Noticing unexpected changes on your body can be unsettling, especially when those changes appear in intimate areas. Many people experience a moment of panic when they first see small white or yellowish bumps on their genitals or lips, immediately worrying that something is wrong or that they may have an infection. This reaction is completely natural, because intimate health is often surrounded by silence, embarrassment, and misinformation. In reality, these bumps are far more common than most people realize, and in many cases they are entirely harmless. One of the most frequent explanations is a condition known as Fordyce spots, which may look alarming at first glance but are actually a normal variation of human anatomy. Understanding what they are and why they appear can quickly replace fear with reassurance.
Fordyce spots are small, pale bumps that come from sebaceous glands, which are oil-producing glands found throughout the skin. Normally, these glands are connected to hair follicles and remain hidden beneath the surface. In the case of Fordyce spots, however, the glands sit closer to the skin and are not linked to hair follicles, making them visible to the naked eye. They often appear as tiny white, cream, or slightly yellow dots and are usually uniform in shape and size. Because they do not cause pain, itching, or discomfort, many people only notice them accidentally during routine hygiene or self-examination. Their harmless nature is often overshadowed by how unexpected they look, especially when they appear in sensitive areas.
These spots can show up in several parts of the body, which sometimes adds to the confusion. In men, they are commonly seen on the shaft of the penis or the scrotum, while in women they may appear on the labia. Fordyce spots are also frequently found on the lips, particularly along the border where the lip meets the surrounding skin, and sometimes inside the cheeks. The fact that they can appear both on the face and on the genitals highlights just how normal they are, even though people tend to worry more when they see them in intimate places. Their size is usually very small, often just one to three millimeters, and they tend to remain stable over time rather than growing or spreading rapidly.
One of the most important things to understand about Fordyce spots is that they are not caused by poor hygiene, sexual activity, or any type of infection. They are not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another through contact. Medical experts believe these glands are present from birth, but they often become more noticeable during puberty. This timing is linked to hormonal changes that increase oil production in the skin, making the glands stand out more clearly. Because puberty is also a time when people become more aware of their bodies and more sensitive to changes, Fordyce spots are often discovered during adolescence or young adulthood, which can make them feel especially concerning.
Despite being harmless, Fordyce spots are frequently mistaken for other conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections or skin disorders. This confusion is understandable, as many people are not taught what normal anatomical variations look like. The lack of open conversation about intimate health often leaves individuals relying on internet searches or assumptions, which can increase anxiety rather than relieve it. Unlike infections, Fordyce spots do not cause redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. They also do not change dramatically over short periods of time. Recognizing these differences can help people distinguish between something that requires medical attention and something that is simply part of how their body is built.
Living with Fordyce spots does not require treatment, and in most cases, doctors advise leaving them alone. Trying to squeeze, scratch, or remove them can irritate the skin and potentially cause infection or scarring. For those who feel self-conscious, reassurance and education are often the most effective remedies. Knowing that these spots are common, natural, and medically insignificant can ease worry and improve confidence. When it comes to intimate health, understanding your own body is a powerful form of care. What may initially seem alarming often turns out to be a reminder that human bodies are diverse, imperfect, and entirely normal in ways we are rarely taught to expect.