Fordyce spots are painless, small, whitish or red bumps which usually appear around mouth or genital areas. These spots generally appear when excess oil gets trapped within the sebaceous glands. This usually happens in the areas where hair follicles are not present. The accumulated oil provides hospitality to bacteria which leads to inflammation and redness.
Though these spots are not painful or harmful but they can look ugly. Dermatologists may recommend chemicals peeling or laser treatments but simple home remedies for removing Fordyce spots are more effective and safe too. Though you may not notice results in a single day but with a regular application, you will reduce them in the longer run.
How To Get Rid of Fordyce Spots?
You can use various ingredients that are generally present in our kitchen to treat Fordyce spots. We have presented the top 20 home remedies below.
1. Garlic
The allicin present in garlic is known to decrease the bacteria in the blood stream. It also contains anti-inflammatory and other medicinal properties which help to reduce the appearance of Fordyce spots. Increase garlic content in your food or try the garlic juice recipe below.
- Peel and crush 2 garlic cloves.
- Into a blender, add 200ml of water, crushed garlic paste, and 50ml of lemon juice.
- Blend for 2 minutes and transfer the juice into a glass.
- Drink it immediately.
- Repeat the process 3 times in a day for quick results.
2. Coconut Oil
Excess production of sebum can also be caused due to dehydration or dry skin. Coconut oil contains moisturizing and antimicrobial properties which are helpful to get rid of Fordyce spots.
- Combine 2 – 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and few drops of lavender essential oil.
- Using your finger, apply the mixture on the affected area.
- Leave it on for a couple of hours.
- Repeat the application 2 times in a day.
Note: You can store the remaining mixture for future use.
3. Jojoba Oil and Argan Oil
Pour shrinking compounds and vitamin E content present in jojoba oil is helpful nourish the skin. The Argan oil is easily absorbed by the skin and balances the oil production.
- Combine 1 – 2 drops each of jojoba oil and argan oil.
- Using the fingers, apply the mixture on the Fordyce spots.
- Leave the application for 8 – 10 minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a day.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial and astringent properties which eliminate the bacteria and balance the sebum production.
- Combine equal quantities of apple cider vinegar and water.
- Using a cotton swab, apply the solution on the affected areas.
- Leave it to dry completely.
- Rinse off the application with lukewarm water after few minutes.
- Repeat the process not more than 2 times in a week.
Caution: If the application is causing unbearable burning sensation then rinse off immediately and apply ice some for relief. Avoid using this process again.
5. Essential Oils Blend
This is DIY ointment for treating Fordyce spots. We use different essential oils to make this blend. Benzoin provides relief from soreness and dryness. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties. Cabreuva oil heals and prevents scars. Olive oil controls the excess production of sebum.
- Combine 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and Scotch pine essential oil.
- To this mixture, add 2 – 3 drops each of benzoin oil, tea tree oil, and cabreuva oil.
- Apply this mixture on the Fordyce spots.
- Leave it to dry for few minutes.
- Wipe off the application with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap.
- Repeat the application 2 times in a day until you notice the results.
Caution: Patch test before applying the essential oil blend before trying out the process. If you observe negative effects, then avoid using this process. If not, then you are safe to use.
6. Buttermilk
The soothing properties of buttermilk soothe the inflammation and irritation. Apart from that, its astringent properties shrink the pores.
- Take enough amounts of buttermilk.
- Dip a cotton ball into the buttermilk and apply it on the Fordyce spots.
- Leave it to dry completely.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process few times in a day.
7. Asparagus Paste
Asparagus is very effective in increasing the skin cells regeneration rate which helps in treating the spots quickly.
- Take a piece of asparagus and crush it a paste.
- Combine asparagus paste, 30ml water, 10 ml each of lemon syrup, and tea tree oil. You can increase or decrease the quantity of any ingredient to make a thick paste.
- Leave the paste for few minutes.
- Spread the paste on the affected areas.
- Rinse off the application with water after few minutes.
- Repeat this process 2 times in a day.
8. Olive Oil
The moisturizing and hydrating properties of olive oil keep the healthy and prevent the formation of Fordyce spots. It also controls the excess production of oil.
- Wash the affected area with antibacterial soap.
- Using a cotton ball, apply olive oil on the affected areas.
- Leave the application for an hour and rinse off with water.
- Repeat the process 2 times in a day.
9. Vitamin Mix
We use ingredients that are rich in vitamin C for this mix. The chemical compounds of vitamin C allow self-healing of the spots. The water keeps the skin hydrated and moisturized. It also helps the vitamin C to penetrate deeply into the skin and heal the Fordyce spots.
- Combine 40ml of lukewarm water, 50ml each of lemon syrup, and orange juice.
- Leave the mixture aside for few minutes.
- Soak a cotton swab in the solution.
- Wring out the excess and place the cotton swab on the affected areas.
- Remove the cotton swab after 2 – 5 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat the process 3 times in a day.
10. Aloe Vera
The anti-inflammatory and skin healing properties of aloe vera are perfect for treating the Fordyce spots. Apart from that, aloe vera also contains antibacterial properties.
- Extract the gel from a fresh aloe vera leaf.
- Apply the gel on the affected areas.
- Leave it to dry for an hour.
- Rinse off the application with cold water.
- Repeat the application 2 – 3 times in a day.
11. Chamomile
Chamomile flowers contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also contains essential properties which help to treat the skin damage and Fordyce spots. You can apply some freshly brewed chamomile and rinse it off after few minutes. Or you can also follow the below method.
- Blend few chamomile flowers with some water to make a paste.
- Apply the mixture on the affected area.
- Leave it overnight and rinse off the application in the morning.
- Repeat this remedy daily for 2 – 3 weeks to notice the results.
12. Turmeric
Just like any other skin problem, turmeric is effective in treating Fordyce spots as well. It contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Combine 1 teaspoon of turmeric and 1 tablespoon of water to make a thick paste.
- Apply this paste on the affected areas of the body.
- Wait for 30 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process once in a week.
Note: Instead of water, you can use apple cider vinegar, mustard paste or milk.
13. Sandalwood Powder
The soothing and anti-inflammatory properties of sandalwood are effective in treating Fordyce spots. This process is effective for treating Fordyce spots around the mouth and genital areas.
- Combine 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder, 1 – 2 teaspoons of honey and 1 – 2 drops of olive oil.
- Stir well and apply the mixture on the spots.
- Leave the application for an hour and rinse it off with cold water.
- Repeat this remedy once in a week.
14. Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains soothing, hydrating and moisturizing properties. This process is effective for treating Fordyce spots in any part of the body.
- Add 1 cup of oatmeal into a bathtub of cold water.
- Soak for 30 minutes and bath normally.
- Repeat the process regularly.
- For added benefits, you can also add Epsom salt, milk and essential oil into the bathtub.
Note: Avoid using warm water for this process as it can worsen the problem.
15. Honey
The antiseptic, antibacterial and soothing properties of honey heal and repair the skin damage effectively.
- Combine 1 tablespoon of organic honey and 2 – 3 drops of olive oil.
- Apply the mixture on the Fordyce spots.
- Wait for an hour and rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process 2 times in a day.
Note: Instead of olive oil, you can use any essential oil.
16. Lemon
The disinfectant and antibacterial properties of lemon make it the best remedy for treating Fordyce spots. It also removes the dead skin which helps in dispersing the spots.
- Extract juice a lemon.
- Using a cotton ball, apply the juice on the affected areas.
- Leave the application to dry completely.
- Wash the area with lukewarm water.
Note: If you have dry skin, then avoid trying this process.
17. Vanilla and Sugar Scrub
This process helps to clean the pores, reduce the inflammation and remove the accumulated impurities that clog the pores. This also helps to remove the accumulated sebum.
- Combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of almond oil, 1/2 teaspoon of vitamin E oil and 1 teaspoon of real vanilla extract.
- Mix the ingredients well.
- Apply the paste directly on the affected areas.
- Gently scrub the paste in circular motions.
- Rinse off the application using mild soap and water.
- Repeat the process once in a week.
18. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which heal the skin faster.
- Combine 2 – 3 drops each of tea tree oil and any carrier oil.
- Apply the mixture on the affected area.
- Using a cotton swab, apply the mixture on the affected area.
- Wait for 30 minutes to let the application dry.
- Rinse off the application with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process 2 times in a week.
Note: Instead of tea tree oil, you can use any other essential oil like Frankincense oil, Palmarosa, galbanum, benzoin, jojoba oil or argan oil.
19. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel controls the excess production of sebum and deals with the bacteria. It also contains anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Combine 1 teaspoon of witch hazel and 2 teaspoons of honey.
- Using a clean cotton ball, apply the mixture on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process until the spots clear completely.
20. Vicks Vapor Rub
The menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor present in vapor rub contains anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. The menthol provides an instant cooling effect to the irritation caused by Fordyce spots.
- Take some Vicks vapor rub and apply it on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for overnight.
- Rinse with water in the morning.
- Repeat the process regularly.
Tips and Precautions:
- Ensure you are maintaining proper hygiene and wear clean clothes.
- Avoid using chemical based soaps and other products.
- If you have Fordyce spots around the mouth, the concentrate on proper oral hygiene. Though improper oral hygiene does not lead to Fordyce spots, it may worsen the condition.
- Scrub the affected areas regularly. This helps to remove the accumulated dead skin and excess oil. Make sure to scrub very gently as harshness can damage the epidermis layer of the skin.
- Dryness can also result in Fordyce spots so make sure to drink plenty of water.
- If you have Fordyce spots on the lips, avoid consuming hot drinks like coffee or tea as it can worsen the condition.
- Vitamin deficiency can also lead to the occurrence of Fordyce spots. So, increase the vitamin A, B, C, D and E consumption.
- If you have Fordyce spots on the lips then avoid licking and sucking as they can aggravate the condition.
- Increase folic acid content in your daily diet also helps to control and reduce the appearance of Fordyce spots.
Try any one of the methods and follow the tips mentioned above in the article to remove the spots effectively. However, don’t forget to visit a skin specialist to ensure they are Fordyce spots before trying out the methods. You can share your doubts, suggestions, and experiences in the comment section below.
