Noticing tiny white or yellowish bumps on your lips, inside your cheeks, or in intimate areas can be alarming—but in most cases, they’re completely normal. These bumps are called Fordyce spots, and they’re harmless oil glands present in about 80% of adults.
Fordyce spots are sebaceous (oil-producing) glands that appear in places without hair follicles, making them visible under thin skin. They’re not an infection, not contagious, not an STD, and not cancerous. Most people are born with them, but they become noticeable after puberty when hormones activate oil production.
They don’t hurt, itch, spread, or “pop,” and they require no medical treatment. However, because they can affect confidence—especially on the lips—some people choose cosmetic options like laser treatment or topical retinoids after consulting a dermatologist.
The most important thing to remember: don’t squeeze or pick them, as this can cause irritation or scarring.
Fordyce spots are simply part of how human skin works. They’re a sign of healthy, functioning oil glands—not a flaw. If they bother you, a dermatologist can help. Otherwise, they’re just another reminder that real skin has texture, variation, and perfectly normal quirks.
