Dermatology >>>> Fordyce granules - causes and treatment

Fordyce granules - causes and treatment.

Neuroendocrine dysfunctions of the sebaceous glands can lead to the formation of sebaceous cysts (seborrheic cysts or Fordyce granules, named after the American dermatologist John Fordyce, who studied their origin).

One of the assumptions about the origin of Fordyce granules is considered to be their abnormal placement in those places of the skin and mucous membranes, where they should not be. Some authors believe that cysts of the sebaceous glands develop as a result of hyperplasia of the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands, which constricts the ducts, which makes it difficult for the outflow of sebaceous secretions. It is assumed that the abnormal laying of the sebaceous glands begins during intrauterine development, then during puberty, with increased hormonal activity of androgens, the production of sebaceous secretion increases, which increases the clogged sebaceous glands in size and makes them visible.

Fordyce granules tend to form on areas of the body covered with a mucous membrane, in the area of thin skin: on the lips, on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity (in the cheek area), on the mucous membrane of the genitals, in the nipple area. Externally, Fordyce granules look like a scattering of nodules ranging in size from 1mm to 5mm, resembling miliums or atheromas.

In addition to a cosmetic defect, seborrheic cysts do not pose any health hazard. These are benign formations that do not cause discomfort, are not transmitted from person to person by close contact.

Treatment of Fordyce granules presents difficulties due to the fact that when they are removed, the process recurs after 2-3 years. Removal of Fordyce granules is carried out by cryotherapy, electrocoagulation or laser treatment. Large cysts are exfoliated and treated with an electrocoagulant. There is an opinion that it is possible to restrain the formation of Fordyce granules by treating surfaces with Retin-A cream, Jojoba oil. Dermatologists advise against removing Fordyce granules, unless they present an unpleasant cosmetic problem, for example, on the face in the area of the lips.