If You Have These Tiny Bumps on Your Lips or Intimate Area, Here’s What They Could Mean
Have you ever noticed tiny white, yellowish, pale-red, or skin-colored bumps around your lips—or in the intimate area—and immediately wondered if something was wrong?
One common explanation is Fordyce spots.
Fordyce spots are small, visible oil glands that occur naturally in areas where there may not be hair follicles. They can appear along the edges of the lips, inside the cheeks, and around parts of the genital area. They often become more noticeable during puberty and adulthood. (DermNet®)
The good news?
Fordyce spots are generally harmless.
They are not contagious and are not a sexually transmitted infection. Having them does not mean that someone has an STI. (DermNet®)
They are usually very small—often around 1–5 mm—and may appear individually or in clusters. They can become easier to see when the surrounding skin is stretched. (DermNet®)
But here’s the important part…
Not every bump in the genital area is a Fordyce spot.
Genital warts, herpes, pimples, cysts, molluscum and other skin conditions can sometimes look similar. For example, herpes typically causes painful blisters or sores, while genital warts can appear as small growths caused by HPV. (Cleveland Clinic)
That’s why new, changing, painful, itchy, bleeding, ulcerated, or rapidly growing bumps should be examined by a healthcare professional, especially when they occur in the genital area.
Should you squeeze them?
No.
Trying to squeeze or pick Fordyce spots won’t remove the underlying glands and can cause irritation or inflammation. (DermNet®)
If they’re purely a cosmetic concern, dermatologists can discuss treatments such as laser or electrosurgical procedures. (DermNet®)
Bottom line: Tiny, painless, stable white/yellowish or skin-colored bumps around the lips or genital area can be completely normal Fordyce spots—but don’t self-diagnose genital bumps from a picture alone.
If the bumps are new or you’re unsure what they are, getting them checked is the safest option.
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