Fordyce's spot
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fordyce's spots, or Fordyce granules are small, painless, raised, pale or white spots or bumps 1 to 3 mm in diameter that may appear on the shaft of the penis or on the labia[1], as well as the inner surface and vermilion border of the lips of the face. They are common in men and women of all ages. They are named after an American dermatologist, John Addison Fordyce.[2] On the head of the penis, they are called Tyson glands,[3] not to be confused with Hirsuties papillaris genitalis.[4]
The spots are a form of ectopic sebaceous gland, and are not known to be associated with any disease or illness and are of cosmetic concern only. They are non-infectious and a natural occurrence on the body. Men sometimes consult with a dermatologist because they are worried they may have a sexually transmitted disease (especially genital warts) or some form of cancer, but this is not the case.[5] They may equally be worried about the appearance of their penis and what their sexual partner might think of it.[6]
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[edit] Treatment
Vaporising laser treatments such as CO2 laser[7] or electro desiccation have been used with some success in diminishing the appearance of this condition if they are of cosmetic concern. However, most doctors consider this a normal physiological phenomenon and advise against treatment. There are anecdotal reports that the spots can be reduced in size by following a low-carb dairy-free diet. Sebaceous glands are sensitive to diet-induced insulin spikes, and ensuing hormonal cascades, thus a diet that limits insulin production may allow the spots to shrink in size. There are studies showing carbohydrate-restriction can reduce acne[citation needed], another disorder involving enlarged and over-active sebum glands. Inclusion of cod liver oil in the diet is another approach that's been suggested, however this has not been clinically tested. Cod liver oil contains retinol, vitamin D, and omega 3 fatty acids, substances that may help regulate sebocyte differentiation and reduce inflammation.
[edit] Vitamin A
Vitamin A has been shown to be effective in the treatment of fordyce spots. High dosages, as much as 6000% RDA (300,000 IU) have been shown to greatly reduce the appearance of fordyce spots in a few weeks. This high dosage should only be used for 3 to 4 weeks, then lowered to 150,000 IU for a few months if necessary. Vitamin A reduces the size of the sebaceous glands, which is why it is also sometimes used to treat acne. It is important, however, to use natural vitamin A, such as from fish liver oil, as less side effects are reported. If any signs of overdose such as frequent headaches and sickness occur, vitamin A should be stopped, or the dose lowered. Isotretinoin (sold as accutane) is a prescription drug used for the treament of severe acne, which may also be benefical to fordyce spots.
Dark brown or purple spots on the scrotum, shaft, and head characterized by a rough texture can be treated with salicylic acid, benzol peroxide, green tea masks, and other acne lotions. It is believed that the drying out effect of these topical creams reduces the appearance of the spots. Though the fordyce will remain, using treatments such as these can eliminate the dark brown appearance of the spots.
[edit] References
- ^ Image - Fordyce spots (vulvar)
- ^ synd/1510 at Who Named It
- ^ derm/395 at eMedicine
- ^ Khoo LS, Cheong WK. Common genital dermatoses in male patients attending a public sexually transmitted disease clinic in Singapore. Ann Acad Med Singapore 1995;24:505-9.
- ^ Palo Alto Medical Foundation Bettina McAdoo , M.D. Retrieved June 24, 2006.
- ^ Spots on the penis. Dr John Dean. Retrieved June 24, 2006.
- ^ Ocampo-Candiani J, Villarreal-Rodriguez A, Quinones-Fernandez AG, Herz-Ruelas ME, Ruiz-Esparza J. Treatment of Fordyce spots with CO2 laser. Dermatol Surg 2003; 29: 869-71. PMID 12859392
