Fordyce spots are little white spots that appear on the lips, the shaft of the penis, or the vulva. They are harmless and painless. However, many people think they are infectious, and fret if they find them on genitals – assuming them to be a sexually transmitted disease. They wrongly think these spots are contagious and can harm their health. There is nothing to worry about unless if these spots cause aesthetic concerns.
Coconut Oil
Fordyce spots on the lips are linked to lack of hydration. Coconut oil acts is a natural moisturizer that can relieve you from these spots naturally. It also has skin healing properties and can be used by mixing with other essential oils. If you don’t have access to coconut oil, olive oil can be an alternative.
Vitamins
Another way to get rid of Fordyce spots is to include healthy amounts of vitamins in your daily diet. It is obvious to have them in recommended quantity on daily basis, and not just for treating these white bumps.
Below are the six essential vitamins, and their rich sources.
- Vitamin A: kale, carrots, romaine lettuce, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, sweet red peppers, squash, mango, dried apricots, and tuna
- Vitamin B: crab, salmon, skim milk, mackerel, beef liver, clams, goose eggs, oysters, Swiss cheese, and mussels
- Vitamin C: strawberries, kale, kiwi, cauliflower, pineapple, Brussel sprouts, mango, peppers (red and green bell, chili), and papaya
- Vitamin D: cod liver oil, Maitake mushrooms, lean ham, salmon, whole grain cereals, trout (both cooked and canned), tofu, butter, caviar, and swordfish
- Vitamin E: almonds, Swiss chard, turnip greens, kale, hazelnuts, avocado, parsley, papaya, olives, and pine nuts
- Vitamin K: asparagus, beans, eggs, strawberries, basil (dried), kale, scallions, Brussel sprouts, cucumbers, and soybeans
Broccoli
As Vitamins are important to keep Fordyce Spots at bay, here is a good source of vitamin C – Broccoli is, surprisingly, even better than oranges. You can simply increase its amount in your food. The best thing is – it can be consumed raw, cooked, as a side dish or even as salads or snacks.
Water
Fordyce Spots can also appear if your mouth is too dry. Keep yourself hydrated – have ample amount of water in a day. The recommended intake amount is 8 glasses per day. Avoid coffee or tea – it can irritate your lips.
Essential Oils
There are a number of essential oils that you can use either combined together or on their own. One such is jojoba oil, which can be directly applied on the lips thrice a day to get rid of those small white bumps. You can also combine it with Argan oil – 10ml of each in quantity. Apply the mixture on the affected area with hand, toothbrush or cotton swab. Let it stay for 10-20 minutes, and wash it off. You will see positive results in just a few days.
Asparagus
Asparagus contains folic acid that helps in speeding the skin cells regeneration. This causes the ugly spots to disappear faster. Apart from that, Asparagus is rich in three essential vitamins – Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K.
Garlic
Garlic is a well-known anti-microbial and helps in eliminating bacteria from the bloodstream. It is also an excellent antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce those visible bumps on your lips. You can gulp small chopped pieces with water, or add them to your food as a spice.
Spinach
Spinach has innumerable health benefits to its credit. Already a storehouse of Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, B2, B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin K, it also contains high amounts of an essential component – folate acid. Folate acid is known to considerably reduce Fordyce spots.
Citruses
Citrus fruits like grapefruit, papaya, oranges, strawberries and raspberries are rich in folic acid, which can help reduce Fordyce spots. Extracts of these fruits can be dubbed on the skin using cotton swabs. Repeated use can effectively lower the appearance of these spots.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is popular for its benefits to the skin. Dilute two spoons in one glass of water, and dab this on the affected area once or twice a week. It is advised not to apply it directly on the skin as it may cause burning and painful sensation.
Preventive Methods
- Make sure you maintain a proper hygiene – wear loose clothes, and shower every day.
- Dietary monitoring can help prevent them from occurring – include lots of vitamin rich foods in your diet.
- Include garlic in your diet – they are excellent antibacterial agents.
- Prevent sweating in genital area – wear loose underwears.
- Use antibacterial soap if you are using an excess of essential oils.
