What Are Those White Bumps on Your Skin? Experts Explain the Common but Misunderstood Condition
If you’ve ever noticed small whitish or yellowish bumps on your lips, inside your cheeks, or even on your private areas — don’t panic.
These bumps are incredibly common and harmless. Known as Fordyce spots, they are present in up to 80% of the population, according to dermatologists.
Named after Dr. John Addison Fordyce, who first described them in 1896, Fordyce spots are enlarged oil (sebaceous) glands that appear on areas of the skin where there are no hair follicles.
While they’re most often seen on the lips and inside the mouth, they can also appear on the genital area, including the p*nis or labia.
Are They Dangerous?
No — Fordyce spots are not a disease, they’re not contagious, and they’re not sexually transmitted.
They don’t cause itching or pain, and they don’t lead to any health complications.
However, because of where they can appear, many people mistake them for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like genital warts or herpes.
If you’re unsure, always consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Why Do They Appear?
Fordyce spots are usually present from birth but tend to become more visible during puberty due to hormonal changes and increased oil production.
They are more common in people with oily skin.
Can They Be Treated?
While no treatment is medically necessary, some people choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons. Treatments include:
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❄ Cryotherapy (freezing the spots)
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⚡ Electrodessication (using electric current to remove them)
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🔦 Laser skin resurfacing (removing layers of skin with focused light)
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🩺 Micro-punch surgery (using a small pen-like tool to “punch” out the spots)
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💧 Topical treatments (such as retinoid creams)
⚠ Important: Do not try to pop, pick, or squeeze them yourself — doing so can lead to irritation or infection.
Can You Prevent Them?
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent Fordyce spots since they are a natural part of the body, but keeping a regular skincare routine can help manage their appearance.
Washing with warm water and gentle cleansers, followed by moisturizing, is recommended.
Final Thought
Although harmless, these bumps can understandably cause concern.
Knowing what they are — and that they’re a normal part of the human body — can help put your mind at ease.
SHARE this article with your friends and family to help spread awareness and stop the stigma around common skin conditions.
