Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia develops in

adults over 40 years

old and the risk increases with age

Papules from blocked sebaceous glands are

2-6 mm

and have an indented center

Bumps often appear on the nose,

cheeks, forehead, and chest

but can show up anywhere

Bumps can mimic

basal cell carcinoma

so it’s important to confirm a diagnosis

If you have small, shiny bumps on your face that are indented in the middle or have a white or yellow border, your sebaceous glands may be clogged. These glands secrete an oily substance called sebum that lubricates your skin and hair, but sometimes the sebum becomes trapped inside, causing bumps. A Forefront provider can diagnose your condition and offer treatment options to clear up your skin.

What is sebaceous hyperplasia?

Sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles all over your face and body. They produce sebum, an oily substance that creates a slightly greasy layer on your skin. When sebum doesn’t release properly from the glands, the glands swell and form small, shiny bumps on the skin. This condition is known as sebaceous hyperplasia. It’s not harmful, but it can be frustrating and hard to treat on your own.

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Who gets sebaceous hyperplasia?

Sebaceous hyperplasia is most common in middle-aged or older adults, but it can happen at any age. Some people are more likely than others to have this condition, including:

Those with fair skin – especially those with excessive sun exposure
Those with a family history of sebaceous hyperplasia
Those who take an immunosuppressant medication called cyclosporine, which is often used after organ transplants
Those with Muir-Torre syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that increases the risk of certain cancers. If you have this syndrome, contact your Forefront dermatologist right away. The presence of sebaceous hyperplasia could indicate a tumor.

What are sebaceous hyperplasia symptoms?

The main symptom of sebaceous hyperplasia is the appearance of small, shiny bumps under the skin. The bumps may have a slight indentation in the center or a white or yellow border.

Sebaceous hyperplasia typically occurs on the face and chest, but it can be on any part of the body. The bumps are usually small and do not cause any pain. Some bumps appear on their own, while others are in small clusters.

While this condition sounds similar to acne, it looks different because whiteheads and blackheads have a raised center. Bumps caused by sebaceous hyperplasia have a dent in the middle.

How is sebaceous hyperplasia diagnosed?

It can be difficult for the average patient to distinguish sebaceous hyperplasia from acne. A dermatologist can identify the bumps during an examination.

Sebaceous hyperplasia can look similar to basal cell carcinoma, although bumps from that type of skin cancer are usually red or pink and larger than those of sebaceous hyperplasia. Your Forefront provider may choose to biopsy the bumps to rule out basal cell carcinoma.

What treatments are available for sebaceous hyperplasia?

Sebaceous hyperplasia is harmless in most cases and does not require treatment unless the bumps are growing or bleeding. If the bumps are bothering you, they can be reduced or removed using various methods.

Topical medication

Regular application of prescription-strength retinol can help reduce the bumps, as can oral retinoids (such as isotretinoin).

Procedures

Your Forefront provider can remove bumps with:

Electrocautery, which uses an electric needle to burn and vaporize the bumps, which scab over and fall off
Cryotherapy, which freezes the bumps so they quickly fall off
Laser treatment, which smooths the skin and removes trapped sebum
Photodynamic therapy, which applies a drug activated by light

You may have to do several rounds of treatment to see results, and it is possible for the bumps to return.

Are there ways to prevent sebaceous hyperplasia?

Staying out of the sun or at least wearing SPF 30 sunscreen can help reduce your risk.

Washing your face with a cleanser that contains salicylic acid or retinol can also help prevent your sebaceous glands from becoming clogged.

Who can treat sebaceous hyperplasia?

Board-certified dermatologists at Forefront are experts in diagnosing and treating all skin conditions. Our providers can offer solutions for treating sebaceous hyperplasia. Find a Forefront office near you and schedule a consultation today.

Interested in Sebaceous Hyperplasia? Request a consultation with a skin specialist today.

*Treatment options may vary at each location.
Please confirm your desired treatment is offered at your preferred location when scheduling. *Age Restriction.
For patients scheduling who are under 18 years of age (19 in Alabama and Nebraska) please make sure you have permission from your parent or legal guardian to schedule this appointment. Your parent or legal guardian must accompany you on your initial visit and on certain subsequent visits to provide appropriate informed consent.