What should you advise a patient regarding fordyce granules?

Fordyce granules are small, painless, pale bumps that can appear on the mucous membranes of the lips and inside the cheeks. They are actually ectopic sebaceous glands that are not associated with any disease or health risk. The presence of fordyce granules is completely normal and most commonly occurs in adults.

Advising that they typically require no treatment is correct. Since fordyce granules are benign and pose no health risks, there is no need for medical intervention or treatment. In most cases, they do not cause discomfort or functional issues and do not reflect any underlying pathology. Patients are encouraged to understand that fordyce granules are a normal anatomical variant rather than a medical concern.

While they can sometimes be perceived as a cosmetic issue, and some patients may seek treatments for aesthetic reasons, the fundamental aspect of fordyce granules being benign and generally requiring no action is the key takeaway for patient counseling.