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Which Retin-A Tretinoin Would Be Best to Treat Fordyce Spots on my Penis?

I have fordyce spots on the shaft and foreskin of my penis. I have read online that tretinoin works in getting rid of fordyce spots. First off would it be better to use a cream or gel version? I was thinking the gel since I have found many testimonials that the cream leads to rashes and massive skin peeling. Secondly in addition to the first question: should I use the 0.05% strength gel, 0.10% gel, 0.025% cream, or 0.05% cream. Obviously mattering whether cream or gel is preferred. Thanks.

Doctor Answers 2

Treatment for Fordyce spots

January 30th, 2011
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Fordyce spots are oil glands (sebaceous glands) that are normal structures but appear in abnormal (ectopic) positions, such as the vermilion border of the lips, penis, scrotum or labia.

They are best treated with a destructive method like a CO2 laser, cauterization or trichloroacetic acid application.

There is one report of Accutane being helpful in treating them, but it is not the best method and requires taking Accutane for several months, which exposes the entire body to the potential side effects from the medication.

Tretinoin creams or gels really have no place in treating the Fordyce spots.

Emily Altman, MD


Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 4 reviews

January 30th, 2011

Treatment for Fordyce spots

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Fordyce spots are oil glands (sebaceous glands) that are normal structures but appear in abnormal (ectopic) positions, such as the vermilion border of the lips, penis, scrotum or labia.

They are best treated with a destructive method like a CO2 laser, cauterization or trichloroacetic acid application.

There is one report of Accutane being helpful in treating them, but it is not the best method and requires taking Accutane for several months, which exposes the entire body to the potential side effects from the medication.

Tretinoin creams or gels really have no place in treating the Fordyce spots.


Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

Treating Fordyce spots with retin-A

January 18th, 2015
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I don't think you would see any benefit from using retin-A on your Fordyce spots, and in fact would likely have a fair bit of redness/irritation from it. Best to see your dermatologist for destructive treatments, from laser to electrosurgery to application of acids.
Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC
Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 55 reviews

January 18th, 2015

Treating Fordyce spots with retin-A

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
I don't think you would see any benefit from using retin-A on your Fordyce spots, and in fact would likely have a fair bit of redness/irritation from it. Best to see your dermatologist for destructive treatments, from laser to electrosurgery to application of acids.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC
Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon

*Treatment results may vary

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.