Reason people get unusual white bumps on their lips or private parts
The bumps are a lot more common than you'd think
Niamh Shackleton
Have you ever noticed that you have unexplained white spots on your lips?
If you have, then you're not alone as the little-known about condition is said to affect as many as 70 to 80 percent of adults.
As well as your lips, you might find that the bumps appear on your genitals too. But are these mysterious bumps, I heard you ask?
They're something called Fordyce Spots. As per Cleveland Clinic, the spots are 'a common skin condition where oil glands appear larger'.
Advert
"They become more noticeable during or after puberty," the website goes on. "They often appear on and around your lips and sometimes on your penis and vagina. They’re a natural part of your skin, but treatments can shrink or remove them.
They're not caused by anything, either. Typically people are born with them, however, they might become more obvious when a person hits puberty.
Fordyce spots usually sort themselves out, however, you can remove them via a variety of methods.
For example, topical creams, like retinoids, can be applied, however, Cleveland Clinic also lists some more extreme procedures:
In regards to getting such bumps on your genitals, it might cause you to think that they're a cause of an STI or STD. But fear not folks, Fordyce Spots are not either of these things.
With this in mind, the bumps are not contagious the same way genital warts would be. The spots are also not cancerous.
"People with genital warts develop small bumps or growths in and around their genitals and rectum," Cleveland Clinic explains. "Genital warts and HPV are both highly contagious."
It goes on: "As genital warts initially develop, they may look like Fordyce spots. If you notice the sudden appearance of small bumps on your genitals, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis."
While you typically wouldn't need to visit a doctor to diagnose Fordyce spots, if you notice bumps on your genitals, it is advised that you get yourself checked out so that a healthcare professional can rule out an STI or STDs.
It's not uncommon for someone to be misdiagnosed with an STI, however — something which Halle Berry learnt for herself when she started experiencing pain during intercourse.