If you’ve been giving your body a thorough examination then you might have noticed the presence of strange white bumps around certain body parts including your lips and… other bits.
Look, dear reader, you chose to come here so we’re going to do our best to satisfy your sense of curiosity about this subject.
Your lips and genitals are the bits of your body where you’ll see them appear and you might start thinking you’ve got some kind of unwanted growth or rash developing on your skin, or even worse some kind of transmitted disease which is warping your Willy Wonka or woman’s business in some way.
Rest assured that the bumps are perfectly natural and the vast majority of people have them somewhere on the body.
The bumps are known medically as ‘Fordyce spots’, which are named after American dermatologist Dr. John Addison Fordyce – the man who first described them back in 1896.
Imagine living your life, studying medicine and devoting yourself to research only to have your name be forever associated with little bumps that appear on a person’s private parts.
As for what they are, they’re actually oil glands the secrete a substance called sebum which help protect the body.
As well as being found on the edges of your lips or inside of your cheeks, Fordyce spots can also turn up on your penis, foreskin or scrotum, or the labia of your vagina, in case we hadn’t made that clear already.
Fordyce spots on the penis can often look like other skin conditions like Molluscum contagiosum, milium cysts, epidermoid cysts, genital warts or herpes, but Cleveland Clinic stresses on its website that they are not sexually transmitted diseases or infections.
“The appearance of Fordyce spots in these areas is normal, and they aren’t contagious,” it says, going on to say genital warts, in particular, may look like Fordyce spots when they initially develop.
“On the plus side I’ve had one of my medical discoveries named after me. On the downside it’s about those little bumps you’ve got on your genitals.” (Public Domain)
Naturally, any time something happens to your undoubtedly precious private parts, it can seem a little unnerving.
If you’re really fretting then you can go and see a doctor about them but understand that the human body is covered in lots of little lumps and bumps and there’s not much to be gained from getting worked up about them.
We’re not all as smooth as a movie star down there, this is just what people are actually like.
They’re not a sign of any kind of disease and you can’t catch them from anyone, but if you really do think you’ve actually got a disease that looks like Fordyce spots but aren’t then seek medical advice.
About 80 percent of people have them, so you’re not alone in this.
Additional words by Jess Hardiman
Lucky Items for Each Zodiac Sign When Leaving the House
Each zodiac sign has unique traits, and carrying the right lucky item can help enhance confidence, attract positivity, and ward off negative energy. Here’s a detailed guide to the best lucky item for each zodiac sign, along with its estimated luck-boosting percentage when stepping out of the house!
♈ Aries (March 21 – April 19) – Red Bracelet (Luck: 85%)
Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of energy and action. A red bracelet enhances Aries’ natural confidence and drive, helping them stay focused and fearless. Red symbolizes power, passion, and determination, giving Aries an extra push to succeed in their daily ventures.
🔮 Why it works: Red is Aries’ power color, and a bracelet worn on the dominant hand acts as a talisman for success and courage.
♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – Small Jade Stone (Luck: 80%)
Taurus is an earth sign ruled by Venus, which governs beauty, stability, and wealth. A jade stone is a powerful amulet for attracting prosperity and grounding energy.
🔮 Why it works: Jade is known to bring financial luck and emotional balance, keeping Taurus calm and focused throughout the day.
♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20) – Silver Keychain (Luck: 75%)
Gemini thrives on communication and new experiences. A silver keychain symbolizes opportunities and open doors, attracting luck in networking, career, and personal encounters.
🔮 Why it works: Silver is a protective metal that enhances clarity and intuition, while a key symbolizes unlocking possibilities.
♋ Cancer (June 21 – July 22) – Moon-Shaped Pendant (Luck: 90%)
Cancer is deeply connected to the Moon, which governs emotions and intuition. Wearing a moon-shaped pendant offers emotional balance, protection, and luck in decision-making.
🔮 Why it works: The Moon influences Cancer’s energy, and a pendant amplifies their intuition, helping them navigate daily challenges with ease.
♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22) – Gold Accessory (Luck: 88%)
Leos are ruled by the Sun, radiating confidence and charisma. A gold accessory (ring, necklace, or bracelet) amplifies their natural glow, attracting admiration and success.
🔮 Why it works: Gold represents strength, royalty, and power, making Leo shine even brighter in social and professional settings.
♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22) – Neatly Folded Handkerchief (Luck: 70%)
Virgos are meticulous and value order. Carrying a neatly folded handkerchief ensures they feel prepared and composed, reducing anxiety and inviting good fortune.
🔮 Why it works: A handkerchief symbolizes cleanliness and organization, which helps Virgos maintain control over their surroundings.
♎ Libra (September 23 – October 22) – Rose Quartz Crystal (Luck: 85%)
Libras seek harmony and love, and a rose quartz crystal enhances their ability to attract positive relationships and avoid conflicts.
🔮 Why it works: Rose quartz emits a gentle, loving energy that helps Libras maintain balance and charm in their interactions.
♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) – Black Obsidian Stone (Luck: 92%)
Scorpios have intense energy and need protection from negativity. A black obsidian stone shields them from harmful influences while boosting their personal power.
🔮 Why it works: Black obsidian absorbs negative energy and strengthens Scorpios’ natural resilience and intuition.
♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) – Feather Charm (Luck: 78%)
Sagittarius is adventurous and always seeking new experiences. A feather charm symbolizes freedom, luck, and spiritual guidance, ensuring a smooth journey ahead.
🔮 Why it works: Feathers represent travel, wisdom, and divine protection, keeping Sagittarius safe and inspired.
♑ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) – Lucky Coin (Luck: 88%)
Capricorns are ambitious and hardworking. Carrying a lucky coin attracts wealth, success, and stability in their professional and personal lives.
🔮 Why it works: A coin is a universal symbol of prosperity and financial growth, aligning with Capricorn’s disciplined nature.
♒ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) – Blue Pendant (Luck: 82%)
Aquarius is innovative and intuitive. A blue pendant enhances their creativity, wisdom, and ability to make good decisions.
🔮 Why it works: Blue represents clarity and intelligence, helping Aquarius navigate daily encounters with ease.
♓ Pisces (February 19 – March 20) – Seashell or Pearl (Luck: 90%)
Pisces is deeply connected to the ocean, and a seashell or pearl provides emotional calmness, inspiration, and protection.
🔮 Why it works: Water elements soothe Pisces’ sensitive soul, keeping them in tune with their intuition and creativity.
Carrying a small lucky item that resonates with your zodiac sign can subtly influence your day in positive ways. While luck is never guaranteed, these items serve as symbols of encouragement, motivation, and protection.