Fordyce's spots (also—although not a disease—known as Fordyce's disease^[1]) are small, painless, raised, pale or white spots or bumps 1 to 3 mm in diameter that may appear on the shaft of the penis or on the labia, as well as the inner surface (retromolar mucosa) and vermilion border of the lips of the face. They are common in men and women of all ages. They are named after an American dermatologist, John Addison Fordyce.^[2] On the head of the penis, they are called Tyson glands,^[3] not to be confused with Hirsuties papillaris genitalis.^[4]

The spots are a form of ectopic sebaceous gland: normally, sebaceous glands are only found in association with a hair follicle. They are not known to be associated with any disease or illness and are of cosmetic concern only. They aren't infectious and are a natural occurrence on the body. Men sometimes consult with a dermatologist because they are worried they may have a sexually transmitted disease (especially genital warts) or some form of cancer, but this is not the case.^[5] They may equally be worried about the appearance of their penis and what their sexual partner might think of it.^[6]

Contents 1 Causes of Fordyce’s Condition 2 Prevalence 3 Treatment 4 Fordyce's Spots VS. Angiokeratoma of the Scrotum 5 See also 6 References 7 External links

[edit] Causes of Fordyce’s Condition

While there seems to be a genetic link, the cause for this condition is idiopathic. The condition is not contagious and it is not caused by any viruses. At birth the papules are present but they don’t become prevalent until a child reaches puberty.

[edit] Prevalence

Fordyce's Spots are very common in adult males (apx. 80%).^{[citation needed]} The condition can appear either as a single lesion or in a symmetrical group of up to one hundred.^{[citation needed]} The spots are typically 1-3mm in diameter.^{[citation needed]} They occur commonly at the base of the head of the penis.

[edit] Treatment

Although treatment is not necessary, those with the condition can choose to apply tretinoin gel or cream to the affected areas each day. This can reverse the effects of the condition over time and prevent it from getting any worse. To get the best results from Tretinoin one should use it along with alpha hydroxy acid agents which are normally used to treat acne. Jojoba oil, Tocopherol and Argania extract have also been linked to the successful treatment of Fordyce's spots.

Vaporising laser treatments such as CO₂ laser^[7] or electro desiccation have been used with some success in diminishing the appearance of this condition if they are of cosmetic concern. However, most doctors consider this a normal physiological phenomenon and advise against treatment.

Sometimes a doctor will prescribe TCA chemical peels, although as soon as treatment is stopped Fordyce’s Condition will return^{[citation needed]}. Diathermy or liquid nitrogen freezing can also sometimes be used to remove the condition^{[citation needed]}.

Success varies per patient, but some have found relief through Pulse Dye Lasers,^[8] a laser normally used to treat sebaceous gland hyperplasia,^[9] which is similar to Fordyce spots. Treatment through Pulse Dye Lasers is usually expensive and doesn't scar.^[9]

[edit] Fordyce's Spots VS. Angiokeratoma of the Scrotum

Fordyce's Spots are sometimes referred to as Angiokeratoma of the Scrotum, but the two are not same. Compare the images on the right.

[edit] See also

• List of cutaneous conditions

[edit] References

1. ^ James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. ISBN 0721629210.
2. ^ synd/1510 at Who Named It?
3. ^ derm/395 at eMedicine
4. ^ Khoo LS, Cheong WK. Common genital dermatoses in male patients attending a public sexually transmitted disease clinic in Singapore. Ann Acad Med Singapore 1995;24:505-9.
5. ^ Palo Alto Medical Foundation Bettina McAdoo , M.D. Retrieved June 24, 2006.
6. ^ Spots on the penis. Dr John Dean. Retrieved June 24, 2006.
7. ^ Ocampo-Candiani J, Villarreal-Rodriguez A, Quinones-Fernandez AG, Herz-Ruelas ME, Ruiz-Esparza J. Treatment of Fordyce spots with CO₂ laser beam. Dermatol Surg 2003; 29: 869-71. PMID 12859392
8. ^ http://sebaceous.proboards42.com/index.cgi?board=real&action=display&thread=249&page=5
9. ^ ^{a b} http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9328977?dopt=Abstract

[edit] External links

• Fordyce spots and sebaceous prominence main forum
• DermAtlas: Fordyce spots
• Fordyce’s Condition
• Fordyce’s Medical Condition
• Support Forum