What are Fordyce spots?
Benign, enlarged sebaceous glands visible as small pale bumps. A normal anatomic variant present in many people.
Causes
Ectopic sebaceous glands that become prominent around puberty due to hormones. Not an infection and not related to hygiene.
Common locations
Lips (vermilion border), inner cheeks, genital skin (penis shaft, labia), and areolae.
Evidencebased, stigmafree information
We aim to explain Fordyce spots clearly and compassionately: what they are, how common they are, and which options you can discuss with your dermatologist if you want to reduce their appearance.
Appearance
Pinpoint to 3 mm pale or yellowish bumps; often clustered.
Prevalence
Very common in adolescents and adults; a normal finding.
