Displaced sebaceous glands

Displaced sebaceous glands, otherwise known as Fordyce spots, are painless, white or yellow spots or papules 1-5 mm in diameter that most commonly appear on the body of penis, scrotum, labia, and mucosa of the lips and cheeks. Fordyce spots are estimated to be present in 80-95% of adults, both men and women, and the number of spots increases as the person ages.

Displaced sebaceous glands do not cause pain, are not associated with any disease, and cannot be infected. However, for some people they may pose an aesthetic problem. In such a situation it is recommended to remove them in a dermatologist’s office.

Cause of the appearance of Fordyce spots

Fordyce spots are ectopic sebaceous glands without hair follicles. Their appearance on the skin is thought to be genetic. The spots are already present at birth and their number increases significantly during puberty due to hormonal changes.

Diagnosis of Fordyce spots

Displaced sebaceous glands are the subject of dermatologic consultation due to their sometimes unsightly and disturbing appearance. The diagnosis is made to distinguish Fordyce spots from pathological skin lesions, especially those that are sexually transmitted and malignant tumors. The dermatologist makes the diagnosis based on the clinical appearance of lesions on dermatoscopic examination.

Treatment of displaced sebaceous glands

Fordyce spots are physiologic in nature and treatment is not necessary. However, clearly visible papules can be an aesthetic problem causing psychological discomfort to the Patient. In such cases, it is recommended to remove the papules using electrocoagulation or CO2 laser, which does not leave scars on the skin.

Laser removal of Fordyce spots

Fordyce spots are effectively and safely removed using a CO2 ablative laser. We successfully use this method in the Zakrzewscy Clinic.

In our Clinic, the procedure of removing unsightly skin lesions is always preceded by a professional dermatological consultation in order to assess the nature of skin lesion and discuss the course of treatment with the Patient.

For the removal of displaced sebaceous glands we use an innovative  Alma Pixel CO2 laser, the high precision of which allows the removal of skin lesions without disturbing healthy tissues of delicate body parts such as penis, scrotum, labia or mucous membranes of lips and cheeks. This makes the therapy very effective and the time needed for healing and recovery is short.

Importantly, no scars remain after the procedure, and in the case of genital lesions, the procedure does not affect the Patient’s sexual activity.

Advantages of using laser in the treatment of displaced sebaceous glands in Zakrzewscy Clinic:

• 5 minutes – that’s how long it usually takes to remove an unsightly skin lesion,
• Immediate, positive results of the treatment,
• The treatment is very precise and gentle, which significantly reduces the recovery period,
• The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, making it painless and safe for people with chronic diseases and for pregnant women,
• The use of local anesthesia means that the Patients can eat and drink before the procedure and immediately return to their daily activities afterwards,
• The procedure does not cause side effects in the form of scars or pain. There is no need for pain pills,
• After the procedure, the Patients continue to be under the care of the Clinic, and their condition is monitored according to an individually adapted health monitoring schedule.

More about treatment with Alma Pixel CO2 laser in our offer of Zakrzewscy Clinic.

Check out the offer of Zakrzewscy Clinic in the scope of removing displaced sebaceous glands. In our offer you can also find treatments aimed at the removal of pearly penile papules, warts, xanthelasma, whiteheads, fibromas, infectious molluscum and condylomas.

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