Sebaceous Hyperplasia - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Definition

Sebaceous hyperplasia is the term used for enlarged sebaceous glands seen on the forehead or cheeks of the middle-aged and elderly. Sebaceous hyperplasia appears as small yellow bumps up to 3 mm in diameter. This condition is common in adults of middle age or older. Lesions can be single or multiple and manifest as yellowish, soft, small papules on the face (particularly nose, cheeks, and forehead). Sebaceous hyperplasia occasionally also occurs on the chest, areola, mouth, and vulva. . The papules may be cauliflower shaped. Acne is also a symptom of this glandular disorder. It differs from the type of acne that affects adolescents and young adults, in that it is more of an abnormally discolored patch that is not cured by topical treatments alone. There is no need for treatment as the problem will go away on its own. But a lot of people who contract this skin disease do not want to wait for the problem to go away and take doctor’s consult.

Causes

1. Although exact cause of sebaceous hyperplasia is unknown but it tends to run in families that have a history of contracting sebaceous hyperplasia.
2. This skin disorder is not contagious. This does not spread by infection through men to men or any other contact.
3. Overexposure of sunlight may also cause this problem
4. Age is also a risk factor in this disease. This disease occurs mostly in elder people. It is rarely found in patients younger than 40 years.
5. The Immune system defect may also causes sebaceous hyperplasia.

Symptoms

1. Tiny yellow dots in groups and sometimes in sheets on the lips.
2. Multiple and similar lesions are present. The lesions do not bleed as easily.
3. The lesions commonly seen in the face as yellowish or yellowish white raised papules with central depression.
4. Sebaceous Hyperplasia is multiple ranging from 2 - 10mm in size.

Treatment

1. Sebaceous hyperplasia is completely benign and does not require treatment. However, lesions can be cosmetically unfavorable and sometimes bothersome when irritated.
2. A biopsy may be necessary if concern exists that the lesion is a basal cell carcinoma.
3. Photodynamic therapy: It is done with combined use of 5-aminolevulinic acid and visible light. It is useful when mild condition presents.
4. Cryotherapy: It is done with liquid nitrogen. It freezes the lesions and then those are removed. The lesions are removed itself most of times.
5. Topical chemical treatments like with bichloracetic acid or trichloroacetic acid are also useful.
6. Laser treatment: Laser treatment is a very effective treatment if the disease is severe. It is done with argon, carbon dioxide and pulsed dye laser. It is little expensive treatment and also less available.