subject: Fordyces Spots Treatment - The Misunderstood Skin Condition [print this page] The papules, or bumps, referred to as Fordyce's spots are small, yellowish, and harmless. They can be very scary because they present in the same areas as some sexually transmitted diseases. They are most common in the genital areas but also show up on the lips and face. As with most conditions relating to sexuality, there is little public awareness of the facts. Also, affected persons are slow to ask doctors, friends, or family about the condition. However, the facts are that Fordyce spots are an extremely common and normal physiological phenomenon. They are purely a cosmetic issue and there is no need medically for treatment.
However, because of a lack of information, patients often feel self-conscious or potential partners can be turned away because of fear of a sexually transmitted disease. For mental health and cosmetic reasons, many patients seek Fordyces spots treatment options. If a patient's life is being affected by this health neutral condition, they may be staying home rather than going out, refraining from all sexual activity, or suffering from anxiety. For this reason, treatments that reduce the size and appearance of the bumps can be very beneficial. Understanding treatment is a matter of understanding the condition.
The roots of Fordyce spots are unknown. However, we do know that these papules are present in some babies at birth. They rise in prominence around puberty and become noticeable. At this impressionable age, the condition is even more damaging to fragile self-esteem and mental health. Also, young people at puberty ages are far less likely raise the questions they have with any adults or medical professionals. They are also typically less informed about sexual health conditions and are more likely to think that they have a sexually transmitted disease. Fordyce spots are actually enlarged sebaceous glands, a gland found in the outer layers of the skin all over the body. Successful Fordyces spots treatment options target the size of the sebaceous glands.
Sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily or waxy material. These are more prominent around hair follicles. Fordyces spots are characterized by not being in hair follicles. Effective Fordyces spots treatment plans include topical gels that are applied in a thin coat over the affected area and are allowed to absorb into the skin. The solution reduces the size of the glands and decreases sebum production. This can make Fordyces spots barely noticeable and allow patients to lead completely normal lives.
