Fordyce spots are harmless, small, slightly elevated, yellowish, or white papules that appear on the underarm area, pubic area, or around the nipples. Fordyce spots may also appear inside the cheeks and on the border of the lips. Fordyce spots are characterized by intense itching, dark, and dry skin. These spots are naturally present in our bodies that enlarge with age. Hormonal changes combined with oily skin may be the causative factors. Fordyce spots can look unpleasant and can have an impact on your overall appearance. If you are unhappy with your appearance, there are several treatments to get rid of Fordyce spots, including natural remedies and other medical treatments. If you wish to get rid of Fordyce spots quickly, the physician may prescribe the following treatments:
- Laser treatments: This method uses a CO2 laser to remove the spots.
- Cryotherapy: It involves freezing the spot by applying liquid nitrogen.
- Photodynamic therapy: This therapy uses a combination of a special blend of medicine and light therapy.
- Surgical excisions: It involves removal of the spots with the help of surgery.
- Topical treatments: Application of topical creams that contain trichloroacetic acid, topical Tretinoin, and oral Isotretinoin may help to shrink or remove Fordyce spots. Tretinoin and Isotretinoin (retinoids) are considered unsafe during pregnancy. You must tell your doctor if you are pregnant so they may prescribe accordingly.
Some of the natural remedies that may help remove Fordyce spots include:
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has antimicrobial properties along with astringent properties. The astringent properties of the apple cider vinegar help to control the excess oil production. Mix ACV and water in equal proportions and apply on the spots twice a week.
- Garlic: It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to eradicate bacteria from the bloodstream. Consuming garlic daily may help to destroy the bacterias and maintain oral hygiene. For this, take crushed garlic cloves and blend them with water. Add lemon juice for flavor.
- Coconut oil: Dry and dehydrated skin can result in excess secretion of sebum. Coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer to treat dry skin and prevent excess sebum production. Apply coconut oil directly to the spot or mix with lavender oil to apply.
- Jojoba oil or argan oil: Argan and jojoba oil are rich in Vitamin E. Vitamin E is effective against various skin infections or skin conditions. Mixing both these oils and applying them on the spot may be helpful to treat Fordyce spots.
There is no direct scientific evidence to prove the efficacy of these natural remedies to treat Fordyce spots; hence, always consult a doctor before trying out these remedies. Several other medical conditions including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may mimic Fordyce spots. Thus, you must consult a dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis.
How to take care of the Fordyce spots?
You can follow these measures to take care of the Fordyce spots:
- Avoid scratching the area to prevent worsening of the situation
- Avoid using any chemicals to treat spots
- Avoid greasy creams because they can further obstruct the sebum glands
- Avoiding excessive heat, humidity, or stress help some people
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Medically Reviewed on 12/23/2020
References
NORD. Fox Fordyce Disease. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/fox-Fordyce-disease/
Ngan V. Fordyce Spots. DermNet New Zealand Trust. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/Fordyce-spots/
British Association of Dermatologists. Fox-Fordyce Disease.
http://www.skinsupport.org.uk/conditions-details/fox-Fordyce-disease Bayan L, Koulivand PH, Gorji A. Garlic: A Review of Potential Therapeutic Effects. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2014;4(1):1-14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103721/
Yagnik D, Serafin V, J Shah A. Antimicrobial Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar Against Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus Aureus And Candida Albicans; Downregulating Cytokine and Microbial Protein Expression. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):1732. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Ghassemi MR, et al. Jojoba in Dermatology: A Succinct Review. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2013 Dec;148(6):687-91. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24442052/
Ngan V. Fordyce Spots. DermNet New Zealand Trust. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/Fordyce-spots/
British Association of Dermatologists. Fox-Fordyce Disease.
http://www.skinsupport.org.uk/conditions-details/fox-Fordyce-disease Bayan L, Koulivand PH, Gorji A. Garlic: A Review of Potential Therapeutic Effects. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2014;4(1):1-14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103721/
Yagnik D, Serafin V, J Shah A. Antimicrobial Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar Against Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus Aureus And Candida Albicans; Downregulating Cytokine and Microbial Protein Expression. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):1732. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Ghassemi MR, et al. Jojoba in Dermatology: A Succinct Review. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2013 Dec;148(6):687-91. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24442052/
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