From the Research
Fordyce spots are benign and do not require treatment, unless they pose a significant cosmetic concern, in which case a dermatologist can remove them using various methods, including intralesional electrocoagulation with a proximally insulated microneedle and monopolar radiofrequency device, as reported in a successful treatment case in 2019 1. Fordyce spots are small, painless, yellowish-white bumps that appear on the inner lips, cheeks, or sometimes on the border of the lips. These spots are completely normal and harmless, requiring no treatment. They are sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands) that become visible through the thin mucosal tissue. Fordyce spots affect a significant portion of the population and can vary in number. While they may cause cosmetic concerns, they pose no health risk and are not contagious or related to any disease. Some key points to consider about Fordyce spots include:
- They are asymptomatic, multiple whitish, or yellowish 1-3-mm sized papules on the lips, as described in a case report in 2019 1
- Several therapeutic approaches have been proposed, such as laser, electrical or chemical ablation, and micropunch excision, but these modalities pose the risk of scarring from inevitable surface damage
- Intralesional electrocoagulation using a proximally insulated microneedle and monopolar radiofrequency device has been reported as a successful treatment option, resulting in marked cosmetic improvements without surface damage, as seen in a case report in 2019 1
- Isotretinoin therapy has also been explored as a treatment option, with a study in 2014 reporting dichotomous long-term response to isotretinoin in two patients with Fordyce spots of the lips and concomitant acne 2 If you're bothered by the appearance of Fordyce spots, it's best to consult a dermatologist to discuss the available treatment options and determine the best course of action.