Fordyce spots are small, raised, pale red or white bumps that can appear on the labia, scrotum, shaft of the penis, or the border of your lips.They are sebaceous glands, which produce oils for the hair and skin.They are not STDs, they are harmless and usually appear during puberty.Getting rid of them for aesthetic reasons is common.The most effective medical treatments are laser and other surgical treatments.
Step 1: It is a good idea to consult with a dermatologist.
If you notice little bumps on your genitals or lips that aren't going away or bothering you, get a referral from your family doctor to a dermatologist, who are skin specialists.Fordyce spots can look like small warts or the initial stages of a herpes outbreak, so the dermatologist will be able to diagnose your condition and put your mind at ease.Fordyce spots are very common and appear in 85% of the population at some point in their lives, and males are a little more likely to develop them than females.Fordyce spots are not infectious and do not need treatment.Their removal should be for aesthetic reasons.Fordyce spots are more noticeable when the skin is stretched, and may only be seen during an erection in males or pubic hair management in females.
Step 2: Ask about the treatments.
Laser treatments are the most common method of getting rid of Fordyce spots and other skin conditions.Vaporizing laser treatments, such as CO2 lasers, have been used with some success on Fordyce spots.Ask your doctor if it's appropriate for your condition and budget.The highest-power continuous wave laser treatment is currently available for various skin conditions and was developed by CO2 lasers.It may not be appropriate for Fordyce spots on the face to be caused by CO2 laser ablation.CO2 lasers are more expensive than pulsed dye lasers, but may be less likely to leave scars.
Step 3: Consider micro-punch treatments.
Micro-punch surgery uses a pen-like device to punch a small hole in the skin and remove tissue.Research shows that it can be very effective for removing Fordyce spots, especially on the genitalia.The risk of scarring with micro-punch surgery is less than CO2 lasers and the spots don't seem to return.Micro-punch surgery requires a local anesthetic.Unlike laser therapy, the tissue removed with micro-punch techniques is not destroyed so it can be looked at under a microscope to rule out other more serious skin conditions.It's ideal for people who have hundreds of Fordyce spots on their face or genitalia, because Micro-punch treatments are very quick and can remove dozens of spots within minutes.
Step 4: It's a good idea to think about using prescription creams.
There is some evidence to suggest that hormonal imbalance triggered by puberty, pregnancy and menopause can cause or contribute to Fordyce spots.A variety of prescription creams that are normally used on blemished skin can sometimes yield results on Fordyce spots.Ask your doctor about the use of certain drugs on your skin.It's rare for Fordyce spots to become swollen, but clidamycin cream is helpful for fighting inflammation of sebaceous glands.Fordyce spots can be reduced or eliminated by going on oral contraceptives.The CO2 laser is often combined with the use of exfoliants.
Step 5: Ask about photodynamic therapy.
A light-activated treatment is called photodynamic therapy.A medication called 5-aminolevulinic acid is applied to the skin, allowed to penetrate, and then activated with a light source, such as a blue light or a pulsed dye laser.This treatment can prevent and treat certain diseases.This treatment can be expensive.The treatment makes the skin more sensitive to the sun.
Step 6: Look into it.
It can take several months, but it can give long- lasting results.The treatment works well for certain conditions of the sebaceous glands.It should only be used for serious conditions and women who take isotretinoin must not have sex or use birth control.
Step 7: Ask about the use of cryotherapy.
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze off the bumps.It is possible to use this treatment to get rid of Fordyce spots.
Step 8: You can find out about electrodessication.
Laser therapy burns off the Fordyce spots.If this is an option for you, talk to your dermatologist.
Step 9: Good hygiene is practiced.
It's not a reliable way of getting rid of existing spots in most cases if you keep your skin clean and free of excess oils andbacteria.Clarifying agents can be used to clean your face and genitals as well as to prevent black heads.It's a good idea to wash your genitals and face after exercising and sweating.Use a loofah pad to clean your skin.If you have Fordyce spots on your genitalia, don't shave your pubic hair.It is possible that laser hair removal is a better choice.
Step 10: Don't confuse Fordyce spots with herpes.
Fordyce spots appear in the same area of the body, but they are different conditions.Unlike Fordyce spots, which look like blisters and are usually described as burning pain, sores of the genitalia are itchy before they become painful.Fordyce spots are usually smaller than the larger herpes lesions.There are two types of herpes, type 1 and type 2.Fordyce spots are not infectious.After an outbreak of the disease, it fades away and reappears only in times of stress.Fordyce spots are usually permanent or even get worse with age.
Step 11: Fordyce spots are different from genital warts.
Fordyce spots look a lot like genital warts when they are small.There are two conditions around the genitalia.Genital warts can grow to be much larger than Fordyce spots and are caused by the human papillomaviruses.Skin-to-skin contact with a small tear in your skin is the primary way in which HPV is transmitted.As genital warts grow, they can become cauliflower-like bumps.Fordyce spots look like "chicken skin" or "goose bumps" when the skin is stretched.Fordyce spots are more likely to spread to the anus regions.The risk of cancer of the cervix is increased by genital warts.Fordyce spots are not associated with any other condition.
Step 12: Fordyce spots can be mistaken for folliculitis.
Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair in the vagina and penis.Folliculitis is an inflammation of the pubic hair.They are often itchy, painful and red, similar to a sputule, if squeezed.Fordyce spots can sometimes release a thick, oily discharge if squeezed, which is similar to a black head.Folliculitis can be caused by shaving the pubic region.It's not considered a contagious condition, but sometimesbacteria are involved.Folliculitis can be successfully treated with oral antibiotics and better hygiene measures, such as quitting shaving with a razor.It's not a good idea to squeeze Fordyce spots because you can make them bigger.