Many home remedies may help reduce or remove the appearance of Fordyce spots on your body.
Fordyce Spots
Fordyce spots are a common skin condition where oil glands appear larger. They become more noticeable during or after puberty. They often appear on and around your lips and sometimes on your penis and vagina. They’re a natural part of your skin, but treatments can shrink or remove them.
- Appointments 216.444.5725
- Appointments & Locations
- Request an Appointment
Overview
Fordyce spots on the top lip and bottom lip.
What are Fordyce spots?
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.
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. Men and people assigned male at birth develop Fordyce spots about twice as often as women and people assigned female at birth.
How common are Fordyce spots?
Fordyce spots are very common — 70% to 80% of adults have Fordyce spots.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of Fordyce spots?
Fordyce spots look like white, yellow, pale red or skin-colored bumps. They may appear as a singular spot or small groups of spots, but they can also appear in clusters of 50 spots or more. They’re easier to see if you stretch out the surrounding skin.
They’re small — typically 1 to 3 millimeters (mm) in diameter, which is about the size of the tip of a sharp pencil (1 mm) or a sesame seed (3 mm).
Fordyce spots don’t cause any pain, but there have been some reports of Fordyce spots on the penis becoming itchy or inflamed during sex.
What causes Fordyce spots?
Some researchers suggest that you may have Fordyce spots at birth. They become more obvious during puberty and into adulthood as your hormones start changing.
Are Fordyce spots contagious?
Fordyce spots aren’t contagious, and you can’t get Fordyce spots through skin-to-skin contact. You don’t need to take extra steps to protect your partner while kissing or during sex if you have Fordyce spots around your lips, inside of your mouth or on your genitals.
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.
Management and Treatment
Can you get rid of Fordyce spots?
Though Fordyce spots are common, benign and don’t necessarily need treatment because they usually go away over time, you may not like how they look on your body. Some procedures can remove them or reduce their appearance.
What treatments are used?
Your healthcare provider may discuss the following Fordyce spot treatment options with you:
- Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy tissue. After cryotherapy, you may experience mild pain in your affected area for approximately three days.
- Electrodessication: Electrodessication involves using a special electric needle to burn away portions of your skin. Your affected areas may take three to five days to heal.
- Laser skin resurfacing: Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser skin resurfacing uses short-pulsed light energy or continuous light beams to remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage to the surrounding structures. Your affected areas may take between five and 21 days to heal.
- Micro-punch surgery: Your healthcare provider will use a pen-like instrument to “punch” your skin and remove tissue during micro-punch surgery. Your affected areas may take up to a month to heal.
- Topical treatments: Topical creams, including retinoids like Retin-A®, may reduce or eliminate your Fordyce spots. It may take two to six weeks to see results.
Are there any home remedies for Fordyce spots?
Many home remedies may help reduce or remove the appearance of Fordyce spots on your body.
However, while home remedies are safe for most people, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before trying some of the following options. You may be at risk of developing an allergic reaction on your skin.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has astringent properties that make your pores shrink and dries up oil. Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup of water and apply it to your Fordyce spots two to three times a week. You may see results after four to six weeks.
- Argan oil and jojoba oil: Argan oil and jojoba oil contain vitamin E. Vitamin E is full of antioxidants that can increase blood circulation and make your skin firmer. Applying argan oil or jojoba oil to your Fordyce spots at least twice a day can reduce the size of your Fordyce spots after approximately four weeks.
- Coconut oil: Your sebaceous glands may overproduce oil when your skin is dry, which can make your Fordyce spots appear more noticeable. Applying coconut oil to your Fordyce spots can moisturize your skin and reduce oil production.
Squeezing Fordyce spots won’t make them go away. You may squeeze out an oily lubricant called sebum, but you’ll likely cause irritation or inflammation.
Prevention
How can I prevent Fordyce spots?
Fordyce spots occur on your body naturally. If you don’t like the way they look, you may be able to minimize them and prevent other skin issues by sticking to a proper skin care routine, including washing your skin with warm water and mild cleansers or soaps and routinely using a moisturizer.
Outlook / Prognosis
What can I expect if I have Fordyce spots?
Fordyce spots are benign (not cancerous).
Fordyce spots aren’t an STD or STI, and they don’t cause any harm.
If you don’t like how your Fordyce spots look, talk to a healthcare provider to discuss how you can reduce or remove them.
Living With
When should I see my healthcare provider about my Fordyce spots?
See a healthcare provider if you develop Fordyce spots in your genital area to confirm that they aren’t an STD or STI. You and your healthcare provider can also discuss medications or treatment options.
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?
- How can you tell that I have Fordyce spots and not a similar-looking condition like basal cell carcinoma, milia or epidermal inclusion cysts?
- Why are my Fordyce spots so noticeable?
- Will my Fordyce spots become more noticeable anywhere else on my body?
- How do I minimize my Fordyce spots?
- What medications or treatments do you recommend?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Though Fordyce spots are harmless, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you think something is wrong with your skin or if you have any skin-related questions. Even if you’re concerned for cosmetic reasons, you should still take care of your skin and be aware of any changes. You know your body best, but your healthcare provider can properly diagnose any signs or symptoms and offer the best treatment options.
Oropharyngeal Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection
Oral HPV is a subtype of human papillomavirus. It mostly spreads through oral sex or mouth-to-mouth contact. People with oral HPV don’t often have symptoms. For this reason, people can spread the virus without realizing it. Oral HPV can potentially turn into oropharyngeal cancer, though this is rare. The best prevention is vaccination.
Overview
What is oral HPV?
Oral HPV is a subtype of human papillomavirus — the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. Over 100 different strains of HPV exist, and about 40 of them can affect your mouth, throat and genitals.
Most of the time, your immune system wipes out HPV before it causes symptoms. But, approximately 10% of men and 3.6% of women in the U.S. go on to develop symptomatic oral HPV.
Is oral HPV the same as HPV?
Yes. It’s the same virus, but it can manifest in different ways.
HPV is an umbrella term for human papillomavirus. But, there are many types and subtypes of the virus. Oral HPV is one of them.
What are the types of HPV?
There are almost 200 different strains of HPV. Approximately 40 of those can infect genital and oral mucosa (mucus membranes). Out of those 40 strains, nine can potentially turn into cancer. The strain that’s most likely to cause oropharyngeal cancer is HPV-16.
How common is HPV in the mouth?
A recent study found that 7% of Americans aged 14 to 69 are infected with oral HPV. The same study found that significantly more people have developed HPV over the past three decades, and that more men than women have oral HPV infection.
What does HPV in the mouth look like?
Oftentimes, there aren’t any symptoms associated with oral HPV. But, some people may develop sores or warts on their lips, in their mouth or in their throat.
Is oral HPV cancer?
No. Oral HPV isn’t cancer. But, studies have found that certain types of HPV can turn into oropharyngeal cancer, especially HPV-16.
To put it in perspective, HPV-16 only occurs in about 1% of the population. Yet, about two-thirds of oropharyngeal cancers are linked to HPV. (Note: Most people who develop an oral HPV infection won’t get cancer.)
Are there any signs that are specific for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer?
The first sign is often having difficulty swallowing. Other signs are:
- Coughing up blood.
- A lump on your neck or in your cheek.
- Hoarseness that doesn’t go away.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Sore throat.
- Earaches.
- A white or red patch on your tonsils.
- Jaw pain or swelling.
- Unexplained weight loss.
These signs don’t necessarily mean that you have cancer, but if any signs are present for longer than two weeks, you should see your healthcare provider.
Symptoms and Causes
Are there oral HPV symptoms?
Most people with oral HPV infections don’t have symptoms. Because they don’t realize they’re infected, they’re more likely to transmit the virus to a partner.
Some people develop oral HPV lesions — such as sores or warts on their lips, inside their mouth or in their throat — though this is less common.
How does oral HPV spread?
Oral HPV is mostly transmitted by oral sex and mouth-to-mouth contact. Someone with HPV carries the virus in their saliva and mucus. It can spread if that saliva or mucus comes into contact with an open sore or cut in their partner’s mouth.
What’s the oral HPV incubation period?
On average, it takes about three to six months for oral HPV warts to appear after exposure. Keep in mind, though, that many people don’t develop symptoms at all.
Does oral HPV go away?
It’s likely. In fact, most oral HPV infections clear up on their own without treatment in about two years.
But, for some people, the virus stays in their system for decades. In these cases, oral HPV could go on to cause more serious health issues, including oropharyngeal cancer.
What are the biggest risk factors for oral HPV?
As mentioned above, the most significant risk factor for oral HPV is having oral sex or mouth-to-mouth contact.
Other known risk factors include:
- Smoking.
- Sharing eating utensils and cups.
- Having multiple sexual partners.
- Deep kissing.
- Not using proper protection during oral sex.
- Alcohol use disorder.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is oral HPV diagnosed?
There is no test that can find the first signs of oral HPV. Your healthcare provider may find oral HPV lesions during routine screenings or exams. But, most of the time, testing only confirms the virus is present in people who already have symptoms.
Your healthcare provider may ask to take a biopsy of any suspicious areas. They can test your tissue sample to see if it’s cancerous or pre-cancerous. If you do have oropharyngeal cancer, treatment may be more effective if it’s HPV-positive.
Management and Treatment
How is oral HPV treated?
If you’re living with oral HPV, your body will likely clear the virus on its own. But, if you develop sores or warts, your healthcare provider can remove them using one of these oral HPV treatments:
- Surgery.
- Cryotherapy.
- An injection of interferon alfa-2B.
Prevention
Does the HPV vaccine prevent oral HPV?
Yes. Research shows that HPV vaccination can significantly reduce oral HPV infections. Vaccination also helps protect you against strains of HPV that can lead to oropharyngeal cancer, cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, anal cancer and penile cancer.
What else should I know about the HPV vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine HPV vaccination at age 11 or 12. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends HPV vaccination for everyone through age 26. This means that people who didn’t receive the vaccine at a younger age should ask their healthcare provider about appropriate next steps.
Most people over the age of 26 won’t need HPV vaccination since they’ve likely been exposed to the virus already. However, if you’re between the ages of 27 and 45, vaccination may still be beneficial. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out more.
Outlook / Prognosis
What can I expect if I have oral HPV?
Most of the time, oral HPV goes away on its own. But, if you develop warts on your lips or inside your mouth, your healthcare provider can remove them.
It’s important to see your healthcare provider for routine follow-ups, as oral HPV can potentially turn into oropharyngeal cancer. HPV-positive cancers have better outcomes with treatment compared to HPV-negative cancers. Early detection and treatment are key.
Living With
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If you’d like to learn more about the HPV vaccine, call your healthcare provider to discuss your options.
Additionally, you should schedule a visit with your provider if you notice sores, warts or any other abnormalities.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Oral HPV is one of the most common subtypes of human papillomavirus. You can significantly reduce your risk for HPV infection by getting vaccinated. But, if you contract HPV, your immune system will likely clear it from your body within a couple of years. If the infection stays in your body, though, it could lead to cancer. Ask your healthcare provider how you can protect yourself against HPV.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/11/2022.
References
- American Cancer Society. What’s new in oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer research and treatment? (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/about/new-research.html) Accessed 7/11/2022.
- Ang KK, Harris J, Wheeler R, et al. Human papillomavirus and survival of patients with oropharyngeal cancer. N Engl J Med 2010;363:24-35. Accessed 7/11/2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer. (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/hpv_oropharyngeal.htm) Accessed 7/11/2022.
- Gillison ML, Broutian T, Pickard RKL, et al. Prevalence of oral HPV infection in the United States, 2009-2010. JAMA 2012;307:693-703. Accessed 7/11/2022.
- National Cancer Institute. HPV Vaccination Linked to Decreased Oral HPV Infections. (https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2017/hpv-vaccine-oral-infection) Accessed 7/11/2022.
- The Oral Cancer Foundation. HPV / Oral Cancer Facts. (https://oralcancerfoundation.org/understanding/hpv/hpv-oral-cancer-facts/) Accessed 7/11/2022.
- Young D, Xiao CC, et al. Increase in head and neck cancer in younger patients due to human papillomavirus (HPV). (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26066977) Oral Oncol. 2015 Aug; 51 (8): 727-30. Accessed 7/11/2022.
Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Related Institutes & Services
Head & Neck Institute
Our providers specialize in head and neck surgery and oncology; facial plastic and reconstructive surgery; comprehensive otolaryngology; laryngology; otology, neurotology and lateral skull base disorders; pediatric otolaryngology; rhinology, sinus and skull base surgery; surgical sleep; dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery; and allied hearing, speech and balance services.
Ob/Gyn & Women’s Health Institute
Cleveland Clinic’s Ob/Gyn & Women’s Health Institute is committed to providing world-class care for women of all ages. We offer women’s health services, obstetrics and gynecology throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond. Whether patients are referred to us or already have a Cleveland Clinic ob/gyn, we work closely with them to offer treatment recommendations and follow-up care to help you receive the best outcome.
About Us
Family Medicine
In 2024 our team of doctors and nurses provide a comprehensive range of family planning services. Our doctors have expertise in antenatal care, preconception planning, and STD checks. Contraceptive advice including Mirena and Implanon insertion is available.
- Early detection of illness;
- Family planning;
- Promotion of healthy lifestyle;
- Skin cancer checks;
- Sports injuries;
- Weight reduction;
- Workers compensation and third party.
Children's Health
Baby Weighing Service. Babies can be booked with our Nurse for weighing, a doctors appointment is not required to use this service. Contact reception for a appointment to have your baby weighed.
Immunisations. At Tuggeranong Square children's immunisation is regarded an important part of your childs health care. Our doctors take immunising children very seriously. and to ensure all children are immunised Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice doctors BULK BILL for all childhood immunisations. Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice also ensures the Practice Nursing Staff are highly trained in childhood immunisations.
Women's Health
Our practice is dedicated to treating a wide spectrum of women’s health concerns. We offer pre-natal, antenatal and postnatal care, contraceptive options, pap screening, and preventative health care advice. We provide assistance, advice and support through all stages of life, recognising the many issues many women may face from adolescence through to the peri and post-menopausal period.
- Cervical Screening tests;
- Reproductive health. Including Mirena and Implanon insertion;
- Shared antenatal care.
Men's Health
We encourage men to present routinely to their GP to discuss all aspects of their health. We provide comprehensive advice and support for men to address the prevention and management of various health conditions. This may include assessments for cardiovascular risk, diabetes, cancer prevention, mental health assessments, STD screening, sports injuries and the importance of sleep as it relates to other areas of health.
- Preventative Healthcare. Including cardiovascular screening, mental health and cancer checks;
- Prostate examination.
