Fordyce's spots[1] are small, painless, raised, pale, red or white spots or bumps 1 to 3 mm in diameter that may appear on the scrotum, shaft of the penis or on the labia, as well as the inner surface (retromolar mucosa) 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's glands,[3] not to be confused with Hirsuties papillaris genitalis.[4] The spots are a form of ectopic sebaceous gland: normally, sebaceous glands are only found in association with a hair follicle. They are not known to be associated with any disease or illness and are of cosmetic concern only. They aren't infectious and are 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]
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Vaporising laser treatments such as CO2 laser[6] 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. Laser treatment can often leave significant scarring.[7]
Sometimes a doctor will prescribe TCA chemical peels, although as soon as treatment is stopped Fordyce’s Condition will return . Diathermy or liquid nitrogen freezing can also sometimes be used to remove the condition .
Success varies per patient, but some have found relief from pulse Dye Lasers,[8] a laser normally used to treat sebaceous gland hyperplasia,[9] which is similar to Fordyce spots. Treatment with Pulse Dye Lasers is usually expensive but doesn't scar.[9]
Fordyce's Spots are sometimes confused with Angiokeratoma of the Scrotum, but the two are not the same. Compare the images on the right of Angiokeratoma of the Scrotum with those above of Fordyce's Spots.