Fordyce spots are one of those things most people notice but rarely understand. Have you ever spotted tiny white or yellowish bumps on your lips or genitals and wondered what they were? You’re not alone. These unexpected little dots can feel alarming at first, especially when they seem to appear out of nowhere. But take a deep breath—they’re more common and more harmless than you might think. The good news is, these spots are not a cause for concern. They have nothing to do with poor hygiene, infections, or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In fact, Fordyce spots are a completely normal skin feature for many people. They don’t cause pain, itching, or discomfort and usually go unnoticed unless you’re actively looking for them. Understanding what they are can help reduce unnecessary worry and make it easier to care for your skin. Getting clear information is the first step toward feeling comfortable about your body.
What Fordyce Spots Are Not
Let’s start by clearing up the confusion. Fordyce spots are not warts, herpes, pimples, or blocked pores. They are not signs of any disease, and they definitely aren’t contagious. That means you can’t catch them, spread them, or do anything wrong to cause them. It’s important not to treat them like acne or blemishes. Trying to squeeze or pick at them can irritate your skin and lead to scarring. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, Fordyce spots are considered a normal anatomical variant, not a medical issue. People often mistake them for something more serious because of their location and appearance, but unlike infections or skin conditions, they don’t spread or worsen. Most dermatologists don’t even consider them worth treating unless a person is bothered by how they look.
What Fordyce Spots Actually Are
So, what are these spots if they’re not a medical problem? Fordyce spots are simply visible oil glands that appear on hairless areas of the skin. Most often, they show up on the edges of the lips, the inside of the cheeks, and the genitals. Everyone has oil glands, or sebaceous glands, on their skin. Normally, these glands are hidden beneath hair follicles, but in areas without hair, the glands can become visible and look like small, pale bumps. These spots are named after John Addison Fordyce, a dermatologist who first described them in 1896. According to Healthline, about 70 to 80 percent of adults have them. They’re completely natural and rarely noticed unless someone is looking closely. While they may appear unusual, they don’t affect health and are just a visible version of something everyone has beneath the skin.
Why People Get Fordyce Spots
You don’t “get” Fordyce spots the way you get a rash or infection. You’re actually born with them. They just tend to become more visible during puberty when hormone levels change and oil production increases. As your sebaceous glands grow, they can push closer to the surface of the skin, which is when Fordyce spots start to show. Hormones and genetics may play a role in how noticeable they become. If your parents had visible Fordyce spots, there’s a good chance you might too. Unlike many skin conditions, Fordyce spots are not linked to lifestyle, diet, or hygiene. You can’t prevent them, and you haven’t done anything wrong to have them. They’re a normal part of your skin’s development that some people happen to see more than others.
