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BenignPhysiologicalICD-10 Q38.6

Fordyce spots

Fordyce granules; ectopic sebaceous glands; Fordyce condition; Tyson glands (when on the corona)

Fordyce spots are physiological ectopic sebaceous glands appearing as multiple, small (1–2 mm), yellow to white pinpoint papules on the vermilion border of the lips, buccal mucosa, glans penis, scrotum and labia minora. They are present in 50–80% of adults to some degree, with their visibility increasing after puberty due to sebaceous-gland enlargement under androgen stimulation. They are benign, non-infectious and physiological — but a common reassurance question in primary care, sexual-health, dermatology and dental clinics, frequently misdiagnosed as warts, milia or molluscum contagiosum.

CurrentLast reviewed 15 May 2026
Clinical image of Fordyce spots
Fordyce spots. Image sourced from DermNet New Zealand. Used under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. No endorsement implied.

Clinical features

  • Small (1–2 mm) yellow to white pinpoint papules in clusters or scattered distribution.
  • Common sites:
    • Lip vermilion (commonest).
    • Buccal mucosa.
    • Glans penis, corona, prepuce (Tyson glands when on the corona).
    • Labia minora, vulval introitus.
  • Onset post-puberty; numbers may increase with age.
  • Asymptomatic.
  • Counselling — entirely benign; non-infectious; not sexually transmitted.

Differential

  • Milia — typically smaller, on the face (eyelid, cheek), not on mucosal sites.
  • Pearly penile papules — on the corona of the glans; angiofibromas not sebaceous.
  • Bowenoid papulosis — pigmented, multiple; HPV.
  • Genital warts — verrucous, larger; HPV.
  • Molluscum contagiosum — central umbilication; pox virus.
  • Sebaceous hyperplasia (lip vermilion) — single, larger; older patients.

Management

  • Reassurance is sufficient — no treatment required.
  • Cosmetic options for distressed patients — CO₂ laser, Er:YAG laser, electrodesiccation, micro-punch excision; risk of scarring on mucosa.
  • Photographs / patient leaflets improve acceptance.

References

  1. Hewitt JB, Sherrer ST. Fordyce spots — clinical study of 50 patients. Dermatol Surg; 1995.
  2. DermNet NZ. Fordyce spots. DermNet topic page, accessed 18 May 2026.

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