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What causes whiteheads on the upper lip and penile foreskin?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have some small whiteheads on my upper lip and on the foreskin of my penis. They are visible only when I pull down the foreskin and they are located only on my foreskin. They do not cause itching. It seems like Fordyce spots. Please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Priya. B. T

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Priya. B.T. is a well-experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of skin, hair, and nail disorders. Her expertise covers both medical and cosmetic dermatology, including the management of chronic skin conditions, allergy-related issues, and advanced aesthetic procedures. She is skilled in using modern diagnostic tools and evidence-based therapies to deliver effective results while prioritizing patient comfort and safety. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on providing personalized care that enhances skin health and overall confidence.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You are right. You have Fordyce spots on the lips. They are the opening of sebaceous glands. It is a benign condition and there is nothing to be worried. Apply a good moisturizer. In the genital area, you have some small white spots. They look like lichen nitidus. This is an asymptomatic condition and nothing to be worried. If you are having it for a long time like the one present on lips, then it is Fordyce spots only. It occurs commonly in lips and genitalia too. Apply moisturizer once. You can use Tacrolimus ointment 0.03%. If possible, you can use OTC (over the counter) mix with moisturizing lotion and apply it to the spots. After the completion of the pandemic, consult your doctor soon.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At May 8, 2020
Reviewed At February 5, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Priya. B.T. is a well-experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of skin, hair, and nail disorders. Her expertise covers both medical and cosmetic dermatology, including the management of chronic skin conditions, allergy-related issues, and advanced aesthetic procedures. She is skilled in using modern diagnostic tools and evidence-based therapies to deliver effective results while prioritizing patient comfort and safety. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on providing personalized care that enhances skin health and overall confidence.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Priya. B.T. is a well-experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of skin, hair, and nail disorders. Her expertise covers both medical and cosmetic dermatology, including the management of chronic skin conditions, allergy-related issues, and advanced aesthetic procedures. She is skilled in using modern diagnostic tools and evidence-based therapies to deliver effective results while prioritizing patient comfort and safety. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on providing personalized care that enhances skin health and overall confidence.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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