Inflammation or vitiligo or fordyce spot?

Hi,

Does anyone knows whether Protopic ointment 0.1% would help in curing Fordyce spot? I just found out there are clusters of white pumps just beneath the glossy layer of my upper lip and it cover almost half of my upper lip. I went to a dermatologist two weeks ago, she suspects that those clusters of white spots on my upper lips are due to inflammation or vitiligo...she has given me Protopic ointment 0.1% to apply on those spot. Anyone has any idea what would this ointment do to the white spot if it were to be Fordyce spot? i've been applying it on my upper lips for almost two weeks and those white spot doesn't get any better and it become more noticeable...


Thank you for spending time reading this post

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like Fordyce spots. They are small yellowish-white granules on the inner surface and border of the lips. Vitiligo presents as white patches and not bumps. Treatment of Fordyce spots includes CO2 laser or electro desiccation, TCA chemical peels(temporary treatment),diathermy or laser vaporization.

I would suggest you to get a second opinion from another dermatologist before starting with the treatment.

I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing. Warm regards.

[sk_ng2020]

Dear Dr,

Thank you for the prompt reply. Those white spots looks more like Fordyce spots after i google some of the pictures. I went to another dermatologist earlier and she told me it is Fordyce spots, no cure and i have to live with it.
Later on i consulted another dermatologist and she has given me this Protopic ointment 0.1%. May i know whether the Protopic ointment 0.1% would do any harm or worsen the condition of this Fordyce spots? I found more on two edges of my lower lips and a small cluster at the center too. Should i stop using the oinment? Cause i was instructed to apply it twice a day but i only apply it at night because i affraid i might accidentally ingested some of the ointment which might cause side effect like cancer and my next appointment is 6 weeks later...


Thank you very much