Are you miserable about a few red spots on your chin? Are there small while bumps on your skin? There isn’t anything to be alarmed about because it could just be a case of Fordyce spots, nothing to fret about! But many people who suffer from this condition do have a major problem especially since the spotting appears on the border of the lips, in the mouth and alarmingly on the genitals. Also known as sebaceous prominence, Fordyce granules commonly occur in men but aren’t a sexually transmittable disease. The spotting is quite harmless but from a cosmetic outlook, it is known to be a social hindrance.
Possible Causes for Fordyce Spots
Prominent in lumps of 30-100 spots, Fordyce spotting have a wart like appearance and occur as a result of deep stress, anxiety, and other health problems. Fordyce spots take place because of the sebum that is the skin’s natural oil which gets trapped in the sebaceous gland. In parts of the gland where hair follicles are absent, it becomes difficult to discharge the oil hence it gets accumulated. Bacterial growth takes place providing nourishment to microbes due to which inflammation of surrounding tissues takes place. May also be a hereditary ailment in few cases.
Fordyce Spots Symptoms
- Men suffer from Fordyce spots on the surface of the scrotum or shaft of the penis. It takes place in the labia of females but affects upper lips of both men and women.
- They can either occur as bright red papules or take place in crops of 50-100 pale, yellow or pinkish spots on the skin surface with a slightly raised appearance.
Home Treatments for Fordyce Spots
1. Coconut Oil
One of the best forms of treating Fordyce spots is using coconut oil which is a natural moisturizer. The spotting which also occurs due to dehydration gets visibly reduced after application of coconut mixed with an essential oil like lavender oil for decreasing Fordyce spots on the skin.
2. Boost Vitamin Intake
Fordyce spots can be removed naturally by adopting a certain diet that ensures proper intake of vitamin rich foods. Your daily intake of vitamins will surely reduce the spotting and one of the best fruits to consume is Oranges. Broccoli can also be inculcated in your diet for reducing the spots especially on the lips.
3. Drink Water
A delightfully easy solution is water – universally pure and simple to intake. Water prevents dehydration and boosts the immunity system to fight off germs that can easily cause the spotting on the sebaceous glands. If your mouth is dry then make sure you drink gallons of water at least 8-10 glasses a day to address the condition.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Pearly penile papules can be reduced easily using tea tree oil which is a well known home remedy. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that prevents bacterial growth and relieves the inflamed skin. It is one of the best remedies to try since it doesn’t have any kind of side effects to the skin.
5. Turmeric
This herbal tonic is known to be the best amongst the best – Turmeric powder (about 1/4th tablespoon) mixed with apple cider vinegar is an effective solution that can be applied to the inflamed skin. Turmeric has antiseptic, antibacterial and antipyredic properties that reduce bacterial growth on the skin.
6. Oatmeal Bath
This home remedy has been widely used to treat Eczema at home and is very useful for reducing Fordyce spotting on genitals. Oatmeal bath reduces itching, redness and inflammation on the skin. This particular bath should be taken using cold water after using herbal remedy like turmeric or tea tree oil that act as antiseptics.
7. Garlic
One of the strongest home remedies for Fordyce spots is Garlic but the question is – how to use garlic for treating this ailment? Garlic contains antioxidants that basically remove free radicals from the body with anti-inflammatory properties to shrink the spots. You can always consume boiled water with garlic drips for an immediate effect or mix the spice in the food.
8. Jojoba Oil
Another essential oil that is useful for treating Fordyce spots is jojoba oil that maintains antibacterial properties. The healing effect of the oil takes place by preventing bacterial growth and invasion. It contains wax esters that make it a natural moisturizer thereby enhancing its effect on the skin.
9. Asparagus
It is the richest source for folic acid, packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. Asparagus that contains folic acid is essential for metabolic consistency which ensures Fordyce spotting doesn’t take place. Proper hormonal balance can be maintained by consuming 260mcg of folic acid a day.
10. Aloe Vera Gel
One of the most natural forms of treating Fordyce spots is by cutting through a stalk of Aloe Vera plant. The gel that is produced should be directly applied on the inflamed skin since the plant possesses antibacterial/antifungal properties. It is exceptionally useful at treating urinary tract infections and several skin disorders.
11. Honey
This antiseptic agent is a mild source that is generally used in home remedies to cure respiratory and skin infections. Organic honey is used as a soothing agent for skin irritations and because of its antibacterial properties; it is quite a useful source for treating Fordyce spots. You can always mix a dab of honey with an essential oil for ease of application.
12. Lemon
Another natural disinfectant is Lemon which basically treats bacterial infections especially on the dermis. If you’re suffering from blackheads or pimples, Lemon extract is a useful source. This easily available ingredient can be squeezed to form a pulp that can be applied on the inflamed skin regularly to treat Fordyce spots effectively.
13. Chamomile
Fresh or dried flowers of Chamomile help to treat itchy lesions or inflamed skin spots and are well known topical treatments. Chamomile is one of the best herbal remedies unlike other flowers like Calendula or Arnica that actually doesn’t cause any side effects for individuals with sensitive skin. This evergreen flower treats hives, sunburn and reduces Fordyce spots within a few weeks.
14. Comfrey
The root and leaves of comfrey have been used for treating skin wounds, bruises and rashes for centuries. This herbal remedy is one of the most effective solutions that consist of anti-inflammatory properties. This natural remedy helps reduce Fordyce spotting and can either be used in the form of a paste or consumed directly in the form of Comfrey tea.
15. Vanilla & Sugar Scrub
A natural home remedy is using vanilla extract and sugar to make a face scrub that can be applied on the inflamed spots. Sugar is a natural antibacterial agent that inhibits growth whereas vanilla moisturizes and nourishes the skin. The face scrub applied twice a day, morning and night ensures that within a week’s time the pasty granules disappear.
Prevention Measures
- Fordyce spotting is technically a self-resolving condition so avoid laser treatments.
- Ensure that you maintain a clean hygiene, wear loose clothes and shower each morning.
- Dietary modifications must be instilled if you’re not taking in adequate vitamins.
- Use anti-bacterial soap if you’re using essential oils in excess.
- Include garlic supplements in your diet.
- Prevent sweating in the genital region by avoiding tight fitting underwear.
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