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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Fordyce's Condition
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Fordyce's Condition
by Rob Phillips, Jan 15, 2000 12:00AM
Hi there,
I am an 18 year old male, who around 5 years ago noticed that I had these small (less than 1mm each) yellow,wart-like eruptions sort of "clustered" underneath my forskin. They are especially obvious when the forskin is retracted, and are present in forms of around 5 "lines" of growth around 2.5cm in total length.
When I was 15, this condition was positively identified (by a genito-uroligist) as being the harmless "Fordyce's Condition" which was a specialised form of sebacious hyperplasia. The only thing that I am worried about is that they are a bit unsightly. One problem is that they haven't ever changed (i.e. got worse or better) since i first noticed them. It would cause a lot of embarresment to have to explain to a girlfriend what they were - so my main question is when will they go away?
Other questions I have are:
1) What causes this condition? Is it the product of high hormonal levels in teenagers?
2) Can anything be done about them apart from waiting for them to disappear?
3) But main worry: When will they go away? I can't bear having them much longer, really.
Thanks a lot
Rob
I am an 18 year old male, who around 5 years ago noticed that I had these small (less than 1mm each) yellow,wart-like eruptions sort of "clustered" underneath my forskin. They are especially obvious when the forskin is retracted, and are present in forms of around 5 "lines" of growth around 2.5cm in total length.
When I was 15, this condition was positively identified (by a genito-uroligist) as being the harmless "Fordyce's Condition" which was a specialised form of sebacious hyperplasia. The only thing that I am worried about is that they are a bit unsightly. One problem is that they haven't ever changed (i.e. got worse or better) since i first noticed them. It would cause a lot of embarresment to have to explain to a girlfriend what they were - so my main question is when will they go away?
Other questions I have are:
1) What causes this condition? Is it the product of high hormonal levels in teenagers?
2) Can anything be done about them apart from waiting for them to disappear?
3) But main worry: When will they go away? I can't bear having them much longer, really.
Thanks a lot
Rob
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jan 18, 2000 12:00AM
, Jan 18, 2000 12:00AM
Rob:
Fordyce described a "Condition," not a disease. What you're seeing are oil glands, which cover the body but are only visible when enough of them appear on a mucous surface, like the lip or penis, which provide enough of a contrast to make them visible.
They are therefore part of you, are not "caused by" anything, and will not go away.
If knowing they are a normal, novenereal variant is not enough to let you live with them, you could, I suppose, consider having a urologist or plastic surgeon see if they can be removed.
I would urge you to consider, however, taking stock either with yourself or with a counselor about why it is you "can't bear having them much longer." That seems a bit much to me.
Good luck.
Dr. R
Fordyce described a "Condition," not a disease. What you're seeing are oil glands, which cover the body but are only visible when enough of them appear on a mucous surface, like the lip or penis, which provide enough of a contrast to make them visible.
They are therefore part of you, are not "caused by" anything, and will not go away.
If knowing they are a normal, novenereal variant is not enough to let you live with them, you could, I suppose, consider having a urologist or plastic surgeon see if they can be removed.
I would urge you to consider, however, taking stock either with yourself or with a counselor about why it is you "can't bear having them much longer." That seems a bit much to me.
Good luck.
Dr. R
my upper lip for 12 years. I have been somewhat determined in
finding a treatment for the removal of these spots due to the
mental discomfort of having a yellow discoloration in such a visible area.
The two treatments I have tried are:
1. Liquid Nitrogen dabbed directly on the spots -- very
painful and equally ineffective.
2. CO2 laser surgery -- Not as painful (once anathesia is
applied) and quite effective.***There was a moderate risk
of scarring involved so I'm not confident in having this
done again***.
The spots are still visible but are fewer in number, therefore they are not as obvious, but I wish to have them fully removed.
Any Suggestions?
my upper lip for 12 years. I have been somewhat determined in
finding a treatment for the removal of these spots due to the
mental discomfort of having a yellow discoloration in such a visible area.
The two treatments I have tried are:
1. Liquid Nitrogen dabbed directly on the spots -- very
painful and equally ineffective.
2. CO2 laser surgery -- Not as painful (once anathesia is
applied) and quite effective.***There was a moderate risk
of scarring involved so I'm not confident in having this
done again***.
The spots are still visible but are fewer in number, therefore they are not as obvious, but I wish to have them fully removed.
Any Suggestions?
I have developed little white spots on my upper lip which seem to fit the discription of fordyce's condition-however it is also effecting the texture of the skin on my lip. Acording to what I have read on this condition it seems unlikly that it would it change the texture on my lip
1)Is this a sympton of fordyce's?
2) if this is not fordyce's-what could it be?
discomfort due to the oily and waxy feeling on my lip.
Any advise on treatment for the oily and waxy feeling.
Would laser be an option and if so would the fordyce
return.
Please help!!
The diagnosing doctor said nothing could be done and that a laser could not be tuned into them since they have no color (suppose the yellow cast is from the skin covering them). But I'm certainly plan to seek more ideas and advice.
Have you considered lip tatooing as a cosmetic solution?
Also do you know if the condition compromises the function of the glands on the lips (which they are presumably a distortion of)? I ask because I have very dry lips and must frequently slather them with lotions and waxes just to keep them from cracking and bleeding -- possibly related to the Fordyce spots?