09/2023
White dots on the lips?

In my consultation, young women in particular ask me what “those white dots” on their lips are. They find them particularly unattractive and would like to get rid of them.

In this blog, I will briefly inform you about the most important things.

1. What are these white dots?

These are so-called Fordyce’s glands. These are ectopic sebaceous glands that can be present on the lips, in the oral cavity and also in the intimate area. These are ectopic sebaceous glands that can be present on the lips, in the oral cavity and also in the intimate area. They have no disease value. They occur in up to 80% of the population and occur due to hormonal changes after puberty. They are completely absent in children.

2. Can I get rid of them?

The Fordyce’s glands can disappear on their own or remain. Since they have no disease value, removal is not necessary from a medical point of view. However, if they are found to be cosmetically disturbing, the following methods can help:

CO2 laser: a laser method that can ablatively sclerose the glands.

Curettage: removal by means of scraping

Oral treatment with isotretinoids: these dry out the sebaceous glands and can make them disappear completely

Typical treatment with retinoids, clindamycin and benzyl peroxide

Electrodesiccation/cauteration: This involves burning away particularly pronounced glands.

For all methods, you should consult a dermatologist, a specialist in skin diseases.