

Genital warts are an STD caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). What is the difference between Fordyce spots and warts?įordyce spots aren’t STDs or STIs, and they aren’t contagious. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can cause cold sores to form on the lips, gums, tongue and inside of your mouth. They can also spread herpes through kissing or skin-to-skin contact if they have open sores. They can spread herpes through vaginal, oral and anal sex.

People with genital herpes develop painful blisters on their genitals. Genital herpes is an STI caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The appearance of Fordyce spots in these areas is normal, and they aren’t contagious. Penis, including the head (glans), shaft or foreskin.īut Fordyce spots aren’t sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs or STIs).You may be alarmed to notice Fordyce spots around your mouth or genital area, including your:

What is the difference between Fordyce spots and herpes? John Addison Fordyce first described Fordyce spots in 1896. Fordyce spots are benign (not cancerous).Īmerican dermatologist Dr. They sometimes appear around your genital area. They commonly appear around the edges of your lips (vermillion border) and inside of your cheeks. What are Fordyce spots?įordyce spots (Fordyce granules) are enlarged, slightly raised sebaceous (oil) glands that appear in hairless areas of your skin. Fordyce spots on the top lip and bottom lip.
