Fordyce Granules

Fordyce granules are hyperplastic sebaceous glands that tend to form in those areas of the body where the skin is thinnest and most delicate. Most often they are localized on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity (in particular on the cheeks), on the lips, in the groin, directly on the genitals and on the nipples. Such changes in the sebaceous glands were first described by the American dermatologist and syphilidologist John Addison Fordyce back in 1896. Hence the name that has now become generally accepted for them - Fordyce granules. Formations are considered one of the variants of the physiological norm, since they are: completely benign; do not harm health; are not accompanied by unpleasant symptoms; are not transmitted during sexual contact or any other way. That is why patients turn to specialized medical institutions only in cases where visible sebaceous glands represent a serious cosmetic defect and become a reason for a person’s dissatisfaction with their appearance. The exact reasons that provoke changes in the sebaceous glands have not been identified at the moment. However, most doctors, based on the results of pathomorphological studies of tissues, believe that the prerequisite for the occurrence of cysts are various types of congenital disorders of the development of the sebaceous glands, leading to their displacement into the upper layer of the skin or to a change in their normal location (the location of the sebaceous glands in the area of the border of the lips is considered abnormal , on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, etc.). Another cause of Fordyce granules is considered to be hyperplasia of the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands, which provokes the appearance of cystic formations in them. Simply put, Fordyce granules develop in people who have excessive narrowing or blockage of the excretory ducts of the glands, accompanied by the accumulation of secretions (sebum) in them. Sebaceous gland cysts first appear in humans during adolescence, when the process of puberty begins, that is, approximately in the range from 13 to 17 years. Thus, it can be assumed that the process of formation of Fordyce granules proceeds in accordance with the following algorithm: during the period of intrauterine development in the fetus, for one reason or another, the formation of the sebaceous glands is disrupted; when the child reaches a certain age, under the influence of steroid hormones that are produced by the sex glands (the so-called androgen hormones), the glands begin to increase in size and actively produce sebum, which results in their visualization.

Characteristic features of Fordyce granules. Externally, sebaceous gland cysts resemble small nodules (or papules) the size of a millet grain. As a rule, such rashes are numerous, widespread and not accompanied by pain (either at rest or when pressing on them). When pressing on the formation, in some cases a very small amount of liquid may be released from it, having a white-yellow tint and a rather thick consistency. However, more often than not, attempts to squeeze the contents out of Fordyce granules end in pinpoint bleeding and the development of hematomas in the area of skin surrounding the damaged papule.

Doctors are categorical in their prohibitions on self-removal of Fordyce granules, since this, firstly, is very painful, and secondly, provokes inflammatory processes and scarring of the skin. This is especially true in cases where the cysts are localized in the lip border area. Fordyce granules on the lips in the vast majority of cases (up to 90%) occur in women. This type of Fordyce granules occurs as a result of damage to the apocrine sweat glands, which are somewhat associated with the genitourinary system.

Treatment of Fordyce granules. Unfortunately, there are currently no effective methods for treating Fordyce granules. The use of jojoba oil and vitamin A is recommended as a means to inhibit further development of the process. These products help remove Fordyce granules that are already present and prevent the formation of new ones. Such drugs can act mainly on fresh cysts.

The main methods of removal are electrocoagulation or cryotherapy. Treatment of large Fordyce granules, as well as formations classified as old, is carried out through their surgical removal. The decision on the possible removal of certain elements is made by the attending physician. In this case, the skin over the papule is opened, the wen itself is peeled off, and the bleeding is stopped using an electrocoagulant. The edges of the operated area are sutured with special materials.

Pustovoitova E.V.

Diagnosis, treatment

The presence of Fordyce granules on the penis can be confirmed by examination. If the appearance of pathology is associated with the presence of urogenital infections, the patient is referred to undergo a smear from the urethra. Additionally, the man will have to donate blood for a PCR test.

If, before contacting a specialist, attempts were made to independently squeeze out the granules and swelling of the penis, the patient is referred for an ultrasound. The method helps determine the extent of inflammation.

Current treatment is minimally invasive; conservative therapy does not provide the expected effect. But in case of bacterial damage to the tissues of the penis, antibiotic therapy is indicated.

Our clinic specialists remove Fordyce granules using a laser. The high precision of the beam and the ability to use it competently allow you to achieve a positive cosmetic effect. Each patient who contacts can count on confidentiality and the absence of complications from treatment

What to prepare for, does it hurt to do permanent makeup?

Fordyce granules and permanent makeup are compatible in the absence of contraindications to tattooing. Despite the minimally invasive procedure, many girls find it painful. To reduce pain, the master applies an anesthetic cream to the lips under the oilcloth for 10-15 minutes. But the effect of local anesthetic drugs is short-term, which is why during the process of introducing the permanent it is necessary to pause for repeated anesthesia.

Primary permanent makeup is less painful than correction. Before repeating the procedure, it is better to take a potent analgesic in tablets or inject an anesthetic drug.

Even a dental anesthetic is suitable, thanks to which the lips will become numb and insensitive to pain.

Causes

Fordyce granules: why do they occur and how to get rid of them?
Clients ask me this question before permanent lip makeup at a preliminary consultation.

Many patients do not pay much attention to this, but for many, Fordyce granules are a cosmetic defect that can only be eliminated through a lip tattoo procedure.

Photo before permanent lip makeup. Fordyce granules on lips

Correction of lips using permanent makeup

Let's analyze it in detail.

So what are Fordyce granules and how can you remove them?

What can a medical examination and a permanent makeup artist offer?

Small white pimples on lips

In appearance, Fordyce granules resemble small whitish squeakers with filling.

Fordyce granules (or Fordyce disease) are light-colored, hardly noticeable or clearly visible formations (sebaceous glands) that can form on the oral mucosa, cheeks, lips, female labia, surface of the male penis, breast nipples , in the groin area and other places on the body.

Dear clients, I want to reassure you and make you happy. If you find such formations in yourself, relax. Fordyce granules are the norm these days, although they can cause discomfort in some cases.

Fordyce granules are also called seborrheic cysts.

Seborrheic cysts

According to medical statistics, approximately 40% of women and 60% of men have Fordyce granules.

Seborrheic cysts do not cause harm to health and are not transmitted during sexual contact or kissing. Most often, clients who have Fordyce granules turn to doctors and permanent makeup artists for help due to a cosmetic defect.

Having studied the list of medical sources, it should be noted that the reasons for the appearance of granules are currently unknown. The very name “seborrheic cysts” (Fordyce granules) has no connection with seborrhea.

Some sources indicate that these neoplasms appear during puberty. It is during this period that hormonal disruptions occur.

When the sebaceous glands are located too close to the upper layer of the dermis and epidermis, this is what causes the granules that the client observes.

In some cases, the sebaceous glands may be located abnormally - on the border of the lips or on the mucous membrane of the mouth. In this case, it causes aesthetic discomfort for the client.

It should be noted that this arrangement of the sebaceous glands is congenital. During puberty (13-16 years), under the influence of sex hormones (in particular, male sex hormones), the activity of the sebaceous glands increases.

What can cause Fordyce granules to appear:

smoking;
damage to the ducts of the sebaceous glands;
neglect of hygiene rules;
hormonal imbalances;
narrowing of the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands.

The client can observe Fordyce granules for a long period of time. According to medical statistics, they can disappear only after 40 years, but this is not always true.

How is recovery and treatment going?

Fordyce granules and (permanent makeup can disguise seborrheic cysts, but not eliminate them) other imperfections on the lips will become less noticeable a month after tattooing. During this time, the skin will completely recover after the injection of pigment.

Recovery takes place in stages:

Stage	Recovery Features
Post-traumatic period	In the first 2-3 days, redness and swelling of the lips will be noticeable. Damaged skin should be lubricated with De-Panthenol or other panthenol-based ointments 2-3 times a day. The lips will have a rich red color at this time, but it will become noticeably paler towards the end of the restoration process.
Intensive recovery	When the inflammation decreases, the skin will begin to peel off. The process usually lasts 2-3 weeks. At this stage, the lips continue to be smeared with restorative ointments 1-2 times a day.
Consolidate the result	When the crust is completely gone, you need to use hygienic moisturizing lipstick for a week. You should choose hypoallergenic cosmetics so as not to provoke re-inflammation and drying of the lips.

Result before and after the procedure.

Advantages of permanent makeup for masking Fordyce granules

The method of introducing a permanent under the skin of the lips is minimally invasive. It rarely causes side effects or complications. Permanent makeup allows you to evenly tint your lips with a slightly darker shade than their natural color. The granules are also painted to match, making them visually invisible. Another advantage of the procedure is its cost. Most often, only 1 session is required to achieve the desired result, less often – 2.

Fordyce granules can be eliminated not only medically, but also cosmetically, using permanent makeup.

Correction is carried out only after 3-4 years, and in 20% of women, the result of makeup lasts more than 5 years.