By Jill DiDonato
Medically reviewed by Dr. Geeta Yadav, MD BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST
Fact checked by Erika Harwood
If you’re the type to examine every pore in the mirror, you may have noticed tiny white or pale yellow bumps along the ridges of your lips, inner cheeks, or nipples. These spots—which aren’t always raised, but can be—are actually called Fordyce spots, and they’re enlarged sebaceous glands. Totally harmless, Fordyce spots occur in about 70% to 80% of the population, and we’re typically born with them.1 Any concern tends to be cosmetic, as Fordyce spots don’t lead to any other condition or illness and aren’t cause for concern.
Ahead, three dermatologists explain what you need to know about Fordyce spots, and the treatment options available should you choose to get rid of them for aesthetic reasons.
Fordyce spots are white or pale yellow spots found on the lips, inner cheeks, nipples, and sometimes genitalia. They are a variant of sebaceous glands and are harmless, with no known symptoms.
