Reason behind strange white bumps found on your private parts
If you have noticed whitish-yellow bumps that suddenly appeared on your lips, inside your cheeks, or on your private parts, fear not. It turns out that these bumps, known as Fordyce Spots by the dermatologist who first described them back in 1896, Dr. John Addison Fordyce, are found at 80 percent of people.
These spots are actually oil glands, called sebaceous glands, that are usually associated with hair follicles, according to Healthline.
They are not itchy, painful, or infectious, but some people mistake them for other conditions, such as certain sexually transmitted diseases or genital warts.
The truth is that Fordyce Spots are present from birth, but they become more visible during and after puberty.
They are found more at people who have oily skin.
When they appear on the p*nis, they can often resemble conditions such as Molluscum contagiosum, milium cysts, epidermoid cysts, or genital warts or herpes. If you want to be sure, consult a doctor.
Although they are benign and harmless, some people don’t like having them. In such cases, there are treatments available that can help get rid of them.
Fordyce spots (Fordyce granules) are enlarged, slightly raised sebaceous (oil) glands that appear in hairless areas of your skin. They commonly appear around the edges of your lips (vermillion border) and inside of your cheeks. They sometimes appear around your genital area. Fordyce spots are benign (not cancerous).
American dermatologist Dr. John Addison Fordyce first described Fordyce spots in 1896.
Dr. John Addison Fordyce
Some of those treatments, as described by the Cleveland Clinic include:
- Cryotherapy – freezing and destroying the tissue, such as with the warts.
- Electrodessication – burning them with special electric needle.
- Laser skin resurfacing – “using short-pulsed light energy or continuous light beams to remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage to the surrounding structures.”
- Micro-punch surgery – using pen-like instrument to “punch” them.
- Topical treatments – using topical creams such as retinoids.
Don’t try picking them or squeezing them yourself as you can cause an infection.
One way to prevent them from appearing or being visible is to stick to a proper skin care routine, such as washing the skin with warm water and mild cleansers or soaps, and using a moisturizer.
What is the difference between Fordyce spots and herpes?
You may be alarmed to notice Fordyce spots around your mouth or genital area, including your:
- Penis, including the head (glans), shaft or foreskin.
- Scrotum.
- Vulva, including the labia.
But Fordyce spots aren’t sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs or STIs). The appearance of Fordyce spots in these areas is normal, and they aren’t contagious.
Genital herpes is an STI caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). People with genital herpes develop painful blisters on their genitals. They can spread herpes through vaginal, oral and anal sex. They can also spread herpes through kissing or skin-to-skin contact if they have open sores. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can cause cold sores to form on the lips, gums, tongue and inside of your mouth.
What is the difference between Fordyce spots and warts?
Fordyce spots aren’t STDs or STIs, and they aren’t contagious.
Genital warts are an STD caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). People with genital warts develop small bumps or growths in and around their genitals and rectum. Genital warts and HPV are both highly contagious.
As genital warts initially develop, they may look like Fordyce spots. If you notice the sudden appearance of small bumps on your genitals, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
Who do Fordyce spots affect?
Fordyce spots affect everyone. They typically don’t appear during early childhood. They become more noticeable during puberty and adulthood as some of your hormones increase. Males develop Fordyce spots about twice as often as females.
How common are Fordyce spots?
Fordyce spots are very common — 70% to 80% of adults have Fordyce spots.
Diagnosis and Tests
How are Fordyce spots diagnosed?
Fordyce spots are easy to recognize, so you don’t necessarily need a healthcare professional to diagnose them. However, if you notice spots or bumps on your genitals, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider or dermatologist to rule out an STD or STI.