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Fordyce Spots

Fordyce Spot Removal By New York Dermatologist Dr. Cameron Rokhsar MD

Fordyce spots, scientifically referred to as Fordyce granules or ectopic sebaceous glands, represent a variant of normal sebaceous glands. These non-pathogenic entities can be visually identified as minute, elevated, pale or pigmented papules appearing on the skin’s surface.

Fordyce Spots: A Dermatological Overview

1. Anatomical Locations:
• Labial Mucosa – Lips: Predominantly found along the vermilion zone of the lips.
• Genital Dermis – Genitals: Manifest on the penile shaft, scrotal skin in males, and the labia majora in females.
• Oral Mucosa: Notably present on the buccal mucosa and occasionally on the oral commissures.

2. Morphological Variations:
• These lesions exhibit homogeneity in their presentation, although variations in size and cluster density can be observed.

3. Clinical Implications – Effects on Patients:
• Pathophysiology: Fordyce spots result from the ectopic location of sebaceous (oil) glands without associated hair follicles.
• Symptomatology: Typically asymptomatic, their presence doesn’t signify an underlying systemic or cutaneous disorder.
• Psychological Impact: Aesthetically, their prominence, especially in the genito-labial region, may lead to psychosocial discomfort or anxiety in some patients.

4. Therapeutic Interventions – Treatments:
• Conservative Approach – No Treatment: Given their benign nature, active intervention is often unwarranted, unless solicited for aesthetic considerations.
• Topical Retinoids: Tretinoin or adapalene, acting as comedolytics, may attenuate their prominence.
• Laser Ablation: CO2 laser or pulsed dye lasers can offer precise and efficacious lesion removal.
• Electrocautery and Micro-punch Excision: Employed for lesion removal with minimal scarring potential.

Fordyce Spots FAQ

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