• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Reason people get unusual white bumps on their lips or private parts

Home> News> Health

Published 18:56 26 Mar 2025 GMT

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

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?

The spots are more common than you'd expect (Getty Stock Images)
The spots are more common than you'd expect (Getty Stock Images)

What are Fordyce Spots?

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.

Can you get rid of Fordyce Spots?

Fordyce spots usually sort themselves out, however, you can remove them via a variety of methods.

Advert

For example, topical creams, like retinoids, can be applied, however, Cleveland Clinic also lists some more extreme procedures:

  • Cryotherapy
  • Electrodesiccation
  • Laser skin resurfacing
  • Micro-punch surgery
Fordyce spots are not an STI, STD or cancerous (Getty Stock Images)
Fordyce spots are not an STI, STD or cancerous (Getty Stock Images)

Are Fordyce Spots contagious?

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.

Advert

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.

Advert

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.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image

Topics: Health, News

Niamh Shackleton
Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

X

@niamhshackleton

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

14 mins ago
an hour ago
2 hours ago
  • 14 mins ago

    Former Miss Universe contestant Kseniya Alexandrova dies aged 30 in freak accident involving elk as husband speaks out

    Kseniya Alexandrova has passed away just months after having wed her husband Ilya

    News
  • an hour ago

    Stephen King issues scathing message about Trump and his erratic social media posts

    The acclaimed author made his feelings on the president very clear

    News
  • an hour ago

    Superman actor Terence Stamp dies aged 87 as family release emotional statement

    The Oscar-nominated actor has tragically passed away

    Celebrity
  • 2 hours ago

    ‘Fit and healthy’ man, 39, in ‘disbelief’ following stage 4 cancer diagnosis after doctors dismissed ‘vague’ symptom

    Wylie Dixon says doctors failed to diagnose his cancer for two years

    News
  • Woman with 'no symptoms' diagnosed with cancer after unusual test and has 7 organs removed
  • Doctors claim 'silent killer' condition could be spotted by 'strange' symptom lingering on lips
  • Trump labeled ‘insecure’ after people learn ‘petty’ and ‘pathetic’ spot he has put Obama’s portrait in White House
  • These seven body parts are useless but most people still have them