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Fordyce Spots Treatment

Safe & Effective Clearance of Fordyce Spots

Using Hyfrecation, you don’t need to wait for results to be seen

Same Day Treatment

For those who filled the questionnaire with images (and it is safe)

Friendly & Professional

We’re here to make the process as smooth & easy as possible for you

Hyfrecation. Our Method of Treatment

Local anaesthetic

Numbing cream or penile block

Number of visits

Consultation & Patch Test + Main Procedure + Follow Up (optional)

Length of appointments

60 minutes + 30 minutes + 30 minutes (optional)

Recovery

Continue with your day, minimising physical activity

Locations

Whilst Hyfrecation is an established treatment method and has been in practice for more than 80 years, it is a less well known method of treatment compared to Laser in the UK.

Hyfrecation is a minor surgical procedure that works by burning off skin lesions using electrocautery and results in the immediate clearance of these lesions.

Carried out under local anaesthesia (i.e. the skin around the lesions to be removed is numbed before treating), Hyfrecation is a very safe procedure which achieves clear results in almost 100% of patients for the treatment of Fordyce spots.

We begin with a patch test so that you can fully assess what the results may look like before proceeding with the main procedure. This is especially important because the end results can vary by skin types.

After the main procedure, a follow up appointment may be required (depending on the extent of your Fordyce spots) to achieve the best results.

The procedure will leave a small raw area which should heal over in a few days. Being a medical procedure, it is essential to be aware of any possible side effects.

There may be possible short term side effects like bleeding, bruising, soreness and infection. Fortunately, long term consequences are rare but can include change in skin colour, scarring, development of neuralgic pain and loss of sensation over the treated area.

Eligibility

It is important to understand that treatment of Fordyce spots is a cosmetic procedure. As such, if your life is unaffected by this, then you absolutely do not need to get treated.

However, if you find that your relationships, wellbeing and lifestyle is affected, we will discuss this with you and make sure that treatment is the right thing to do.

How do I know if I am eligible for Fordyce spots treatment?

Whilst it is only really after seeing you that we can make sure that you’re eligible for treatment, submitting our questionnaire (with pictures) will give us a very good idea.

Can I be treated for Fordyce spots if I have been treated before?

Absolutely. We sometimes do patients who have had laser treatment in the past requiring further treatment due to unsatisfactory outcome or recurrence. Hyfrecation treatment can be safely performed in such patients with excellent results.

From what age can I be treated for Fordyce spots?

We can see patients from the age of 18 and above at our clinic.

Are there any health conditions that might stop me from getting Fordyce spots treatment?

Occasionally, patient may have one of the following conditions affecting the penile skin which needs to addressed before undertaking the hyfrecation treatment:

  • Infection of the surrounding skin
  • An outbreak of genital herpes
  • Localised active Inflammatory conditions of the penile skin (for example, eczema)
  • If you suffer from diabetes, and your sugar levels are out of control
  • If you suffer from hypertension, and your Blood Pressure is not controlled

The Process

The consultation and procedure happen in one appointment, as long as it’s safe to do so.

Questionnaire

This will allow us to understand the extent of your lesions and give us a good idea of whether/when you can be treated (esp. for those seeking the patch test in the same appointment as their consultation).

Consultation

In the consultation, we will discuss any questions that we may have. If you are keen to proceed with the patch test, we will offer you local anaesthetic to start.

Patch Test

Should you wish to proceed with Fordyce spots treatment, we will be able to offer you a path test in the same appointment. This will be done on a small area using Hyfrecation.

Main Procedure

In 2-4 weeks, if you find yourself satisfied with the results from the patch test, we will welcome you back for the main procedure.

Follow Up (Optional)

After another 2-4 weeks from the main procedure, you can have your follow up appointment (optional) to ensure we have done a good job.

If you are look to have an STI test or HPV test, this can be done in the same appointment.

Aftercare

If you’ve just had Fordyce spots treatment from us and are seeking advice on recovery and after, we’ve got the right information for you just here.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Can Fordyce spots be cured?

As Fordyce spots are a normal part of the anatomy, there is no need to remove them or “cure” them. However, if removal is desired for cosmetic reasons, this can be achieved by a number of methods such as hyfrecation or laser therapy. Those with multiple lesions they wish to remove may need prolonged and numerous treatments depending on the number of lesions. Whilst removal generally makes the lesions less visible, and it is possible for the lesions to be removed entirely, in some cases, the lesions will never be invisible.

What benefits are there to treating Fordyce spots?

Whilst Fordyce spots are harmless and normal, their presence can cause marked psychological distress. Their appearance can be perceived as unsightly, or they may be mistaken for a sexually transmitted infection which can cause significant stigma. People who are distressed by Fordyce spots may feel having them removed improves their self-esteem, confidence, and overall sex life.

Is there anything I can do at home if I have Fordyce spots?

No. There are no home remedies that have been shown to be effective at removing Fordyce spots. If you have Fordyce spots, it’s highly discouraged to attempt any home remedies, including physical removal, burning, squeezing or “popping” the spots, or applying any over-the-counter remedies.

You should be mindful of general genital health, keeping your genitals clean using a fragrance-free soap or soap substitute. If you notice any new lesions on your genitals, it’s important to see a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

If you have had unprotected sex, it’s important to consider the possibility of sexually transmitted infection.

Before the appointment

How can I prepare for my appointment?

We recommend that you do the following before your appointment:

  • You have a shower on the day of your appointment, to reduce the risk of infection
  • Most people who attend the treatment are able to drive back home themselves
  • Avoid undertaking heavy physical activities (work, gym) for 48 hours after the procedure

Will I need to take time off after my appointment?

You should be able to return to your normal day after the procedure, as long as your job is not physically demanding.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes. You can bring your partner, friend or family member to your appointment.

However, if you feel that you would rather not bring someone to the appointment, rest assured that our staff are here to support you and make you comfortable in any way possible. Clarewell Clinics is a safe space.

What travel arrangements should I make for after the appointment?

You do not need to make any special arrangements for after your procedure. However, if you would feel more comfortable, you may request a family member/friend/partner to accompany you on the way home.

During the appointment

How will the appointment work?

After you have arrived for your appointment, we will invite you in for the initial consultation.

Once we have reviewed your lesions, we will proceed to prepare you for the procedure (as long as you have booked in for same day treatment). This will involve going through the consent form, taking any pre-procedure pictures and applying the numbing cream in privacy.

After letting the numbing cream settle for approx. 15-20 minutes, we will check to make sure the area is numb and then continue to burn the lesions.

After the procedure, we will offer you aftercare advice and give you an aftercare pack with some items to help with the recovery.

Will the procedure hurt?

Almost all of our patients find treatment of Fordyce spots with hyfrecation painless. Your clinician will confirm the total numbness of skin before undertaking the procedure.

Can I listen to my music during the procedure?

Yes, absolutely you can. Please let us know at the time of your booking (or upon your arrival) so that we are ready to accommodate your wishes.

Though, in all honesty, you will probably be joking and laughing with your clinician during the procedure and the procedure will be over before you realise.

After the appointment

What should I expect after my appointment?

You may experience a little soreness at the operated site. This is completely normal and some standard painkillers can help with this.

What do I do if I think I have a problem after the appointment?

We recommend all patients have a thorough read of the information above as it will help with key questions.

If you think that something is wrong, please request a follow up call by contacting our clinic.

How soon after my appointment can I have sex?

It’s advised to abstain from sex and avoid masturbation until healing is complete (approx. 1 week). Having intercourse during the healing process can increase the risk of infection, scarring or bleeding.

Will I require a follow up appointment after my main procedure?

All patients are offered a follow-up appointment within 4 weeks after their main procedure (not the patch test). This is to ensure that all the lesions have been treated and that you are happy with the procedure.

This will also give you a chance to ask any further questions that you may have.

Fees

Genital Dermatology Consultation only £150

Genital Dermatology Consultation + Patch Test only £350

Genital Dermatology Consultation + Patch Test + Main Procedure (penile or scrotal) + Follow Up (optional) £1050

Genital Dermatology Consultation + Patch Test + Main Procedure (penile and scrotal) + Follow Up (optional) £1950

Health Insurance

Find out if you can claim your visit

Don’t wait months.

Page reviewed by Dr Manoj Malu

Last reviewed date: 1 April 2022
Next review due: 1 April 2025

Whilst this content is written and reviewed by sexual health specialists, it is for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.

References & Further Reading