The Board-Certified Dermatologists at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston are experts in treating a full spectrum of skin conditions. We offer personalized care and we specialize in minimally invasive and highly effective skin care procedures, including fordyce spots removal.
What Are Fordyce Spots?
Fordyce spots are small (1-3 mm) white or light yellow bumps that often occur around the edge of the lips or under the eyes. They may also occasionally appear on the genitals or inside the cheeks. These benign spots are enlarged oil glands and are not caused by clogged pores or follicles.
Although they do not pose a medical risk, many people seek treatment or removal of fordyce spots because they are bothered by the way they look. Fordyce spots may sometimes be confused with acne, but they are different and require specialized treatment for removal. You should not pick at or attempt to squeeze Fordyce spots, as this will not improve them or make them go away, but could cause scarring or an infection.
What Causes Fordyce Spots?
Fordyce spots are common and normal. They may be present at birth, but they are typically not visible until after puberty. While there is no exact cause of Fordyce spots, people with oily skin may be more susceptible and men are twice as likely than women to have them.1 According to a clinical study, Fordyce spots may be associated with hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by high fat levels in the blood that can lead to cardiovascular issues.2
Fordyce Spots Treatment in Houston
If you would like to get rid of fordyce spots on the lips or elsewhere, there are several treatment options available. The first step is to schedule a consultation appointment with one of the Board-Certified Dermatologists at our Houston office. We will evaluate your skin to confirm a Fordyce spots diagnosis and then recommend a treatment plan that will best meet your needs and goals.
CO2 Laser
A CO2 laser, such as Fraxel re:pair, is a powerful resurfacing treatment that may be appropriate for the removal of isolated or scattered Fordyce spots.
Pulsed Dye Laser
The doctors at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center utilize an advanced pulsed dye laser system called the Vbeam® Laser Platform. This highly effective and non-invasive laser may be used to treat more extensive or clustered Fordyce spots.
Electrodessication
Electrodessication is a procedure in which a specialized electrical current device is used to remove skin lesions. It is widely used in dermatology to safely treat a broad range of skin conditions. This method has been shown to be an effective way to remove fordyce spots for cosmetic reasons.3
Prescription Topical Medication
There are several prescription topical medications that may diminish the appearance of Fordyce spots and may also be used in combination with laser treatment.
Contact Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center for Fordyce Spots Treatment
If you are bothered by the appearance of Fordyce spots, or if you have any other skin concerns, Dr. Paul Friedman and Dr. Heather Richmond can help. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule your consultation appointment.
1 Leung AKC, Barankin B. Fordyce Spots. Clinical Case Reports and Reviews 2015 doi: 10.15761/CCRR.1000140 Volume 1(6): 121-122
2 Gaballah KY, et al. (2014). Can presence of oral Fordyce’s granules serve as a marker for hyperlipidemia? ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4241607/
3 Chern P, Arpey C. Fordyce Spots of the Lip Responding to Electrodesiccation and Curettage. Dermatologic Surgery: July 2008 – Volume 34 – Issue 7 – p 960-962