If you’ve noticed small white bumps around your lips or genitals, don’t panic — they’re likely Fordyce spots, a common and harmless condition. Named after dermatologist Dr. John Addison Fordyce, these are simply enlarged oil glands that secrete sebum to protect your skin.They often appear on the lips, inside the cheeks, or on the genitals (penis, scrotum, labia), and while they might resemble conditions like genital warts or herpes, they are not contagious or dangerous.

The Cleveland Clinic confirms that Fordyce spots are not STDs and affect more than 80% of people. Although they might look alarming, they’re a normal part of human anatomy.If you’re unsure whether what you’re seeing is a Fordyce spot or something else, it’s best to consult a doctor — but rest assured, they’re usually nothing to worry about.