Sebaceous Hyperplasia; Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of sebaceous?
Sebaceous glands are microscopic structures that are attached to hair follicles all over your body. They release sebum onto your skin’s surface. Sebum is a mixture of fats and cell debris that creates a slightly greasy layer on your skin. It helps keep your skin flexible and hydrated.
What is sebaceous hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a common, benign condition of sebaceous (oil) glands in adults of middle age or older. Lesions can be single or multiple and are yellowish, soft, small papules on the face particularly nose, cheeks, and forehead. However any place in body that has sebaceous (oil) gland can develop sebaceous hyperplasia.
What are the causes of sebaceous hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia is not caused by infection or oily skin. It is an inherited tendency or the skin and usually seen in families. The oil glands of the skin are abnormally enlarged around a tiny hair follicle of the facial skin. Sebaceous may become more pronounced over an affected person's lifetime.
How does sebaceous hyperplasia look like?
Sebaceous hyperplasia are yellowish, soft, small or flesh-colored bumps on the skin. They are shiny and usually on the face, especially the forehead and nose. Sebaceous hyperplasia usually are between 2 and 4 millimeters wide, and painless and it is mostly annoying from cosmetic point of view.
What causes sebaceous hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia occurs when the sebaceous glands become enlarged with trapped sebum. This creates shiny bumps on the skin, especially the face. The bumps are harmless, but some people like to treat them for cosmetic reasons.
Sebaceous hyperplasia is not caused by infection or oily skin. It is an inherited tendency or the skin and usually seen in families. The oil glands of the skin are abnormally enlarged around a tiny hair follicle of the facial skin.
What causes sebaceous hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia is most common in middle-aged or older people. People with fair skin particularly people with lots of sun exposure are more likely to get it. There’s also likely a genetic factor. Sebaceous hyperplasia often happens to people with a family history of it.
How to get rid of sebaceous hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia doesn’t require treatment unless for cosmetic reasons.
To get rid of sebaceous hyperplasia, the affected sebaceous glands need to be removed. You may have to be treated more than once to fully remove the glands. There are several options for removing the glands or controlling sebum buildup:
Electrocoagulation: A needle with an electrical charge heats and vaporizes the bump. This forms a scab that eventually falls off. It may also cause some discoloration in the affected area.
Laser therapy: A healthcare professional can use a laser to smooth the top layer of your skin and remove trapped sebum.
Cryotherapy: A healthcare professional can freeze the bumps, causing them to easily fall off your skin. This option can also cause some discoloration.
Can I prevent sebaceous hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia is linked to sun exposure, so staying out of the sun as much as possible can also help prevent it. When you’re out in the sun, use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and wear a hat to protect your scalp and face.
