What Are Fordyce Spots?
Appearing as small raised spots on the skin, Fordyce spots are harmless but can be a cause of annoyance or embarrassment for many. Fordyce spots are enlarged sebaceous glands that often appear in clusters on the penis, scrotum, vagina or lips. It is important to remember that these spots are not contagious, not a result of any sexually transmitted infection nor are they painful or dangerous.
Do I have Fordyce spots?
Fordyce spots occur when a sebaceous glad doesn’t have a hair follicle to secrete sebum (natural oils) so they form a little bump under the skin, particularly noticeable when the skin is stretched. They usually have the following presentation:
- Small white, pink or yellowish bump, about the size of a grain of rice
- Can be found singularly or in clusters of up to 50 or more
- When on the genitalia, can be itchy after sex
How are Fordyce spots treated?
Traditionally, Fordyce spots have been treated using several different methods, all of which are destructive to surrounding skin and invasive to the patient. Surgical removal, whilst effective at removing the gland, leave a scar in their place and significant downtime and recovery is unavoidable. Using laser or diathermy also works to reduce and destroy the spots, but also targets the layers of skin above them. Ablating the whole surface in this manner is painful, and the downtime and recovery required can be significant.
Our Agnes RF device uses micro-insulated needles that are able to target and destroy the specific sebaceous gland whilst protecting the surrounding epithelial surface, meaning that no unnecessary tissue or skin is damaged. This treatment is relatively pain-free and is best performed over several sessions to see the best results. There is minimal downtime or interruption to daily life, and the treatment leaves no scarring unlike older methods.
