Fordyce spots (also termed Fordyce granules) are harmless and painless visible sebaceous glands typically appearing as white/yellow small bumps or spots on the inside of lips or cheeks, gums, or genitalia. They are common, and are present in around 80% of adults. Treatment is generally not required and attempts to remove them typically result in pain and scarring.
Their cause is unclear, and they are not associated with hair follicles. Diagnosis is done by visualisation. They may appear similar to genital warts or molluscum. They were first described in 1896 by American dermatologist John Addison Fordyce.
