If you’ve ever noticed small white bumps around your lips or other areas of your body, you might be wondering what they are. Rest assured, these tiny spots are completely normal and harmless.

The most common areas where they appear are the lips and genital regions, which can sometimes cause concern. You might worry they’re a rash, an infection, or even a contagious condition affecting your private parts.

However, these bumps—known as Fordyce spots—are a natural part of the human body, and most people have them somewhere.

What Are Fordyce Spots?

Named after Dr. John Addison Fordyce, an American dermatologist who identified them in 1896, these spots are actually oil glands. They produce sebum, a natural oil that helps protect the skin.

Fordyce spots can appear on various parts of the body, including: