Article: Although Fordyce spots appear in the same areas of the body as herpes lesions (around the lips and genitalia), they are very different conditions. Unlike Fordyce spots, herpes lesions look like red blisters or ulcers and they are initially very itchy before becoming painful usually described as burning pain. Also, herpes lesions are usually larger than Fordyce spots. Herpes are caused by the herpes simplex virus (either type 1 or 2) and are very contagious. In contrast, Fordyce spots are not contagious. After an outbreak, herpes lesions fade away and usually only reappear in times of stress. Fordyce spots sometimes fade away, but usually they are permanent or even get a little worse with age. Fordyce spots can look a lot like genital warts, particularly during their early stages when the warts are quite small. Both conditions also appear around the genitalia. However, genital warts can grow to be much larger than Fordyce spots and are caused by HPV or human papillomavirus. HPV is also contagious and transmitted primarily by skin-to-skin contact through a cut, abrasion or small tear in your skin. As genital warts grow, they often develop into cauliflower-like bumps or tiny stem-like protrusions. In contrast, Fordyce spots often look like "chicken skin" or sometimes "goose bumps" especially when the skin is stretched. Genital warts often spread to the anus regions, whereas Fordyce spots rarely do. Genital warts increase your risk of cancer of the cervix. In contrast, Fordyce spots are not associated with any other condition. Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles that's commonly seen around the opening of the vagina and base of the penis. Folliculitis involves the formation of little pustules around the pubic hair follicles. They are frequently itchy, sometimes painful and red and release some pus if squeezed similar to a pustule pimple. In contrast, Fordyce spots are rarely itchy, never painful and can sometimes release a thick, oily discharge if squeezed similar to a black head pimple. Folliculitis is often caused by shaving the pubic region and irritating hair follicles. Bacteria are sometimes involved, although it's not considered a contagious condition. Folliculitis is often successfully treated with topical creams or oral antibiotics, and better hygiene measures, including quitting shaving with a razor. It's not recommended to squeeze Fordyce spots because you may inflame them and make them larger.

What is a summary?
Don't confuse Fordyce spots with herpes. Differentiate Fordyce spots from genital warts. Don't mistake Fordyce spots for folliculitis.