Fordyce Spots: Your Treatment Options

For people who simply cannot cope and for those who develop too many spots in private areas, here are the treatment options available for reducing or completely removing Fordyce spots.

Dietary Modifications

Consume a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Eating foods rich in antioxidants help eliminate toxins from the body and naturally cleanse you from within. They also remove excessive oils from the body that might clog your pores and cause spots and bumps. A very effective natural remedy is to incorporate garlic in the diet. Garlic kills bacteria in the blood and helps reduce the visibility of the spots. 

Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin supplements, eaten along with a balanced diet can help improve your condition as well. This includes Vitamin B complex and folic acid in particular, which help the spots settle quickly on their own. Taking multivitamin supplements also ensures that the process of reduction and recovery is significantly improved.

Maintaining Hygiene

Be sure to maintain proper hygiene of the genital area, as well as the rest of the body. This is essential in reducing not only the occurrence of the spots, but also prevents them from getting worse. Wear loose undergarments to avoid build up of sweat and secretions. Shower frequently and use an anti-bacterial soap to wash off excess dirt, sweat and sebum. 

Topical Treatment And Oral Medication

There are certain gels and peels that are effective in treating Fordyce spots. These include:

• Tretinoin: Applying this gel or cream to the affected areas reduces the prominence of the spots and prevents them from worsening. Using it in combination alpha hydroxyacid agents proves to be more effective. However, continuous application is required to keep the spots from reappearing.

• Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peels: These skin peels are very effective in reducing Fordyce spots if used continuously. It takes at least a week for the skin to peel completely. Using a prescribed moisturizer to protect the sensitive skin and aid the healing process is recommended.
• Isotretinoin: If Tretinoin does not show results, switch to isotretinoin capsules, even though they have many side effects, such as skin irritation, urinary problems, liver damage and depression. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before opting for this medicine.

Anti-Sebum Treatment

Anti-sebum is made using natural extracts obtained from sage and arganiz, along with tocopherol. It performs various functions, such as tightening pores, extracting sebum and oils from the Fordyce spots, reducing the amount of sebum produced in the affected area, and decreasing the prominence of the spots. Continuous treatment is not required once results become evident.

CO₂ Laser Vaporization

CO₂ laser vaporization, or electro-desiccation, involves using a burst of yellow light to penetrate the skin and coagulate the blood vessels, which then reabsorb into the body and heal naturally. However, this form of treatment is very expensive, and can cause burning and scarring of the skin.

READ Circumcision: Pros and Cons

Cryosurgery (Cryotherapy)

This minimally invasive procedure uses extremely (below zero) cold temperatures to obliterate the spots. It usually causes no pain or scarring, and any localized discomfort or redness is reduced using analgesic. Nevertheless, there is a risk of blistering, and damaging nearby nerves and tissues.