Fordycea spots on the lips – how to distinguish them and treat them

Content author: Jakub Krącz, M.D., urologist · Editorial work: Editorial team of Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej · Medical review: Jakub Krącz, M.D. · Date of creation: 07/08/2026 · Date of review: 07/08/2026 · Updated: 07/08/2026

The article is educational and does not replace a urological consultation. A lesion that is rapidly growing, hard, ulcerated, bleeding, non-healing, painful or pigmented, as well as enlarged lymph nodes in the groin require urgent medical evaluation. Penile lesions are not diagnosed based on photos found on the Internet.

The most important information at a glance

• Fordyce spots are normal sebaceous glands visible through thin skin. They are not a disease or infection.
• They are not transmitted sexually, are not contagious and are not related to HPV.
• They do not result from hygiene negligence and cannot be washed or rinsed.
• They occur in a large part of the population, in both sexes. They are very common on the penis and scrotum, as well as on the labia.
• They usually become more visible after puberty, when the sebaceous glands work more intensively.
• They are most often confused with pearly penile papules, condyloma acuminata and milia. They are distinguished by their appearance and location.
• They do not require treatment for medical reasons. The reason for intervention may be solely aesthetic or psychological discomfort.
• Aesthetic treatment uses laser methods that allow for precise reduction of visible changes.
• No method removes the sebaceous glands permanently from the entire skin, so the changes may reappear over time.
• Before any procedure, it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis by a doctor, because some changes require completely different treatment.

Find out more about the specialist

Jakub Krącz, MD, PhD, is a urologist at Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej in Gdańsk. He deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urogenital system and procedures in the intimate areas, including laser removal of skin lesions on the penis. In this area, the order is crucial: first diagnosis, then possible treatment.

Meet Jakub Krącz, M.D.

What are Fordyce spots?

Fordyce spots, described in the late 19th century by the American dermatologist John Fordyce, are ectopic sebaceous glands. The term "ectopic" means that they are located where they are not usually visible, i.e. outside the hair follicle. In most places on the body, the sebaceous gland drains into the hair follicle and remains invisible. On the penis, scrotum and labial area, the skin is very thin and devoid of typical follicles, so the gland is visible through the surface.

In other words: this is not a lesion that has appeared. This is the correct structure that has become visible. This difference is of practical importance because it explains why Fordyce spots do not disappear after antibiotics, antifungal ointments or intensive washing.

They appear as small, smooth lumps, usually one or two millimeters in diameter, and are whitish, cream or light yellow in color. They occur singly or in clusters of up to several dozen lesions. They are painless, do not itch and do not change from day to day.

Where are they found?

In men, they most often affect the shaft of the penis, especially its base, and the skin of the scrotum. They may also appear in the area of ​​the retroglango groove. However, they do not appear on the glans because its structure is different - this is an important differentiation point.

The second typical location is the face: red lips, corners of the mouth and cheek mucosa. Many men notice spots in both of these places at the same time and do not connect them, because it is hard to believe that small yellow spots on the lip and lumps on the penis are exactly the same phenomenon. And yet it is so. We write more about this location in a separate article: Fordyce spots on the lips.

Changes usually become visible during or just after puberty, when the sebaceous glands begin to function under the influence of hormones. In some men they become slightly more pronounced with age, in others they remain unchanged throughout their lives.

Fordyce spots and pearly papules - how to distinguish them?

This is the most common mistake and the most important distinction in this article. Both lesions are completely benign and non-infectious, but they are not the same, they have a different structure and a different location.

The simplest practical tip concerns location. The regular rows of tiny protrusions around the crown of the glans are most often pearly papules. Scattered yellowish spots on the shaft of the penis or on the scrotum are most often Fordyce spots. This is an orientation, not a diagnosis - the assessment is always performed by a doctor.

A detailed description of pearly papules and their laser removal can be found on the procedure page: laser removal of pearly penile papules.

What else are they confused with?

In addition to the pearly papules, there are several other lesions in this area. Some are mild, some require treatment, and some require urgent evaluation.

• Condyloma acuminata. HPV-related lesions, usually uneven, verrucous, sometimes cauliflower-like. They can multiply and grow. They are contagious and require treatment. This is the most important diagnosis to exclude.
• Milia and small epidermoid cysts. White, harder lumps filled with keratin, more convex than Fordyce spots.
• Folliculitis. Red, tender lesions, sometimes with purulent content, often after shaving the intimate area.
• Molluscum contagiosum. Pearly papules with a characteristic depression in the center, infectious by contact.
• Fibroids and moles. Lesions with a different structure and color, requiring assessment, especially when changing.
• Precancerous and cancerous lesions. Rare but possible. Hard, ulcerated, bleeding or non-healing lesions are cause for concern.

This list shows why independent diagnosis based on photos can be misleading. Lesions with completely different clinical significance may look similar in the photo, but differ in features that the doctor assesses during the examination, sometimes using a dermatoscope.

Do Fordyce spots need to be treated?

From a medical point of view, no. They are not a disease, they do not develop into cancer, they do not threaten health, they do not affect fertility or sexual function. There is no health reason to remove them.

However, there is another side to this matter that should not be ignored. Some men feel real discomfort due to these changes. There is avoidance of intimate situations, fear of being judged by a partner, the need to explain oneself, and a recurring suspicion of a sexually transmitted disease despite normal test results. These are enough reasons to talk about treatment options.

For many patients, the consultation itself solves the problem. Information that the change is a normal anatomical structure, occurs very often and does not pose a threat to the partner, is sometimes the only "treatment" needed. Therefore, the visit also makes sense when the patient is not planning any procedure.

Laser removal of Fordyce spots

If the patient, after diagnosis, decides to undergo aesthetic correction, the basic method is laser treatment. The skin of the penis is thin, delicate and well supplied with blood, so the most important thing is precision and control of the depth of action - and this is what the laser provides.

The principle of operation is simple: laser energy vaporizes the tissue of the visible sebaceous gland at points, leaving the surrounding skin intact. The doctor works on individual lesions, one after the other, adjusting the parameters to their size and depth.

What really distinguishes this method from alternatives:

• Precision. Spot action allows you to spare the skin around the lesion, which is important for lesions located close to each other.
• Depth control. Lower risk of damaging deeper layers of the skin than with less controllable methods.
• Limited bleeding. The laser simultaneously closes small vessels, which is important in such a well-supplied area.
• Short outpatient procedure. Performed under local anesthesia, usually as a cream or injection, depending on the number of lesions.
• Possibility of stages. In case of numerous changes, the treatment can be divided into sessions, instead of burdening the entire area at once.

At the same time, it must be said directly what the treatment does not provide. It does not remove sebaceous glands from the entire skin and does not prevent new ones from becoming visible over time. There is no method that would guarantee smooth skin without a trace - as with any interference with the skin, discoloration, discoloration or minor scars are possible. The number of sessions, the expected effect and possible risks are discussed individually by the doctor during qualification.

How does the visit and treatment go?

The procedure has a fixed sequence which should not be deviated from.

The third and fourth stages are crucial. The procedure is performed only when it is certain what kind of change we are dealing with. Laser removal of a lesion that is actually a condyloma does not solve the problem and makes subsequent assessment difficult.

Healing after laser treatment

In the first days after the procedure, redness, slight swelling and small scabs are typical in the places after the removed lesions. This is a normal stage of healing. The skin of the penis usually heals well due to its rich blood supply, but requires protection during this time.

The following are usually recommended:

• gentle hygiene and thorough drying of the area,
• use of preparations recommended by the doctor,
• not removing scabs or scratching the healing areas,
• airy underwear and avoiding friction,
• resignation from the swimming pool, sauna and long baths until healing,
• refraining from intercourse for the period indicated by the doctor,
• avoiding shaving the area until healing,
• reporting for a check-up within the prescribed period.

The effect is assessed after complete healing, not immediately after the procedure. Possible side effects include temporary redness, discoloration or discoloration, and less commonly, minor scarring or infection of the healing skin. The healing time and detailed recommendations depend on the number of lesions removed and are provided by the doctor performing the procedure.

What not to do on your own

This is an area where independent attempts at treatment end up worse than the problem itself. You should not:

• squeeze or puncture the lesions - this may cause infection and scarring, and the sebaceous gland remains in place anyway,
• use burning preparations, acids or "wart" products bought without consultation,
• use antifungal ointments and antibiotics without diagnosis,
• scrub the area - excessive hygiene irritates the skin and increases redness,
• order treatments in offices without a doctor's assessment of the lesions,
• base the diagnosis on comparing photos on the Internet,
• postpone visits when the lesion grows, hardens, bleeds or does not heal.

Most common myths

• "It's a venereal disease." No. Fordyce spots are not an infection and are not transmitted sexually.
• "It's HPV." No. They are not related to the human papillomavirus. Condylomas look different and require treatment.
• "It's the result of poor hygiene." No. These are normal sebaceous glands. Washing them more often will not remove them and may irritate the skin.
• "I can infect my partner." No. The lesions are not contagious.
• "They need to be removed because they can turn into cancer." No. These are benign lesions that do not turn malignant.
• "They can be removed with ointment from the pharmacy." No. There is no topical preparation that would remove sebaceous glands.
• "Just squeeze them." No. This is a direct route to infection and scarring.
• "They will never come back after the procedure." No. The treatment removes visible changes, but does not eliminate sebaceous glands from the skin.

Do you have minor changes on your penis and you don't know what it is?

Instead of comparing photos on the Internet, it is worth establishing a diagnosis. If these are Fordyce spots, aesthetic laser correction may be discussed - but only after an examination.

Laser removal of penile skin lesions at the Friendly Medicine Island in Gdańsk

At the Friendly Medicine Island, Jakub Krącz, MD, consults patients with skin lesions in the penis and scrotum. The visit includes assessing the changes, distinguishing Fordyce spots from pearly papules, condylomas and other lesions, and discussing whether the procedure is justified in a given case.

If the patient decides to undergo aesthetic correction, a laser method is used, which allows the lesions to be removed pointwise, while preserving the surrounding skin. The number of sessions, the expected effect, the course of healing and possible side effects are discussed individually by the doctor. The current scope of treatments, availability of dates and prices should be confirmed during registration.

Find out more about Dr. Jakub Krącz Pearly penile papules Fordyce spots on the lips

What to ask the urologist?

• Are my lesions really Fordyce spots?
• Could these be pearly papules, condylomas or another change?
• Do I need dermatoscopy or additional diagnostics?
• Are the lesions contagious to your partner?
• Does the procedure make sense in my case or is it better not to move them?
• How many sessions will be needed for my number of shifts?
• What anesthesia will be used?
• What are the possible side effects in my situation?
• How long does it take to heal and when can I resume sexual intercourse?
• Can the changes reappear?
• Do lip spots require a separate consultation?
• What symptoms should prompt an urgent visit?

FAQ - Fordyce spots on the penis

What are Fordyce spots?

These are the sebaceous glands visible through thin skin. They appear as small, light yellow or cream lumps. They are not a disease or infection, but a normal anatomical structure.

Are Fordyce spots contagious?

No. They are not transmitted sexually or through contact. They are not related to HPV or other sexually transmitted infections.

How do they differ from pearly papules?

Fordyce spots are sebaceous glands, scattered mainly on the penile shaft and scrotum. Pearly papules are small skin growths arranged in regular rows around the crown of the glans. Both lesions are benign and non-infectious.

Can Fordyce spots turn into cancer?

No. These are benign lesions that do not turn malignant. However, hard, ulcerated, bleeding or non-healing lesions should be of concern - these require urgent evaluation.

Do they need to be removed?

There are no medical indications for their removal. The reason for intervention may be solely aesthetic or psychological discomfort, which, however, is real for some men and worth discussing.

What does laser removal of Fordyce spots look like?

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia. Laser energy selectively vaporizes visible glands, sparing the surrounding skin. If there are numerous changes, the treatment can be divided into sessions.

Will the changes come back after the treatment?

The treatment removes changes visible at a given moment, but does not eliminate sebaceous glands from the skin. More may become visible over time, so you should not expect a permanent effect.

Does the procedure hurt?

It is performed under local anesthesia, which significantly reduces symptoms. Feelings depend on the number of lesions removed and individual sensitivity. The method of anesthesia is selected by the doctor.

Can they be squeezed?

No. Squeezing does not remove the gland and increases the risk of infection, irritation and scarring. The skin of the penis is thin and easy to damage.

Are lip spots the same?

Yes, it's the same type of lesions - visible sebaceous glands. Localization on the labia and oral mucosa is as common as on the penis and does not pose a health threat.

When should I report urgently?

When the lesion grows quickly, is hard, ulcerated, bleeds, hurts, does not heal, has an unusual color or is accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes in the groin.

Who evaluates such changes in WMP?

On the WMP website, Jakub Krącz, M.D., is described as a urologist dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urogenital system and procedures in the intimate areas.

Sources

• Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, M.D. Jakub Krącz: https://www.wyspamedycynyPrzyjaznej.pl/pl/jakub-klacz-urolog-gdansk
• Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, laser removal of pearly penile papules: https://www.wyspamedycynyPrzyjaznej.pl/pl/laserowe-usuwanie-grudek-perlistych-pracia
• DermNet, Fordyce spots: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/fordyce-spots
• DermNet, Pearly penile papules: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/pearly-penile-papules
• DermNet, Molluscum contagiosum: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/molluscum-contagiosum
• NHS, Penis health: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/penis-health/
• NHS, Genital warts: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-warts/
• British Association of Dermatologists, information for patients: https://www.bad.org.uk/patient-information-leaflets/
• BASHH, United Kingdom National Guideline on the Management of Anogenital Warts: https://www.bashh.org/_userfiles/pages/files/resources/agw_2024.pdf