Fordyce Spots on Lips
Fordyce spots – which are also sometimes referred to as Fordyce granules – are small, white, yellow or red spots that can appear on several parts of the body, but are often seen along the lip line. Although these spots may be of some concern from an aesthetic vantage, they are actually harmless, and are not known to be connected with any variety of illness.
Because of their round, slightly raised, and sometimes clustered appearance, these unsightly spots are often mistaken for sexually transmitted diseases like HPV. There is no reason for alarm, however, as they are naturally occurring in most people, and are known as ectopic sebaceous glands. To put it simply, ectopic sebaceous glands are small, unusually placed oil glands. When these glands fill with infected material or oil, they become Fordyce spots. These spots are typically asymptomatic, are not contagious, and usually are not even visible to anyone else. Despite this fact, those who suffer from this condition often feel self conscious, and because of that, there are numerous treatments available for these annoying blemishes.
Treatment:
Treatments can range from simple at home procedures such as creams and homemade face masks, to more drastic operations like laser surgery. The most convenient method of Fordyce spot treatment is the use of specially made creams. Many of the creams used to treat this condition are also used to clear up acne spots, and often consist of such ingredients as alpha hydroxy acid and benzoyl peroxide. Many people also use at home TCA chemical peel kits; however, these chemicals can be very strong, so peels should be performed by professionals.
Given that Fordyce spots are relatively harmless, most doctors do not recommend the use of more drastic treatments. Those suffering from this condition, however, may feel that they have exhausted all of their other options, and opt for such procedures as cryosurgery, CO2 lasers, and electro desiccation. These treatments are often very effective, and generally produce rapid results. On the other hand, they can be expensive, and some may cause scarring, or nerve and tissue damage.
Those seeking less drastic options may choose a more natural Fordyce spot treatment. Natural remedies can range from a change in diet to homemade facials. Fordyce spot diets would ideally consist of foods filled with vitamins A, C, and E, folic acid and B complex, such as cantaloupe, lentil beans, and eggs. Facial masks can easily be made by mixing jojoba oil with liquid vitamin supplements like vitamin E or D, then allowed to rest on the skin for several hours. You can also mix the oil with other natural substances, such as apple cider vinegar, fresh garlic, sage, or tea tree oil.
Don’t Be Embarrassed:
Although these blemishes may be embarrassing at times, it is important to remember that they are not only natural, they are fairly common and nothing to be alarmed about. Though there are numerous treatment options available, you may find that your best bet is to simply leave them alone, and let your body take of itself.
