Getting Rid Of Fordyce Spots: Your Options

Letting Fordyce Spots Self-Resolve

You should understand certain things about Fordyce spots before evaluating the options for their reduction or removal. Most importantly, these spots are not sexually transmitted, and are a rather common occurrence among men. Secondly, since Fordyce spots are generally painless and harmless, the recommended treatment is to sit back, relax, and let the bumps settle on their own. Moreover, due to the short lifespan of these spots, there is no urgency to treat them immediately. The key is not to panic and to be patient.

Preliminary Steps

For people concerned with their looks, and about how they would appear to their significant occur, the formation of Fordyce spots can become a psychological menace. These abnormal appearances can cause people to feel depressed or socially unfit. Even though doctors advise against any sort of treatment, they tend to become irritable and impatient. Fear not: these simple tips can help in coping with Fordyce spots.

• Talk about the Condition: Instead of secluding yourself from everyone, talk to your friends and family. Since the condition is fairly common, you might find that you are not the only one. Ask people who have had Fordyce spots how they managed to cope with the problem and what they did to get rid of them. In addition, talking to your partner will help lower your anxiety and stress significantly. It really makes your life better.
• Don’t Become Obsessed: If not treated or surgically removed, Fordyce spots are most likely to remain on your body. Learn to live with them. Do not avoid social interactions and intimate relationships because of your condition. Do not let the spots affect your self-esteem; you will be surprised to know, if you do not bother, people will not either.
• Participate in Discussion Groups: The more people you talk to and the more you read about it, the better. Consult legitimate websites, message boards, and blogs. Read stories of how other people dealt with their condition and boost your confidence. In addition, consult material that provides news on current and upcoming treatment options as well.
• Don’t Become Paranoid: Do not start living in fear and wreck your relationships. Most people assume that their partners will stop having sex with them because they have a "disease". Such one-sided thoughts will only make matters worse. Talk openly with your partner about your feelings and theirs, and discuss what you want to do.

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.