Fordyce spots appear on the lips of people of all ages and genders. They can, however, also show up on the genitals. Continue reading to learn more about this condition and how you can apply home remedies to get rid of them.
What Causes White Spots On The Lips?
Fordyce spots are caused by the abnormal secretion of sebum (oil) by the sebaceous glands present in the skin (1). The accumulated sebum acts as a breeding ground for bacteria, and this infection causes inflammation of the surrounding tissue. It is important to note that this is not a sexually transmitted infection. Dr. Mozzi says, “It looks like a tiny white or yellow bump under the skin (typical size is between 1 to 3 mm in diameter). Fordyce spots (also called Fordyce’s granules) are often multiple or clustered together.” She adds, “They are enlarged oil glands (sebaceous glands) that are not associated with hair follicles, found around the edges of the lips and occasionally on the genital skin such as the scrotum, shaft of the penis, or on labia.” There are several home remedies that may help treat Fordyce spots on the lips. But before treating them at home, you must consult a specialist to eliminate the chance of these spots being a sign of a sexually transmitted disease. This is just to make sure that the white spots on your lips are indeed Fordyce spots.
How To Get Rid Of White Spots On Lips
If the white spots on the lips are recognized as Fordyce spots, you can use the home remedies mentioned below to treat them. Stretch the skin to see the spots clearly. Do not confuse Fordyce spots with whiteheads, epidermoid cysts, and basal cell carcinoma.
1. Garlic
Garlic has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties (2),(3),(4). It contains active compounds like ajoene and allicin that help eradicate bacteria in your bloodstream. Thus, increasing the consumption of garlic can help kill breeding bacteria and maintain oral hygiene. You Will Need
2 garlic cloves 200 mL of water 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice (optional)
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Have 2-3 glasses in a day.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar acts as an astringent and has antibacterial properties that help eliminate bacteria (5), (6). It contains a group of fatty acids that inhibit the growth of bacteria and bring about balance in the sebum secretions. You Will Need
A few drops of apple cider vinegar A few drops of water Cotton swab
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this no more than twice a week. Caution: If you experience any burning sensation or irritation, rinse it off immediately and apply an ice cube on the area for a minute or two.
3. Coconut Oil
Most often, the excess secretion of sebum that causes white spots is due to dehydrated and dry skin. Coconut oil moisturizes your skin and makes it healthy and smooth (7). It also possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (8), (9). The essential oil of lavender used in this remedy will soothe skin inflammation (10). However, there is no direct scientific evidence to prove the efficacy of coconut oil in treating Fordyce spots. You Will Need
2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil A few drops of lavender essential oil
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Reapply 2 times a day.
4. Jojoba Oil And Argan Oil
Jojoba oil is rich in vitamin E and helps control excess sebum production (11). Argan oil is traditionally used to treat skin infections, and it also moisturizes the skin and increases its elasticity (12), (13). You Will Need
1-2 drops of argan oil 1-2 drops of jojoba oil
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Apply this 2-3 times a day.
5. Essential Oils
Benzoin oil relieves dryness and soreness of the lips (14). Tea tree oil is a wide-spectrum antimicrobial agent that can kill any microbes that may have settled in the white spots (15). While these oils relieve symptoms and sterilize the area, cabreuva oil promotes healing and prevents the formation of scar tissue (14). You Will Need
2-3 drops of benzoin oil 2-3 drops of tea tree oil 2-3 drop of cabreuva oil 1 tablespoon of olive oil 1 tablespoon of Scotch pine essential oil
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat 1-2 times daily. Caution: Skip the benzoin oil from the mix if you have sensitive or irritable skin. Also, if you have not previously used any of the essential oils mentioned, please do a patch test before using them as a remedy for white spots on the lips.
6. Buttermilk
Buttermilk soothes the inflammation and irritation caused by the Fordyce spots on your lips. However, there are no scientific studies to prove its effectiveness in treating these spots. You Will Need
Buttermilk Cotton ball
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can repeat this a few times during the day. You can use any of the above-mentioned home remedies to treat white spots on the lips. Make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients before using them. Apart from these remedies, there are a few other tips you can follow to treat this ailment quickly.
Prevention Tips
According to Dr. Mozzi, “It is not recommended to squeeze Fordyce spots as this may cause infection and scarring. Fordyce spots are best left alone.” Here are some tips you can follow:
Drink juices from sour fruits like lemon, orange, etc. This may help reduce the spots due to the vitamin C. If you notice white spots on the lips, quit applying chemical products instantly. Even if they are detected to be the innocuous Fordyce spots, it is best to avoid using chemical lip products to make sure the issue does not worsen. Do not allow your lips to become dry and dehydrated. Also, the microorganisms in the mouth may further intensify the issue. Hence, avoid licking your lips. Use scrubs like sugar granules on the lips once or twice a week. This will reduce the appearance of the white spots by eliminating the upper dead cells of the lips. Scrub your lips gently because the epidermis on the lips is incredibly sensitive. Consuming folic acid supplements with your food can help reduce the appearance of white patches on the lips. You can obtain folic acid products from any pharmacy. Consume them regularly to reduce the spots on the lips faster. Make sure you consult your doctor. Incorporating vitamins A, D, B complex, C, K, and E into your regular diet can help accelerate the elimination of Fordyce spots on the lips. You can consume green leafy vegetables, yogurt, and lentils. These spots are not due to poor oral hygiene. You may develop Fordyce spots even though you follow good oral hygiene practices. However, it is essential to be cautious as soon as you notice these spots. Always keep your mouth clean. This article lists some simple home remedies for dealing with white spots on the lips. Most of the remedies discussed above are not harmful, but their efficacy needs to be established through research.
You can also opt for permanent treatments to get rid of white spots on the lips (other than Fordyce spots). These treatments include vaporizing laser therapy and chemical peels. However, you need to consult a professional before opting for these treatments. Can stress cause Fordyce spots? Dr. Mozzi opines, “No. Stress is not a known cause of Fordyce spots.” Do Fordyce spots go away on their own? Fordyce spots usually do not go away on their own, but as they are benign, no medical treatment is needed. Individuals who wish to get rid of them for cosmetic purposes can opt for home remedies or dermatological procedures. Do Fordyce spots get bigger? Fordyce spots are formed when sebaceous glands become enlarged, but the spots themselves do not grow beyond a specified measurement of 1-3 mm.
