The Cause Of The Odd White Pimples On Your Your Body

If you’ve ever spotted small white bumps around your lips or other areas of your body, you might have wondered what they are. The good news is that these tiny spots are completely normal and harmless.

They commonly appear on the lips and genital areas, which can sometimes cause concern. You might worry they’re a rash, an infection, or even a contagious condition affecting your intimate areas.

However, these bumps—called Fordyce spots—are simply a natural part of the human body, and most people have them in some form.

What Are Fordyce Spots?

Named after American dermatologist Dr. John Addison Fordyce, who first described them in 1896, these spots are oil glands. They produce sebum, a natural oil that helps keep the skin moisturized and protected.

Fordyce spots can be found on various parts of the body, including:

The lips and inside the cheeks
The edges of the mouth
The penis, foreskin, or scrotum
The labia of the vagina

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Fordyce spots are neither a disease nor a sexually transmitted condition. While they may resemble other skin concerns like milium cysts, epidermoid cysts, genital warts, or herpes, they are completely harmless and not contagious.

“The presence of Fordyce spots in these areas is normal, and they do not spread,” the clinic explains. However, because genital warts can sometimes look similar, it’s understandable why some people may feel concerned.