Fordyce spots also called Fordyce granules: these are painless, tiny, pale bumps or spots in the genital area. Even though medical experts say these bumps are harmless, most people prefer treating them for cosmetic reasons. Normally, the bumps can be 1 to 3 millimeters in diameter. These bumps are in fact large surface sebaceous glands. These are oil-producing glands visible on the moist tissues lining various organs, muscle surfaces and body cavities. There is no link or connection between these sebaceous glands and hair follicles. The lesions are asymptomatic in nature but itching or irritation can occur if treated improperly.
Causes of Fordyce Spots
Medical experts believe that these tiny bumps are caused by sebum, which is the skin’s natural oil. This natural oil is trapped in the sebaceous glands that do not have air. In normal cases, sebaceous glands open up into hair follicles and the natural oil is secreted through the airshaft. However, sometimes there is no hair and thus no way to discharge this natural body oil. This results into these tiny bumps. If oil in the sebaceous glands lacks a means of escape, pimples develop in the body and sometimes bacteria can gain access as well. These kinds of spots do not cause any pain nor do not show any signs of pus. Fordyce granules are not infectious in nature and thus cannot be spread around. They are regarded as natural occurrence in the skin. Most men find these spots unattractive and seek treatment. Since it is not a medical condition, most medical experts do not recommend treatment. Even so, there are a few treatment options available for those who wish to go through with it. Seeking the right treatment cannot only correct the condition but can help one to avoid a painful experience.
Fordyce spots Treatment
For some people, Fordyce spots go away without using any treatment. However, for some, these spots remain with them for a long time prompting them to seek remedies and treatment. There few treatment options available, and one of them is Trichloroacetic Acid chemical peel. This product works by peeling of the skin in the bumps. This results in an improved appearance of the spots. However, one should be cautious when using this treatment on the lips since it can make them very sensitive. Another treatment option is the Tretinoin cream or gel. This method is very popular in treating Fordyce granules. There have been numerous positive reports about the effective of this product in improving the skin condition. To increase the efficiency of this cream, medical experts recommend using it in conduction with an alpha hydroxyacid agent. One can also visit a physician to undergo cryosurgery, which is a procedure that uses cold temperatures to destroy the bumps.