Fordyce granules: a photo of the disease on the lips, spots in men and women, treatment

In 1902, John Fordyce (head of the department of syphilidology and dermatology at the University of New York) and George Fox (one of founders of the Dermatological Association of America) were the first to describe granules of an unusual skin pathology, namely chronic dermatosis of unclear genesis. This phenomenon is characterized by benign hyperplasia of the ducts of the sebaceous glands, as well as blockage of the excretory ducts of the sweat apocrine glands. We know this disease as Fordyce granules or Fox-Fordyce disease. It was John Fordyce who described specific granules - pseudo-seborrheic cysts of the sebaceous glands - as the primary element of the rash. Having begun its development during puberty, this pathology can become an unpleasant companion for life. In women, the predisposition and incidence is slightly higher.

Causes of skin pathology

The reasons for the appearance of Fordyce spots are not fully understood. In most cases, the onset of the disease occurs during puberty, since hormonal changes in the body occur at this time. Presumably, the development of the disease is preceded by the following factors:

1. Failure to comply with the rules of personal hygiene.
2. Narrowing of the lumen of the pores of the sebaceous glands.
3. Injury to the outer cover as a result of mechanical, chemical and biological factors. Damage to the skin immediately affects the sebaceous glands.
4. Smoking and alcohol abuse.

Any hormonal imbalance in the patient's body can lead to the development of Fordyce granules - for example, the presence of pathologies of the thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus, tumors of the adrenal glands and other endocrine diseases.

The first symptoms for early detection, photo

With Fordyce's disease, small granules of white or yellowish color appear on the lips. In males, they are also localized in the foreskin, the head of the penis, in women - in the armpit area, on the labia minora, near the nipple halo.

Granules can appear in the area of ​​the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and on the cheeks from the inside, but this localization of cysts is quite rare, more often they affect the lips.

Patients may complain of itching in the area of ​​rashes of varying intensity. Scratching leads to permanent mechanical damage to the skin, which can cause tissue infection.

The rash itself is of a dense consistency, in the form of a ball. On the lips, papules are up to 2 mm; on the rest of the body, they may be larger. In the genital area, the granules are capable of acquiring a pearlescent hue.

In the photo, Fordyce granules on the lips and in the mouth:

Pathology can go away on its own, as well as relapse after some time. Often after 40-45 years, Fordyce's disease passes and there are no repeated cases.

After finding symptoms, you need to visit a dermatologist or dentist. The doctor will conduct the necessary examinations and determine the diagnosis. If necessary, an endocrinologist consultation will be scheduled. The examination of this specialist is of great importance, since hormonal disruptions in the body are almost always noted in patients with Fordyce spots.

Diagnostics

In addition to consulting doctors, collecting anamnesis and general examination, patients are assigned laboratory and instrumental research methods:

1. General analysis of blood and urine.
2. Blood biochemistry.
3. Research of hormonal status.
4. If necessary, ultrasound examination of the endocrine glands.
5. Histology of a skin area with granules.

In most cases, the doctor makes a diagnosis based on the appearance of the rash. Laboratory and instrumental methods make it possible to confirm it and, if necessary, differentiate the pathology from other skin diseases.

Possible consequences

In general, Fordyce's disease is safe, it does not pose a threat to human life, and serious complications have not been diagnosed either. The disease is a cosmetic defect that brings discomfort to the patient's life. Granules on the lips can be injured by any action, which is extremely unpleasant for the patient. In the presence of rashes on the genitals, a person may experience discomfort in intimate life.

With intensive scratching, there is a risk of infection in the area of ​​the rash.

These are all possible complications of Fordyce disease that can occur in people with this diagnosis. It is important for the patient to know the methods of treatment and prevention of recurrence of the pathology.

How to treat lip stains

Treatment of Fordyce granules on the lips, as in other areas, is complex, carried out in several directions. In the presence of hormonal disorders, therapy is primarily aimed at them. During the treatment period, the patient is advised to stop smoking and drinking alcohol. This is important to achieve the fastest and most positive result.

In the beauty parlor

In the cosmetology office, the patient is offered to remove the rash using cryotherapy. Such treatment of Fox-Fordyce disease is especially important when localizing rashes on the lips. The technique is carried out by exposing the granules to liquid nitrogen, which is at a very low temperature. Cysts die off, small wounds are formed under them, which are epithelized. After the procedure, the patient's skin becomes clear and healthy, but there is a risk of relapse.

The next method for removing granules is electrocoagulation with minimal current impact. Effects on the rash are carried out by electric current, so the patient may experience discomfort during the procedure. The process of skin death and healing is the same as with cryodestruction, but electrocoagulation is used much less frequently.

Another technique that is carried out in the cosmetology office is laser therapy. Removal of granules with a laser is considered the most effective procedure for this pathology, it helps to completely get rid of the formations. The laser effectively destroys cysts, improves metabolism and blood flow in the affected area, which significantly accelerates tissue healing.

Medicines

Doctors prescribe to patients the intake of vitamin complexes, the emphasis is on vitamins A and E, since they have a good effect on the condition of the skin.

For topical use, special creams such as Retinol and other products that dry the surface of the cysts can be applied to the lips. The content of the latter comes out, after which the skin gradually heals. The duration of the use of creams is 1-3 months.

To eliminate itching, antihistamines are used, for example, Suprastin, Cetirizine. In some cases, patients may be prescribed Diazepam (with severe painful itching). To eliminate itching, gels with a cooling effect can be applied to the lips - Cholisal, Metrogyl.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine methods are used at home as an adjunct to basic therapy and only after the permission of the doctor. For Fordyce spots in the lip area, as a treatment for folk remedies, patients can use jojoba oil, which softens the granules, making it easier to remove them. Jojoba oil can be replaced with fir oil.

Another method to get rid of pronounced spots is to smear lips with mumiyo paste. For its preparation, 1 g of this substance is dissolved in 50 ml of warm water, 50 g of honey is added. The mixture is brought to a boil in a water bath. Use for 14 days, applying on lips for 7-10 minutes.

How to care for your lips

Doctors forbid combing the granules during the itching period. At such times, patients need to take medications to help manage symptoms. It is also forbidden to squeeze out cysts, this will only aggravate the situation and can provoke the ingress of pathogens under the skin.

You can mask the rash with foundation or tattoo. In cases where the cysts open on their own, it is necessary to treat them with an antiseptic until the moment of healing.

Prophylaxis

There are no specific prevention methods. Patients are advised to regularly follow the rules of hygiene, rinse the mouth after each meal, quit smoking, and limit the use of alcoholic beverages. It is important to avoid stressful situations, the diet should contain all the necessary set of vitamins and minerals. If such cysts appear, it is better to see a doctor right away, as early treatment will lead to a more effective recovery.