Fordyces Spots - What Are Those Little Yellow Bumps?

Most people don't realize how common Fordyces spots are

. Around seventy percent of people have these raised bumps somewhere on their bodies. However, approximately ninety percent of males have this skin condition. Typically located in the genital area but also presenting at the mouth, nipples, or other locations, Fordyce spots are completely harmless. These spots usually present at puberty and some people are so embarrassed, they will not even discuss questions with their personal physicians. The Fordyce skin condition is actually completely natural sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are an integral part of the skin layers. These glands excrete an oily or waxy substance called sebum. These are considered Fordyce spots when they are enlarged and yellowish in color.

These skin-colored raised areas are very small, approximately one to three millimeters in width. They occur in various areas of the body. Most common in the genitals, they can present in men and women. In males, the bumps show up on the shaft of the penis and the scrotum. They do not occur on the head of the penis. These bumps are from a different condition. In females, Fordyces spots are usually located on the labia around the vagina. However, these bumps can happen in the mouth and on the lips as well. They can present on the nipples or underarms too.

Fordyces spots can show up as a single elevated spot or in groups of bumps. Most people don't even notice or pay attention to a single one of these prominences. However, they often worry about the more common groupings of Fordyce spots. This harmless skin condition is often mistaken for a sexually transmitted disease, such as genital warts. It can also be confused with Angiokeratoma of the scrotum. Some affected people even think they have cancer when they see the bumps. Because there is little public awareness of Fordyce spots, people are often fearful and paralyzingly embarrassed. They do not seek answers or help.

Relief and peace of mind are easily had though, because Fordyces spots are entirely harmless. However, because they can be cosmetically undesirable, the skin condition can affect the lives of affected persons, such as their sexual activities. Treatment is available to reduce the size and appearance of these bumps with little risk. Topical gels and creams can target the sebaceous glands, decreasing the production of sebum (the oily secretion of sebaceous glands) and shrinking the size of the sebaceous glands.

by: Josh Higgins

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