Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Sebaceous glands
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Sebaceous glands
by Todd S., Sep 20, 2004 12:00AM
Recently I've noticed white spots on my lips when I stretched them. From the research and Dr. visits I've had I understand that they are sebaceous glands.
1. But my question is this - I did a little more research and different doctors say that there are no sebaceous glands on the lips - and moisturizing cream is prescribed for the lips because they get dry because there are "no sebaceous glands on the lips" I am totally confused. I was content in knowing what they are but now I have read opposing opinions about the subject and want to know what to believe. Why would they say there are no sebaceous glands on the lips?
1. But my question is this - I did a little more research and different doctors say that there are no sebaceous glands on the lips - and moisturizing cream is prescribed for the lips because they get dry because there are "no sebaceous glands on the lips" I am totally confused. I was content in knowing what they are but now I have read opposing opinions about the subject and want to know what to believe. Why would they say there are no sebaceous glands on the lips?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Sep 20, 2004 12:00AM
, Sep 20, 2004 12:00AM
Believe me, of course! The glands visible on the lips are not there in most people--that's why they look different when some people have them.
Here's a quote from a major skin textbook, published this year:
Fordyce granules are sebaceous glands that are located in the vermilion zone of the lips and the oral mucosa. Historically, these sebaceous glands have been considered ectopic[MEANING: they don't belong there]; however, because they are such a common clinical finding in the oral cavity, Fordyce granules should be regarded as a variation of normal anatomy. They can also be found on the vulva.
Epidemiology
Fordyce granules are found in both sexes and are less common in children. The prevalence of Fordyce granules ranges from 70% to 84% of the population.
If you're unsure of exactly what you have, please let a dermatologist have a look in person.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Here's a quote from a major skin textbook, published this year:
Fordyce granules are sebaceous glands that are located in the vermilion zone of the lips and the oral mucosa. Historically, these sebaceous glands have been considered ectopic[MEANING: they don't belong there]; however, because they are such a common clinical finding in the oral cavity, Fordyce granules should be regarded as a variation of normal anatomy. They can also be found on the vulva.
Epidemiology
Fordyce granules are found in both sexes and are less common in children. The prevalence of Fordyce granules ranges from 70% to 84% of the population.
If you're unsure of exactly what you have, please let a dermatologist have a look in person.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (1)
by kim36870, Jul 31, 2009 02:33PM
A related discussion, i don't get it either was started.
