subject: Fordyce Treatment - The Condition Never Talked About [print this page] Remember the old adage, "the only stupid question is the one that is never asked." Well, Fordyce's spots are the question that is never asked. It is widely unknown; however, it occurs in ninety percent of men and seventy to eighty percent of women. The lack of public awareness stems from an overwhelming embarrassment of the condition. Affected people are often so shy about this skin condition that they will not even consult their physician about it. The main reason for this is the placement of the growths. The embarrassment is the main reason people seek Fordyce treatment options too, considering it is not in least bit harmful to your health.
Fordyce's spots are present at birth but usually become more prevalent and noticeable at puberty. They can present as a single bump or as a groups of symmetrical bumps up to fifty in number. These papules, or bumps, are usually white to yellow in color, though some have a little red. They are one to three millimeters in diameter. Most commonly, they are located in the genital area, but they can also appear in other areas like the lips or nipples. In men, Fordyce's spots are found on the scrotum and shaft of the penis. Women can find them on the labia of the vagina. Fordyce treatment is better understood when you know what the spots are composed of.
Fordyce's spots are actually little build-ups of sebaceous glands. These are sweat glands, present in the outer skin layers of all people, which secrete an oily substance called sebum. They are benign skin growths, but the appearance fools some people into thinking they are a sexually transmitted disease or even cancer. Effective Fordyce treatments include topical gels that target these glands, making them smaller and reducing the sebum production to make them less noticeable. The gel is applied two times a day and provides marked improvement in about seven days, or less. Essential to the process is thoroughly cleansing the affected area and letting the gel completely absorb.
These topical gels can be safe, effective, and painless. However, some people insist on looking for Fordyce treatment that is expensive and risky. Some patients treat the condition through TCA chemical peels, laser removal, liquid nitrogen freezing, or very strong acne medicines, like Tretinoin or Isotretinoin (the main ingredient in Accutane). These approaches can leave scarring and cause pain, not to mention numerous side effects, some of them serious. It is important to consult a doctor when considering treatment for any condition.
