How to get rid of Fordyce granules on your lips easily and effectively

How do they look

Fordyce spots visually look like yellowish granules or swellings that are clearly visible on the lips.
The main area of ​​their concentration is the area near the sebaceous ducts. They are located not on the surface, but under the skin. At their core, they are sebaceous formations that gradually accumulate and form something like a bubble or granule. They were first discovered and studied by dermatologist John Addison Fordis (a specialist from the USA). He was the first to give a detailed description of formations in medical literature.

The granules are similar in size to grains of rice. Most often, neoplasms appear in size about 1-3 mm. 1-2 pieces are formed or combined into a group of 20-30 papules. Clearly noticeable when smiling (stretching lips). They do not contain or spread bacteria or viruses. In medicine, the phenomenon is classified as a skin condition, but not a disease.

The main harm to a person is psychological discomfort . Research statistics show that the problem is present in 36% of women and 60% of men. The age when granules may first appear is 13-16 years. Age corresponds to a period when the body undergoes rapid changes in hormones.

Kinds

Fordyce granules on the lips do not require strong exposure to antibiotics or special treatment with hospitalization. They should be removed if there are too many formations.

Doctors distinguish the following types of vesicles :

By location

Location on the inside of the lips

According to this feature, granules can be located:

• on the outside of one lip;
• on the outer side of the two lips;
• on the inside;
• from each side;
• in the center;
• On the sides;
• closer to the cheeks (from the outer and inner sides).

They can feel either smooth or rough to the touch. By size - small or large.

By shape

One of the forms of formations

There are several different forms of formations:

• cysts;
• cones;
• granules;
• spots;
• granules;
• bloating.

Sometimes they are shaped like small, light-colored pimples (they have no volume).

By stage

Granules are divided into stages of development (appearance):

• present from birth (visually invisible);
• appear on the skin at the time of puberty (on average 13-16 years);
• during the period of growing up, at an older age they become clearly visible upon visual inspection.

The impetus for development or increase in quantity is given by hormonal changes in the body. Doctors believe that closely located sebaceous glands or their incorrect location - at the very edge of the lips or mucous membrane - contribute to the formation of nodules. At older ages (after 45 years), the number of sebaceous glands increases. At this stage, the granules become visually similar to white cones.

Important! In some cases, granules are confused with protruding herpes. The main difference between these formations is that herpetic manifestations look like a cluster of blisters. Inside contains a clear or light yellow liquid. Over time, they burst and become crusty.

Causes of appearance, who is at risk

Experts believe that the main reason for the appearance of formations on the lips is the incorrect (abnormal) location of the sebaceous glands.

There is no exact information about the mechanics of their appearance, but doctors identify additional reasons and factors that may affect the development of the negative process:

• certain types of hormonal disorders - from temporary imbalances (due to medication) to serious diseases or complications;
• metabolic changes in the system or in the body as an integral structure;
• adolescence (puberty, the beginning of menstruation in girls);
• hyperlipidemia - the problem is a lipid disorder that is directly related to increased body fat;
• disruptions in the blood circulation process occur - as a result, the accumulation and expansion of the sebaceous glands on the surface of the skin occurs;
• genetic predisposition - the problem passes from parents to child in 90% of cases;
• skin pores are too large and clogged . Oil from the sebaceous glands can form plugs and blockages. Such conditions are ideal for the formation of Fordyce granules;
• the natural process of aging of the body - after 45-50 years, a gradual decline in metabolic processes begins, even without disturbances on the part of the body. Under these conditions, subcutaneous fat can accumulate and be deposited 2-3 times faster;
• the process of infection of the sebaceous glands - if a bacterial or fungal infection has penetrated them, then the appearance of white or yellow spots can be traced in 90% of cases. This is due to the reaction of the glands to pathogenic conditions and microorganisms;
• hormonal imbalance , a disorder due to an existing disease. In 90% of cases, the problem is a symptom of a problem such as a dysfunction or disease directly related to the functioning of the thyroid gland;
• menopause (the likelihood of rashes increases in women after 55 years);
• dysfunction of the glands;
• injury to the lip area;
• consequences (complications) of the enlargement process using hyaluron ;
• pregnancy - manifestations can occur at any week, since each woman’s body works individually;
• disruption of the adrenal cortex;
• ovarian diseases (pathological nature or consequences of age-related changes);
• disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary system;
• the presence of habits that in 90% of cases cause harm to the body (smoking in 90% of cases);
• consequences of surgery on the endocrine glands;
• stenosis of the sebaceous gland ducts.

Problems such as being overweight or poor personal hygiene do not lead to the formation of granules on the lips. It has been noted in studies that reducing body volume (weight loss) leads to the disappearance of tumors or makes them less noticeable on the skin.

Reference! Granules in any form and quantity are not a consequence of past or existing sexually transmitted diseases and are not sexually transmitted.

Why do Fordyce granules appear, where can they be and how to get rid of them:

Symptoms and external manifestations of pathology

In order to take measures to remove tumors, you need to know the symptoms of the problem. Under normal conditions, the sebaceous glands under the skin are not visible, but if the prerequisites are present, the granules become visually noticeable.

In addition, there are other symptoms :

• bulges appear;
• formations at the very beginning have a reddish tint, then change color to white or yellow;
• formations can be single or collected in groups;
• in 90% of cases there is no itching, but sometimes it may be present;
• discomfort appears in the damaged area;
• formations may be present in small quantities on the skin nearby (lower near the nose, on the chin);
• in rare cases (20-30%), swelling appears at the site of the rash and a burning sensation;
• lips become faintly pink, sometimes have a yellowish tint.

The formations are easily visible through the skin when stretched (smile, exercises for facial wrinkles). If one or more of these symptoms appear at the same time, it is recommended to consult a doctor, cosmetologist, or undergo examination by a dermatologist.

Attention! You should not try to squeeze out the granules, as there is a high probability of infection getting under the skin.

Is relapse of the disease possible?

Sebaceous glands are an essential part of the skin. Granules can form repeatedly on the lips. To avoid relapse, you should stabilize your hormonal levels and reduce stress. You may have to contact doctors of related specialties - a gynecologist for women and an andrologist for men.

If the granules do not cause physical discomfort, then it is better not to touch them. If there is a pronounced cosmetic defect of the lips, you should consult a dermatologist.

He will examine the suspicious spot using a dermatoscope with multiple magnification, rule out the malignant nature of the neoplasm and prescribe effective treatment. Only in this case will the result please you and you will be able to get rid of Fordyce granules on your face.

The article has been reviewed by the site editors

Can I cope on my own or should I consult a doctor?

You can get rid of the problem yourself if a person has knowledge in the field of cosmetology and dermatology. It is best not to try to get rid of the problem yourself , since symptoms may indicate the presence of specific problems in the body that require professional solutions and constant medical supervision.

You should not delay your consultation if there is obvious discomfort when talking or eating. The appearance of discharge or blood from the granules, increasing itching or pain also indicates the need for a medical examination.

Rash on lips due to herpes simplex virus

The appearance of itchy blisters and plaques of a cloudy yellowish tint is a symptom of the herpes virus type 1. There is also a high probability that it is herpes if the white dots are grouped in the corners of the lips. In this case, people often say that they “have a cold on their lips.”

The affected area usually does not hurt. In rare cases, the disease provokes enlargement of the lymph nodes or is accompanied by fever and weakness.

The first type of virus is transmitted by contact and is constantly present inside the body; it is impossible to completely get rid of it. Antibodies to this variety are found in most men and women over 40 years of age.

The immune system of a healthy person suppresses the disease, but when it is weakened as a result of stress or a cold, the virus manifests itself by the appearance of yellowish and white specks on the lips.

During periods of activation, the herpes virus must be treated, since when activated, it provokes the development of other diseases. Treatment of this disease is carried out with the help of a proper diet and antiviral ointments and gels.

You should not try to remove dead skin by tearing it off - this will lead to additional problems in the form of an open bleeding wound and the spread of infection.

Diagnostics

To undergo a diagnostic examination, you must first visit a therapist . He will give referrals to doctors of narrow specialization: dermatologist, endocrinologist . Women will also need to be examined by a gynecologist to confirm or deny the causes of the rash.
If the number of granules is small - 2-5 pieces, then a specialist in most cases makes a diagnosis immediately after a visual examination. There is no need to take tests or undergo hardware diagnostics (except for controversial issues or doubts).

When the rashes are profuse, in addition to discomfort, there is also itching, then a detailed examination, tests and specific procedures are mandatory for making a diagnosis and starting treatment. Additional examination is carried out in order to exclude the possibility of medical error. It is easy to attribute the granules to manifestations of eczema, rashes of an allergic nature, neurodermatitis, or molluscum contagiosum.

The main method of examination is taking a skin sample from the damaged area (biopsy) . Additional tests (general blood and biochemical) may be required if the doctor suspects the development of lichen ruber. Also, tests are prescribed by specialized specialists (for hormones, examination of the thyroid gland) when there are suspicions or additional symptoms characteristic of the disease.

Important! Despite the abundance of rashes, the quantity or color of the granules does not pose a health hazard. The main disadvantage is the visual unaesthetic. The transformation of neoplasms into malignant types of tumors (cancer) has not been detected over all the years of observation and examination.

Getting rid of Fordyce granules at home

In case of mild cases, treatment can be carried out at home. For this purpose, folk recipes and knowledge based on the properties of plants are used. The main components are herbs and various essential oils.

The knowledge accumulated in society is not the main method of treatment. It is recommended to use them as an addition to a recovery program that is based on modern medications. Together, each element will work 20-30% more efficiently.

Methods and methods for getting rid of white rashes at home:

• the presence of itching or discomfort can be removed with cold compresses based on chamomile infusion. For 250 ml of water you will need 1 tbsp of dried flower. You will need to wipe your lips 2 times a day (it is more convenient to carry out the procedure in the morning and evening);
• medicinal ointment - it is based on natural honey, mumiyo (you can use crushed tablets) and fir oil. You need to lubricate your lips with the composition 2 times a day. As a result of application, severe discomfort disappears;
• essential oils (fir, grapefruit, tea tree) help remove swelling or a burning sensation, and they also help get rid of or reduce pain.

If home therapy works at the source of the problem, the skin in the damaged area will begin to darken. After 1-2 weeks, the rashes will begin to subside. Gradually they will disappear completely. The skin will regain its natural shade. You can also apply baked onions to the areas. A solution of propolis or a mixture of fir oil with the addition of 2-4 drops of iodine copes well with the problem.

Important! Traditional recipes contain components that can cause an allergic reaction - plants, herbs, honey and ethers. Before using formulations or components, you should consult your doctor for detailed advice.

At the cosmetologist's

A visit to a beauty salon can also be a step towards getting rid of the problem.
The procedures are minimally invasive (without the use of surgical instruments). No specialized patient preparation is required. Hygiene rules are observed and antiseptic agents are used during the process. If pain relief is required, it is performed locally. The main medications are sprays containing lidocaine.

A specialist can use one or more techniques :

• laser treatment of the area - bulges under the skin are eliminated by targeted radiation. There is no pain or discomfort felt during the process. The effect is on the upper layers of skin and fat accumulations. The chance of bacteria or virus penetration with this technique is less than 1%. A special point: after exposure, the area becomes covered with a crust (a scab is formed). You cannot remove or try to rip off the formation - in this case, the likelihood of infection increases. The crust will fall off on its own in 3-5 days;
• method of exposure to radio waves - acts similar to laser exposure. High frequency waves. The crust also falls off on its own. This takes up to 10 days;
• exposure to liquid nitrogen is rarely used, since it is very difficult to control the strength and depth of exposure to the substance. Used as a fallback method when other programs do not produce results.

During the recovery period, no special impact on the wounds is provided. The duration of the course is calculated individually and depends on the severity and stage of the problem.

How to get rid of pathology:

In the hospital

There is no need to go to the hospital specifically - treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis.
The main drug for recovery is products that contain vitamin A. The doctor can prescribe:

• cream;
• gel;
• solution.

Additionally, other skin imperfections (acne or inflammatory processes) are also eliminated. Pigmentation becomes less pronounced. The composition chosen for treatment is applied with gentle movements. The layer should be thin. This is required for free air circulation.

The duration of drug treatment is individual. The doctor develops a course based on the examination results. If treatment for a specific disease is required, hospitalization may be required as indicated.

Advice! It is better to apply creams and ointments at night, as they should act on the skin for 5-6 hours.

Drug treatment of white spots on the genitals

1. If there are rashes on the genitals, medications are used to help normalize the vaginal microflora. For this purpose, solutions, vaginal suppositories and vaginal tablets are used to help get rid of pathogenic microorganisms.
2. In case of viral infection of the intimate area, tablets or injections are prescribed. The duration of drug treatment is determined by the doctor. On average it ranges from 10 days to two weeks. If herpetic rashes appear on the genitals, then ointments containing an antiviral active ingredient are used. If papillomas are present, they can be treated with keratolytics.
3. For furunculosis, ointments with an osmotic effect are used, which accelerate the process of maturation and opening of the abscess.
4. If an allergic rash occurs, you will need to identify the allergen that triggered its appearance and prevent skin contact with it. To relieve itching, your doctor may recommend taking an antihistamine.

Treatment

The treatment process is aimed at eliminating cosmetic imperfections. The peculiarity is that after 40-45 years the formations can resolve on their own . The reason is a decrease in activity in the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

The main doctor is a dermatologist. There will be no complications from the effects produced. No surgical intervention is performed. If medications do not produce results, then correction is carried out with a laser or radio wave.

Medication

Treatment of pathology with medications is indicated when the formations are small in size (about 1 mm).
For this, Retin A ointment or other similar compositions are used. The main component is jojoba oil, as well as retinoic acid. Indications for use:

• neoplasms under the skin;
• acne;
• preventive effects on the skin to prevent early aging;
• presence of facial wrinkles;
• consequences of prolonged exposure to the sun.

Retinoic acid has an exfoliating effect on the skin. The plugs formed as a result of the accumulation of fat dissolve under the influence of the substance. It is also used when it is necessary to remove or make scars less noticeable.

The areas need to be processed according to the following algorithm:

• rinse the skin;
• dry;
• Apply a small amount of product to the damaged area;
• do not wash off;
• stand for about half an hour (according to indications);
• wash off.

A side effect of the drug is sometimes a slight burning sensation on the skin of the lips after applying it to the granules. This does not require its cancellation. If the sensations are significant, then treatment is carried out once every 3 days.

The course of drug treatment starts from 1 month. Additionally assigned:

• vitamin complexes;
• procedures to stabilize the state of hormones;
• physiotherapy.

As a result, you can visually observe how the secretion of the sebaceous glands returns to normal. Additionally, antihistamines may be prescribed to eliminate the possibility of an allergic reaction.

Patient about the treatment of Fordyce spots:

Folk remedies (recipes)

Oil compositions: jojoba and water in a ratio of 1:2. The composition must be applied in the form of a mask. Leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. There is no need to use soaps or foams for washing.

A solution based on dried chamomile tincture. The liquid is used as a composition to wipe the damaged area.

Citrus juices - orange and lemon. You need to take a quarter of each type and mix. Using a cotton pad or soft cloth, apply it to your lips. Repeats throughout the day – 3-4 times. The course lasts until the spots disappear.

Apple cider vinegar and water is a simple recipe for pronounced granules. Quantity:2:1. Usage: Apply with a cotton swab to the treated area. Leave on lips for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Repeat 1-2 times a week. Continue the procedure for an individual period - until the granules completely disappear.

The healing properties of olive oil are actively used in folk medicine. They help remove or reduce the severity of formations. Softening and moisturizing the skin, cleanses pores. As a result, the sebaceous ducts are not clogged, and the movement of fats occurs freely. Olive oil is applied to clean and dry skin. It is best to leave it on for 6-8 hours (so the best solution is to apply it at night).

Another simple but effective traditional medicine: fresh garlic juice . You need to squeeze the liquid onto a cotton swab and wipe your lips. Then rinse with water without using soap or other cosmetics.

Removal

The method is used only after all the methods of cosmetologists have been tried and available folk recipes have been applied.

In 90% of prescriptions one of the following methods is present:

• plastic (surgery);
• micro-impact surgery;
• chemical cauterization;
• cryotherapy.

Modern medical methods offer to cure the problem:

1. Electrocoagulation. The impact of currents in this case is insignificant, since the formations are located in the upper layers.
2. Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy is used as a definitive approach.
3. Granules are excised with a laser when other methods have failed.
4. Wave action removes formation by 100%. There are no traces, scars or scars left.

Electrocoagulation

Cryotherapy

Laser

Radio waves

Using traditional methods

In order to get rid of light spots around the mouth, they resort to treatment with folk remedies at home. Jojoba oil is widely used in cosmetology. It helps cope with the signs of aging, nourishes and moisturizes the skin. The oil can remove various defects such as:

• inflammation;
• acne;
• acne;
• redness;
• peeling;
• acne;
• various skin diseases (eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis).

Another way to combat papules on the lips is a mixture of 1 g mumiyo (tablets), 50 g honey and 1 tbsp. spoons of hot water. Before lubricating the resulting mixture, lips are treated with fir oil while warm. The procedure must be repeated regularly every day for two weeks.

Warm lamb fat is also used. A small amount is melted in a water bath and rubbed into the skin.

Garlic juice is often used for skin growths. Lubricate the lips with freshly squeezed liquid from half a clove and leave to act for several minutes. The procedure is repeated until the papules completely disappear.

Can they appear after lip augmentation?

In rare cases, granules may appear after a lip augmentation procedure . This is due to the fact that hyaluronic acid is used as the main component. The body reacts to its excess or presence. As a result, characteristic thickenings form on the lips.

Granules appearing after lip augmentation procedure

Is it possible to get a tattoo with this pathology?

Since cysts do not contain any infection, their presence is not a contraindication to tattooing (permanent makeup). A similar approach is used to visually hide a problem when treatment has not produced the desired results.

Tattooing will help hide the defect

Surgical methods for removing formations on the labia

In some cases, they resort to surgical removal of formations in an intimate place.

Indications for it are:

• the presence of papillomas and genital warts;
• fatty cysts;
• the appearance of neoplasms;
• presence of subcutaneous acne;
• molluscum contagiosum;
• furunculosis;
• inflammation of the Bartholin gland.

Most often, minimally invasive removal techniques are used: cryodestruction, laser therapy and radio wave excision of elements.

In exceptional cases, surgery can be performed using a scalpel.

1. Laser therapy - this method is based on the use of a laser beam that evaporates the contents of the tumor. The technique is used to remove papillomas, cystic formations, and elements of rash caused by molluscum contagiosum.
2. Radio wave therapy – the effect of radio waves is similar to the effect of a laser beam. The technology is used for excision of tumors.
3. The use of liquid nitrogen (cryodestruction) is used to remove papillomas, molluscum contagiosum rashes, and condylomas. The method is rarely used due to the impossibility of controlling the depth of freezing of elements.
4. Diathermocoagulation is a method that is very rarely used to excise tumors localized on the labia, since there is a high risk of burning surrounding tissues.
5. Surgical intervention is used in case of a large size of the element or if its malignant nature is suspected.

After removal of the formation, a histological examination of the material is required, which is important to determine its benignity or malignancy.

Possible complications

No significant changes in health status are observed. After the spots disappear, the situation can go in two ways:

1. the condition of the skin will improve, as hormonal levels return to normal, the functioning of the sebaceous glands is stabilized;
2. the condition will become worse than before the appearance of the granules. In most situations, this is due to age factors (the skin goes through the aging stage).

Doctors recommend not to resort to serious impacts on formations if they do not cause severe discomfort.