Medical professionals have confirmed the cause of the mysterious white bumps on your body or private parts.
It’s pretty normal to analyze your body, finding things that might not have been there a couple of weeks ago.
Maybe you compare yourself to others too, it’s only human nature after all.
However, if you have ever examined your body closely, you may have noticed small white bumps appearing on certain areas, such as your lips or g**ital region.
These unexpected spots can be alarming, leading some to worry about skin conditions, infections, or even s**ually transmitted diseases.
Usually, these bumps are typically harmless and completely natural.
However, there is an instance where they could develop into something more serious.
And doctors have issued a warning.
What are they officially known as?
The bumps, known as Fordyce spots, were named after Dr. John Addison Fordyce, an American dermatologist who first described them in 1896.
They are sebaceous (oil-producing) glands that lack a hair follicle, which makes them more visible in certain body areas, particularly around the edges of the lips, inside the cheeks, and on the g**itals.
Although their presence may seem unusual, they are quite common, appearing in about 80% of individuals.
Fordyce spots are completely normal and not indicative of any illness or contagious condition.
They’re not caused by anything, either.
Typically, people are born with them, however, they might become more obvious when a person hits puberty.
As per the Cleveland Clinic, the spots are ‘a common skin condition where oil glands appear larger.’
“They become more noticeable during or after puberty,” they add.
What do they mean?
They may resemble other skin conditions such as molluscum contagiosum, milia, epidermoid cysts, g**ital warts, or herpes, which can cause concern for those who discover them.
However, the Cleveland Clinic reassures that these spots are not related to any s**ually transmitted infections (STIs).
It also notes that g**ital warts, in particular, can sometimes resemble Fordyce spots in their early stages, so it’s essential to distinguish between the two.
Understandably, any unfamiliar change in one’s intimate areas can be unsettling.
If you are ever unsure whether what you’re experiencing is a Fordyce spot or another condition, it’s always a wise choice to consult a healthcare professional.
While they may not require medical treatment, a doctor can provide reassurance and rule out other possibilities.
However, an expert has issued an urgent warning to those with white bumps.
What do the doctors suggest?
Doctors who contribute to Healthline have noted: “Don’t pick or squeeze Fordyce spots.
“This will not make them go away, and it can cause infections to develop.”
Human bodies are naturally covered in various lumps and bumps, and Fordyce spots are just one of those harmless occurrences.
But while they can be harmless when left alone, it’s important to follow doctor’s orders where picking and squeezing is concerned.
Unlike conditions that require treatment, such as infections or other dermatological concerns, Fordyce spots are a completely benign variation of human anatomy.
There is no medical necessity to remove or treat them unless they cause significant distress.
Some cosmetic treatments, like laser therapy or topical treatments, are available for those who are particularly self-conscious about their appearance.
While Fordyce spots are a normal occurrence, other skin conditions, such as lichen sclerosus, may require medical attention.
Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that causes thin, discolored patches, typically affecting the g**ital and a*** areas, per Mayo Clinic.
It is more common in postmenopausal women and is not contagious.
Symptoms can include itching, soreness, fragile skin, and in some cases, painful intercourse. If left untreated, complications such as scarring or an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma may arise.
Treatment often involves medicated ointments, and long-term follow-up care may be necessary.
