The remedy for Fordyce granules is an effective treatment option for neoplasms that appear on the skin of the human body. The phenomenon of seborrheic cysts is quite common, and for the most part does not cause concern among its owners. Nevertheless, for some people they become an acute problem, and all possible methods are selected to get rid of this phenomenon. Patients are looking for a method that will help get rid of Fordyce granules without causing harm to health.
Features of Fordyce granules
Fordyce granules look like small compactions - nodules, the size of which does not exceed 2 millimeters and a height of 1 millimeter. They have a light, flesh-colored or white color. They are located mainly in groups of several dozen specimens. Formations can be seen on the nipples of women, in the genital and anal areas, in the armpits and on the face. This anomaly affects about 35% of people, mostly women. When such a granule is squeezed, a curd mass may come out of it, white or yellow in color with a specific odor.
The presence of granules is almost unnoticeable. They do not cause pain, and the discomfort of their presence is completely eliminated.
Many experts consider such neoplasms to be an absolutely normal phenomenon. The reasons for their occurrence are associated with the abnormal location of the sebaceous glands, which is considered completely acceptable or normal.
The growths do not cause physical discomfort to a person. The desire to get rid of granules is associated with psychological discomfort due to the ugliness of the skin. The formations are not prone to complications, transmission to another person is excluded.
The appearance of granules can occur due to:
- stress;
- poor nutrition;
- bad habits;
- environmental impact.
The appearance of granules is observed during the period of hormonal changes in the body. Vulnerable periods are puberty and pregnancy. Often the granules dissolve on their own, without any intervention.
Fordyce granules
Fordyce granules are hyperplastic sebaceous glands that tend to form in those areas of the body where the skin is thinnest and most delicate. Most often they are localized on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity (in particular on the cheeks), on the lips, in the groin, directly on the genitals and on the nipples. Such changes in the sebaceous glands were first described by the American dermatologist and syphilidologist John Addison Fordyce back in 1896. Hence the name that has now become generally accepted for them - Fordyce granules. Formations are considered one of the variants of the physiological norm, since they are: completely benign; do not harm health; are not accompanied by unpleasant symptoms; are not transmitted during sexual contact or any other way. That is why patients turn to specialized medical institutions only in cases where visible sebaceous glands represent a serious cosmetic defect and become a reason for a person’s dissatisfaction with their appearance. The exact reasons that provoke changes in the sebaceous glands have not been identified at the moment. However, most doctors, based on the results of pathomorphological studies of tissues, believe that the prerequisite for the occurrence of cysts are various types of congenital disorders of the development of the sebaceous glands, leading to their displacement into the upper layer of the skin or to a change in their normal location (the location of the sebaceous glands in the area of the border of the lips is considered abnormal , on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, etc.). Another cause of Fordyce granules is considered to be hyperplasia of the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands, which provokes the appearance of cystic formations in them. Simply put, Fordyce granules develop in people who have excessive narrowing or blockage of the excretory ducts of the glands, accompanied by the accumulation of secretions (sebum) in them. Sebaceous gland cysts first appear in humans during adolescence, when the process of puberty begins, that is, approximately in the range from 13 to 17 years. Thus, it can be assumed that the process of formation of Fordyce granules proceeds in accordance with the following algorithm: during the period of intrauterine development in the fetus, for one reason or another, the formation of the sebaceous glands is disrupted; when the child reaches a certain age, under the influence of steroid hormones that are produced by the sex glands (the so-called androgen hormones), the glands begin to increase in size and actively produce sebum, which results in their visualization.
Characteristic features of Fordyce granules. Externally, sebaceous gland cysts resemble small nodules (or papules) the size of a millet grain. As a rule, such rashes are numerous, widespread and not accompanied by pain (either at rest or when pressing on them). When pressing on the formation, in some cases a very small amount of liquid may be released from it, having a white-yellow tint and a rather thick consistency. However, more often than not, attempts to squeeze the contents out of Fordyce granules end in pinpoint bleeding and the development of hematomas in the area of skin surrounding the damaged papule.
Doctors are categorical in their prohibitions on self-removal of Fordyce granules, since this, firstly, is very painful, and secondly, provokes inflammatory processes and scarring of the skin. This is especially true in cases where the cysts are localized in the lip border area. Fordyce granules on the lips in the vast majority of cases (up to 90%) occur in women. This type of Fordyce granules occurs as a result of damage to the apocrine sweat glands, which are somewhat associated with the genitourinary system.
Treatment of Fordyce granules. Unfortunately, there are currently no effective methods for treating Fordyce granules. The use of jojoba oil and vitamin A is recommended as a means to inhibit further development of the process. These products help remove Fordyce granules that are already present and prevent the formation of new ones. Such drugs can act mainly on fresh cysts.
The main methods of removal are electrocoagulation or cryotherapy. Treatment of large Fordyce granules, as well as formations classified as old, is carried out through their surgical removal. The decision on the possible removal of certain elements is made by the attending physician. In this case, the skin over the papule is opened, the wen itself is peeled off, and the bleeding is stopped using an electrocoagulant. The edges of the operated area are sutured with special materials.
Pustovoitova E.V.
Types of treatments
Treatment is not a necessary measure in this matter. Nevertheless, for many people it becomes relevant, as it causes many complexes about the appearance of the body.
Ointments
The most popular remedy for combating Fordyce's disease is Retin A ointment. The drug affects the secretion of the sebaceous glands and dissolves the formations that have arisen. Trans-retinoic acid, which is part of the ointment, neutralizes the contents of sebaceous plugs and regenerates skin tissue. You need to apply the cream once a day, preferably in the evening, before bed. It is important to avoid contact of the substance with the eyes and mucous membranes of the body. After 6 hours, it must be washed off with running water. The first effects are observed after 2-3 weeks. The full course of treatment lasts up to 2 months. Analogs of the cream drug Airol and Lokacid.
Removal by devices
New growths can be removed by performing an instrument procedure. Modern medicine offers many options for removing skin defects in a hospital setting:
- Cryodestruction - granules are frozen with liquid nitrogen. A special device is applied to the affected area for a few seconds. After this, the growth begins to collapse and dies.
- Laser removal is the most popular. It occurs under the influence of a special laser beam, which burns out the growth layer by layer. Removing Fordyce granules with this laser takes several minutes.
- Electrocoagulation – neutralization of the cyst occurs using high frequency electric current. The current energy accumulates in the tip, after which it evaporates the liquid from the tissues of the growth. Thanks to the method, elimination takes place without blood loss.
- The radio wave method is the most gentle. Excision is carried out by exposure to high-frequency waves that cut off the formation. Moreover, at this moment there is no contact between the device and the tissues.
We recommend reading:
- How to get rid of warts on the neck
- Is it possible to cauterize condylomas?
- Features of the appearance of a wen on the scrotum
Medications
Treatment of cysts is carried out without the use of various medications. In special cases, your doctor may recommend taking anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics to prevent bacterial infection. The selection of medications is solely at the discretion of the doctor, depending on the symptoms of the disease and the characteristics of the patient.
Symptoms, causes
There are several reasons for the formation of Fordyce granules on the penis:
- Violation of intimate hygiene rules, resulting in blockage of the sebaceous glands.
- Hormonal instability.
- A congenital feature is the localization of the sebaceous glands with a deviation from physiological norms.
- Puberty period.
- Damage to the sebaceous glands.
- Wearing synthetic underwear that rubs the skin, does not allow it to perform the function of breathing, and causes irritation.
- Bad habits that disrupt the blood supply to tissues, timely and complete evacuation of sebaceous gland secretions.
- Using low-quality personal hygiene products.
The symptoms of neoplasms boil down to the appearance of multiple cysts that have a white or beige tint. They are always localized in groups on the head or foreskin. The size of the cysts is from 1 to 3 mm; they secrete a small amount of a specific secretion with an unpleasant odor.
How does a cosmetologist remove it?
In addition to standard clinical treatment methods, a person with rashes can be treated at home, or seek the help of a cosmetologist.
After a diagnostic examination, the cosmetologist can select one of the most suitable methods. Most often, for such a problem, treatment with the Darsonval apparatus is used or permanent makeup is applied.
The use of Darsonval allows you to cleanse the skin, saturate it with oxygen and restore natural metabolic processes in tissues. The sebaceous department is normalized. The skin becomes more pleasant and smooth to the touch. In this case, the course of treatment will be about 10 sessions. During the procedure, the specialist installs the necessary attachment – an electrode – into the device holder. After this, light movements massage the skin. Unfortunately, cosmetologists do not give a 100% guarantee of an effective outcome. A similar procedure can also be carried out at home.
Permanent makeup is used for minor tissue damage. Especially if the growths are on the lips. To do this, a special pigment is introduced into the required area, which colors the granules that stand out in color. Tissue tattooing takes place. The result of the procedure lasts for 1-2 years, after which the event must be repeated.
Diagnosis, treatment
The presence of Fordyce granules on the penis can be confirmed by examination. If the appearance of pathology is associated with the presence of urogenital infections, the patient is referred to undergo a smear from the urethra. Additionally, the man will have to donate blood for a PCR test.
If, before contacting a specialist, attempts were made to independently squeeze out the granules and swelling of the penis, the patient is referred for an ultrasound. The method helps determine the extent of inflammation.
Current treatment is minimally invasive; conservative therapy does not provide the expected effect. But in case of bacterial damage to the tissues of the penis, antibiotic therapy is indicated.
Our clinic specialists remove Fordyce granules using a laser. The high precision of the beam and the ability to use it competently allow you to achieve a positive cosmetic effect. Each patient who contacts can count on confidentiality and the absence of complications from treatment
