracetic Acid (Mar-2008), American Society for Dermatologic Surgery https://journals.lww.com/dermatologicsurgery/Citation/2008/03000/Treatment_of_Fordyce_Spots_with_Bichloracetic_Acid.20.aspx 13.Can presence of oral Fordyce's granules serve as a marker for hyperlipidemia? (Oct-2014), Dental Research journal https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4241607/ Can lip filler cause Fordyce spots?Answer: Fordyce spots becoming obvious after lip fillers
Lip fillers can every the lips. Fordyce spots are relatively common visible glands on the lips. In patients with non-visible fordyce spots, it is possible that treatment with lip fillers will evert the lip and make the spots visible.
Is it normal to have small white bumps after lip filler?Lumps are actually a common side effect after a dermal filler or lip enhancement treatment. Often they are a short-term problem, but if need be, they are totally correctable by a trained aesthetic medical professional.
How do you get rid of white bumps after lip fillers?Experiencing lumps in lips after injectable filler is extremely common—and lumps most often resolve naturally with time. Gentle lip massage 5-7 days after the treatment can help smooth any lumps and bumps in the lips.
How do you get rid of Fordyce spots after fillers?Topical treatments to shrink or remove Fordyce spots include bichloracetic acid, topical tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A), and oral isotretinoin (Sotret, Claravis). Your doctor may recommend combining these topical treatments with laser treatments.
|