11 Excellent Home Remedies for Fordyce Spots

Fretting over those red and white spots appearing on your skin along the chin, lips, mouth and even the genital area? Chances are you may be suffering from a case of Fordyce spotting.

What are Fordyce spots you ask? Also called as Fordyce’s lesion, Fordyce’s disease, Fox Fordyce disease and even sebaceous prominence among other names, Fordyce spots are tiny white or red spots that appear on the skin surface.

Some people think that fordyce spots are contagious. The good thing about these spots is that they are neither contagious nor painful in any way.

The bad thing however, is the way they hinder aesthetic appearance by making the skin look bumpy and uneven.

Common Causes for Fordyce Spots

One of the main causes for Fordyce spots happens to be bacterial growth in the hair follicles on the skin.

This usually occurs when the skin’s sebum gets trapped inside the sebaceous gland beneath the hair follicles.

The resultant bacterial growth in the area leads to inflammation in the surrounding tissues which, in turn, appear as tiny bumps on the skin’s surface. Apart from this, the other common causes for Fordyce spots include anxiety, stress and even hereditary conditions.

Common Symptoms of Fordyce Spots

Fordyce spots usually appear as a group of 100 or more spots on the skin that take a number or colors from white and pale yellow to pink and even red.

The other symptoms one can possibly notice include small bumps on the skin, white patches and even reddish dots scattered across the skin surface.

Home Remedies to get Rid of Fordyce Spots

In most cases, Fordyce spots just disappear over a period of time. However, many tend to resort to cosmetic treatments to get rid of the spots quickly.

In addition to these treatments, there are several home remedies that can also
help remove these white and red spots on the skin.

Here are a few such home remedies that will help you get rid of those annoying Fordyce spots effectively at home.

1. Garlic

Garlic happens to be one of the most popular home remedies for Fordyce spots removal.

Swallowing a few cloves of garlic every day can help fight off the bacteria causing the spots in addition to helping the surrounding skin heal faster.

Here is another remedy using garlic as well for the spots.

What you need:

• Garlic Cloves – 4 to 5

What you need to do:

• Peel and crush the garlic cloves nicely.
• Apply the resultant paste on the lips and the other affected areas.
• Leave the paste overnight and wash it off with cold water the next morning.
• Follow this remedy every night to get rid of the Fordyce spots effectively.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another well-known home remedy to treat Fordyce spots.

It contains potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat these spots effectively while helping the skin heal from the infection quickly.

Wondering how to get rid of Fordyce spots on lips with apple cider vinegar? Here is a sure shot remedy to help you out.

What you need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tbsp.
• Water – 1 glass

What you need to do:

• Mix the apple cider vinegar in water nicely.
• Dab a cotton swab into the solution and rub the same on the Fordyce spots. Rinse off the solution with lukewarm water after about an hour.
• Follow this remedy once a week or so until the spots disappear.

Note: Always ensure to dilute the apple cider vinegar before using it. And ensure to use the remedy only once a week to avoid irritating the skin.

[Also Read: 11 Reasons to Wash Your Face with Apple Cider Vinegar ]

3. Turmeric

Who doesn’t know about the healing powers of turmeric? Considered as one of the best remedies for all kinds of scratches, cuts, wound and infections on the skin, turmeric can be used in several ways to treat conditions like Fordyce spots.

Here are two of the more easier and simpler remedies you can try out at home on a daily basis.

Method I: Turmeric Paste

The potent antibacterial properties of turmeric can help clear out the bacteria under the hair follicles, thus reducing the bumps on the skin that appear as Fordyce spots.

Being antiseptic in nature, turmeric also helps heal the skin fast, thus being the best choice for Fordyce spots on shaft or penis as it will not harm the surrounding sensitive skin.

What you need:

• Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp.
• Water – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the turmeric powder with the water to form a thick paste.
• Apply this paste on the lips and the other areas of the body where the spots are visible.
• Wait for 30 minutes or so before washing off the paste with lukewarm water. Do this once every day for a week.

Method II: Turmeric & Apple Cider Vinegar Paste

This remedy can be tried for stubborn Fordyce spots lips that just don’t seem to go away with other treatments.

Following this remedy once every three days or so can help get rid of these spots effectively.

What you need:

• Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tbsp.
• Water – 1 glass

What you need to do:

• Dilute the apple cider vinegar by mixing it with water.
• Add 2 to 4 drops of this solution to the turmeric powder and mix nicely.
• Apply the resultant paste on the lips evenly and wait for 30 minutes.
• Rinse off the paste with lukewarm water and pat the area dry with a soft towel.

Method III: Turmeric & Mustard Paste

This power packed remedy for Fordyce spots is sure to help you get rid of the ugly looking spots within a week.

Combine the natural healing powers of mustard with the antibacterial properties of turmeric via the following remedy for instant results.

What you need:

• Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp.
• Mustard Oil – 2 to 3 drops

What you need to do:

• Mix the turmeric powder and the mustard oil to create a fine paste.
• Rub this paste on the affected area and wash it off with lukewarm water after 30 minutes or so.
• Repeat this remedy once every day to get rid of Fordyce spots easily, effectively and quickly.

[Also Read: How to Exfoliate Face Skin and Face ]

4. Sandalwood Powder

Ever tried sandalwood powder on your skin? If yes, then you will probably know about its effectiveness in treating Fordyce spots and several other skin related ailments.

If you have sandalwood powder in your home, consider using it to treat the problem easily via the following natural remedy.

What you need:

• Sandalwood Powder – 1 tbsp.
• Honey – 1 to 2 tsp.
• Olive Oil – 1 to 2 drops

What you need to do:

• Mix the honey and sandalwood paste to form a thick paste. Add the oil to the mix and stir nicely.
• Apply a small amount of this paste directly on the Fordyce spots as well as the other affected areas of the skin.
• Wash off the paste with cold water after about an hour. Repeat this remedy once every day to get rid of the white spots and patches on your skin effectively.

5. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a very popularly recommended home remedy for skin issues like eczema. However, not many know that it can be equally effective in treating Fordyce spots with ease as well.

Oatmeal is in fact recommended as a very effective natural remedy for Fordyce spots penis.

What you need:

• Oatmeal – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Soak the oatmeal in a tub of cold water.
• Soak in this water for about 30 minutes every day to remove the white spots on the skin.

Note: Do not use warm water as is often recommended for other skin related ailments.

6. Honey

Slathering some honey on those tiny white spots on the lips can remove them effectively. The potent antiseptic properties of honey can help remove the bacteria from beneath the hair follicles while its soothing properties can help heal the skin effectively.

However, not many are fond of using sticky honey on the skin. If this is the case, then here is an alternate remedy using honey for the removal of Fordyce spots.

What you need:

• Organic Honey – 1 tbsp.
• Olive Oil – 2 to 3 drops

What you need to do:

• Mix the honey and oil together. Apply this mixture on the Fordyce spots lips and other areas of the body.
• Wait for an hour or so before rinsing the area with lukewarm water. Repeat twice a day for best results.

7. Aloe Vera Gel

Another potent healer in the skin department, Aloe Vera gel is very effective in reducing the appearance of Fordyce spots lips and other areas of the body.

In addition to getting rid of the bacteria causing these spots, the gel can reduce inflammation and help the skin heal quickly in the process.

What you need:

• Aloe Vera gel – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Simply slather the gel on the spots. Wait for an hour before washing off the gel with cold water.
• Repeat thrice a day for a few days until the spots disappear. Your skin will feel smoother after regular application of the gel as well.

8. Chamomile

Chamomile flowers are helpful in treating skin lesions and inflamed spots on the skin.

In addition to consuming chamomile tea daily to get rid of the white/red spots on your skin, you can use the following remedy to treat the condition topically at home.

What you need:

• Dried Chamomile Flowers – 2 to 3
• Water – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Grind the dried chamomile flowers to form a powder.
• Add a teaspoon of this powder with the water and mix nicely.
• Apply this paste on the spots evenly and leave it overnight.
• Wash off the paste in the morning with lukewarm water. Repeat every night until the spots disappear.

[Also Read: How to Lighten Dark Lips (Make Soft and Pink Lips) ]

9. Oils Remedies to Get Rid of Fordyce Spots 

There are several oils that can help you remove fordyce spots on corner of lips and other parts of the treatment.

Here are some of those oils which can be found in many a household readily for the same purpose.

I. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer. Applying some coconut oil on the affected area every day can reduce the appearance of Fordyce spots considerably.

Coconut oil also helps keep the skin hydrated, thus preventing the occurrence of these spots which also tend to occur due to dehydration.

What you need:

• Coconut Oil – 2 to 3 drops
• Lavender Oil (or) Olive Oil – 1 drop

What you need to do:

• Mix the two oils nicely. Now apply a small amount of this oil on the skin covered in Fordyce spots.
• Wait for about 20 minutes and rinse off the oil with cold water.
• Repeat twice a day for effective results.

II. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another natural treatment for Fordyce spots which can get rid of the same quickly.

Tea tree oil contains potent antibacterial properties (1) that remove bacterial growth in the hair follicles. The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil also help the inflamed skin heal faster.

What you need:

• Tea Tree Oil – 2 to 3 drops
• Any Carrier Oil – 2 to 3 drops

What you need to do:

• Mix the two oils together.
• Use a cotton swab to apply this oil mix on the affected area. Wait for about 30 minutes.
• Wash off the oil with lukewarm water afterwards. Repeat twice a day for a week.

Note: It is always recommended to test tea tree oil on a patch of skin first before applying on the area covered in spots. If you feel a burning sensation after applying the oil, don’t opt for this remedy.

[Also Read: Benefits of Almond Oil for Face and Skin Care ]

III. Olive Oil

Like coconut oil, olive oil is a potent hydrating agent which can keep the skin hydrated and free of issues related to dehydration, including Fordyce spots.

If you are on the lookout for an easy, effective and quick remedy for these garish white spots on your lips and face, olive oil is one of the best options.

Olive oil is also the best remedy for Fordyce spots on penis as it does not irritate the skin in any way.

What you need:

• Olive Oil – 2 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Wash the affected area nicely with antibacterial soap and pat dry with a soft towel.
• Slather the olive oil on the skin and spread it evenly on the spots. Wait for about an hour before wiping off the oil with a clean cloth.
• Do this twice a day for a week or so to notice a reduction in the number of spots in the area.

IV. Jojoba Oil

This is another essential oil that can be used to treat Fordyce spots. Jojoba oil contains both antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

This helps the oil to not only clear off any infection beneath the skin that may be causing the spots, but also help the skin heal faster from the inflammation caused by them.

Jojoba oil also contains hydrating properties that keep the skin hydrated and moist for longer intervals, thus preventing the recurrence of these spots.

What you need:

• Jojoba Oil – 2 to 3 drops
• Argan Oil – 2 to 3 drops

What you need to do:

• Mix the oils nicely and apply the mixture on the spots evenly.
• Wash off the mix after about an hour with lukewarm water.
• Repeat once a day for a few days until the spots disappear completely.

Note: As in the case of tea tree oil, it is considered essential to do a patch test for jojoba oil before applying them on the spots. If you notice a burning sensation after applying the oil on the skin, wash it off immediately and avoid using this remedy.

V. Homemade Oil Mix

In addition to these oils, here is a recipe for a homemade oil mix that can act as an effective Fordyce spots treatment.

What you need:

• Tea Tree Oi – 2 o 3 drops
• Benzoin – 1 tbsp.
• Cabreuva Oil – 2 to 3 drops
• Olive Oil – 2 to 3 drops

What you need to do:

• Mix the oils together. Add the benzoin to the mix and stir nicely until a viscous blend is obtained.
• Apply this mix directly on the Fordyce spots and wait for it to dry (for about 30 minutes).
• Wash off the mix with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Repeat once every day for best results.

[Also Read: Skin Care Benefits Using Glycerin ]

10. Vegetables Remedies to Get Rid of Fordyce Spots 

Like oils, there are many vegetables that come to your rescue when you are wondering how to get rid of Fordyce spots.

Here are some vegetables that you can try to get relief from the problem in a timely manner.

I. Broccoli

Broccolis are rich sources of Vitamin C, a nutrient that is essential for healthy, blemish free skin.

In addition to adding broccoli to your diet regularly, here is a home remedy for Fordyce spots using the vegetable.

What you need:

• Raw Broccoli – 1
• Water – 1to 2 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Blend the broccoli and water nicely to form a paste. Apply this paste on the white/red spots.
• Wait for about 30 minutes before washing off the paste with lukewarm water. Repeat every night for a week or so for great results.

II. Cabbage

Leafy greens are known to contain plenty of nutrients that aid the skin. Cabbage for example, is an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, iodine and fiber, etc.

which help in treating a number of skin problems, including Fordyce spots. Here’s what you do with cabbage for the problem.

What you need:

• Raw Cabbage – 1
• Water – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Extract the juice of a cabbage in a blender by adding some cabbage and water to it.
• Apply this cabbage juice over the affected area and wash off with lukewarm water after an hour.
• Repeat once every day to get rid of Fordyce spots as well as other skin related issues like pigmentation.

III. Asparagus

Then we have asparagus, another vegetable which is considered an excellent remedy for Fordyce spots.

Asparagus contains essential nutrients, including folic acid which prevents the recurrence of these spots effectively.

While consuming asparagus can do the job, you can benefit more by applying some asparagus paste to affected area. Here’s what you do for that.

What you need:

• Asparagus – 1
• Water – 1 to 2 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Blend the asparagus and add water to the mix. Mix nicely to form a paste.
• Rub this paste evenly on the Fordyce spots. Rinse off the paste after about 30 minutes.
• Repeat this remedy twice every day for effective results.

IV. Lemon

Another vegetable that comes to your rescue as an effective Fordyce spots on lips treatment is lemon.

Lemon contains natural disinfectant properties that can easily treat any bacterial infection causing the spots.

It can also remove blackheads, blemishes and other pigmentation marks easily.

Applying some lemon on the Fordyce spots can therefore, help get rid of the ghastly looking white/red bumps easily.

What you need:

• Lemon – 1

What you need to do:

• Extract the juice from the lemon.
• Apply this juice evenly on the Fordyce spots and wait for about 15 minutes.
• Wash off with lukewarm water and repeat twice a day for best results.

[Also Read: DIY Lemon Face Mask for Skin ]

11. Fruits Remedies to Get Rid of Fordyce Spots 

Why leave the fruits when a whole lot of vegetables can be used to remove Fordyce spots?

Fruits like papaya, oranges, strawberries, grapefruits and raspberries, etc. are very effective in treating Fordyce spots.

Here is one remedy using papaya that can be followed for all the other fruits as well.

What you need:

• Papaya – 1
• Water – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Extract the pulp from the papaya and mash it nicely with the water.
• Apply this paste evenly on the lips and the other areas of the body where you find the spots.
• Wait for about 30 minutes and rinse off the paste with lukewarm water.
• Repeat this remedy once a day for a week or so until the spots disappear.

Note: You can use the same remedy for other fruits like oranges, strawberries, raspberries and grapefruits as well.

Additional Measures to Prevent Fordyce Spots

Now that you have a fair idea of the different ways you can treat Fordyce spots at home, here are some general tips you can follow during the process to keep these spots from recurring.

[Also Read: Home Treatment for Dry Itchy Lips ]

Leave the spots alone: Many People wonder how long do fordyce spots last on lips, it usually disappear on their own soon.

So consider leaving them alone unless they are too ugly to be left alone. Trying to treat the spots with inappropriate cures can cause the issue to aggravate in certain cases.

Maintain proper hygiene: Proper hygiene is a must if you want the spots to stop recurring.

Ensure to wash the affected areas properly every morning and night with antibacterial soap.

Keeping the affected areas clean can prevent the bacteria from settling under the hair follicles again, thus preventing the spots from recurring.

Wear loose clothing: It is imperative that you wear loose, airy clothing to prevent the bacteria from settling down in the sweat prone areas of your body.

Ensure to wear loose underwear as well until the spots disappear from the genital region.

Keep your body hydrated: Dehydration is another common cause for Fordyce spots. Hence, drinking plenty of water throughout the day can not only keep your body hydrated, but also prevent Fordyce spots in the long run.

It is recommended that you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day while avoiding drinks like coffee that can aggravate the condition.

Increase vitamin intake: Vitamin deficiencies can also cause Fordyce spots. So increase the intake of vitamins via vitamin rich foods.

This will help reduce the spotting effectively. Citrus rich fruits as well as vegetables like broccoli, asparagus and cabbage are great sources of vitamins and will help you in your fight against these spots.

Stop using chemical products: If you find the spots to recur every time you use a particular makeup product, stop using it immediately.

Chances are the chemical substances in the product are causing bacterial overgrowth which, in turn, causes the spots to recur.

Do not lick the lips: In sharp contrast to the general notion that licking your lips can keep them hydrated, the action can actually dehydrate your lips faster.

Worse, they can cause microorganisms in your mouth to travel to the skin on the lips, aggravating the condition further.

Exfoliate the lips frequently: Ensure to exfoliate your lips once every week to keep the skin on them hydrated and supple.

Exfoliation will also help remove dead skin cells accumulated on the surface of the lips which may otherwise lead to bacterial growth in the area.

[Also Read: How to Get Rid of Sun Spots on Skin ]

Although Fordyce spots is not a contagious condition, it can give a rather unpleasant look to your face.

Instead of opting for laser treatment and other cosmetic procedures, you can try taking care of these spots at home with these home remedies and tips.

Visit a doctor only if the spots continue to increase and start paining or burning.

 Watch Excellent Home Remedies for Fordyce Spots