Our bodies are always changing Sometimes those changes happen gradually and sometimes they seem to appear overnight While many of them are harmless it is important to pay attention in case something unusual shows up
One common example is small white bumps that appear on the lips or in the genital area If you have noticed these you are not alone About 70 to 80 percent of adults experience this at some point
These bumps are usually known as Fordyce spots According to the Cleveland Clinic they are completely normal and not something to be worried about They are simply oil glands that become more visible over time most often during or after puberty These spots tend to show up on the lips and occasionally on the genitals
Are Fordyce Spots Dangerous
Not at all Fordyce spots are not caused by infections They are not contagious They are not sexually transmitted and they are not cancerous They are just a part of your natural skin structure Though they may look concerning they are not harmful
However because they can look similar to other conditions such as genital warts it is smart to get them checked if they appear suddenly or look different A healthcare provider can give you a proper diagnosis and help rule out anything more serious
Can You Treat or Remove Them
Most of the time Fordyce spots do not need any treatment But if their appearance bothers you there are a few options Topical treatments like retinoid creams can help reduce them slowly over time If you want faster results a dermatologist may suggest procedures like laser therapy cryotherapy micro punch surgery or electrodesiccation
Even though these spots are harmless it is always a good idea to talk to a medical professional if you notice new or changing bumps especially in sensitive areas
