It’s important to realize that Fordyce spots are harmless, painless, not infectious and do not require treatment. Their removal should be for cosmetic reasons only. Fordyce spots are much more noticeable when the skin is stretched, and may only be seen during an erection (in males) or during pubic hair management (bikini wax) for females.
CO2 lasers were the earliest gas lasers developed and remains the highest-power continuous wave laser treatment currently available for various skin conditions. However, CO2 laser ablation can leave scars afterwards, so it may not be appropriate for Fordyce spots on the face. In contrast, treatment with pulsed dye lasers is more expensive than CO2 lasers, but may be less likely to leave scars.
A local anesthetic is needed to eliminate the pain of micro-punch surgery. The tissue removed with micro-punch techniques is not destroyed (unlike laser therapy), so it can be looked at under a microscope to rule out other more serious skin conditions, such as warts or cancer. Micro-punch treatments are generally very quick and can remove dozens of Fordyce spots within minutes — making it ideal for people who have hundreds of spots on their genitalia or face.
Clindamycin cream is especially helpful for combating inflamed sebaceous glands, although it’s rare for Fordyce spots to become swollen. For younger women, going on oral contraceptives may reduce or eliminate Fordyce spots, much like how they impact acne. CO2 laser ablation is often combined with the use of topical exfoliating acids, such as trichloracetic and bichloracetic acids. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Be aware that this treatment can be expensive. This treatment also makes the skin more sensitive to the sun temporarily.
Isotretinoin has some serious risks and possible side-effects, including possible birth defects, so it should only be considered for serious conditions, and women who take isotretinoin must abstain from sex or use birth control.
Wash your genitals and face thoroughly on a regular basis, particularly after exercising and sweating. Consider using a mild exfoliating agent, such as a loofah pad, when cleaning your skin. If you have Fordyce spots on your genitalia, avoid shaving your pubic hair because the spots might become more noticeable. Laser hair removal may be a better choice.
Herpes are caused by the herpes simplex virus (either type 1 or 2) and are very contagious. In contrast, Fordyce spots are not contagious. After an outbreak, herpes lesions fade away and usually only reappear in times of stress. Fordyce spots sometimes fade away, but usually they are permanent or even get a little worse with age.
As genital warts grow, they often develop into cauliflower-like bumps or tiny stem-like protrusions. In contrast, Fordyce spots often look like “chicken skin” or sometimes “goose bumps” especially when the skin is stretched. Genital warts often spread to the anus regions, whereas Fordyce spots rarely do. Genital warts increase your risk of cancer of the cervix. In contrast, Fordyce spots are not associated with any other condition.
Folliculitis is often successfully treated with topical creams or oral antibiotics, and better hygiene measures, including quitting shaving with a razor. It’s not recommended to squeeze Fordyce spots because you may inflame them and make them larger.
