Home > Guides > sebaceous-hyperplasia-causes-symptoms-treatment

Instant, Accurate and Convenient Consultation

What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia? Its Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

With inputs from Dr. Damanpreet

Updated on: January 2024

With inputs from Dr. Damanpreet

Updated on: January 2024

Reviewed by Dr Raja Indana

Read our editorial policy

Table of contents

Want to know about Sebaceous Hyperplasia, its causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention remedies? This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about sebaceous hyperplasia. Let us first see and understand what is sebaceous hyperplasia.

Consult with the best doctors city right now

Dr. S Sudheer KumarDermatologist
11+ years exp

mfine Healthcare
Consult Now
Dr. Shaik AshifhaDermatologist
6+ years exp

mfine Healthcare
Consult Now
Dr. Soham BhattacharyyaDermatologist
17+ years exp

mfine SELECT
Consult Now
Dr. Shweta TripathiDermatologist
5+ years exp

mfine Healthcare
Consult Now

Chapter 1: What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?

Sebaceous Hyperplasia looks like acne but is connected to hair follicles. They cause the surface of your skin to produce sebum. Your skin has a layer of sebum, which is a mixture of lipids and cell debris. It keeps your skin moisturized and flexible. When sebum is trapped in the sebaceous glands, it can cause sebaceous hyperplasia. This causes the skin, particularly the face, to develop glossy pimples. Want to know the difference between acne and pimples? Although the bumps are not harmful, some people choose to treat them for aesthetic purposes.

When the oil-producing glands in your skin clog, sebaceous hyperplasia results. It resembles a certain kind of skin cancer, however, it is usually not harmful.

Chapter 2: What Are The Symptoms Of Sebaceous Hyperplasia?

One or more pimples arranged in a cluster or line may indicate sebaceous hyperplasia. The size of the bumps varies from a millimetre or two to several millimetres. They normally match your skin tone, yet they can alternatively seem white or somewhat yellow.

These bumps do not hurt or itch. If you shave over them or knock them, though, they might bleed. Facial regions are where sebaceous hyperplasia typically manifests. The nose, cheeks, and forehead are the areas where they are typically found. Frequently, babies’ top lips have lumps. The bumps can, surprisingly, occur elsewhere, like:

Upper back and chest
On the Shoulders
The skin around the nipple, called the areola, is darker.
Penis
Vulva
Scrotum

Chapter 3: What Are The Causes Of Sebaceous Hyperplasia?

Sebaceous hyperplasia bumps are not rashes or growths. Instead, these are sebaceous glands that have become larger. Below the skin’s surface are these small glands. Excluding the palms and soles of the feet, they are distributed over the entire body. Oil known as sebum is produced by them. Skin is moisturized and kept healthy by this oil.

Overproduction Of Sebocytes: Overproduction of sebocytes is one of the causes of sebaceous hyperplasia. The sebaceous glands are composed of these particular cells. The sebaceous gland grows several times larger than normal as a result of the extra cells in it.

Hormonal Imbalance: Sebaceous hyperplasia may result from a number of sources. Hormonal imbalances are the main ones. A possible genetic component is also present. Sebaceous hyperplasia increases your risk of getting it if you have family members who have it. Sun exposure may be connected in some circumstances to sebaceous hyperplasia.

Muir-Torre Syndrome: Furthermore, sebaceous hyperplasia is a common side effect of Muir-Torre syndrome, a rare genetic condition that raises the risk of several cancers. In patients with Muir-Torre syndrome, sebaceous hyperplasia may indicate a tumor, but it is nearly usually benign. Another risk factor for sebaceous hyperplasia is immunosuppressive drug users (Sandimmune, cyclosporine).

Chapter 4: How Hormones Affect Sebaceous Glands?

Male sex hormones are known as androgens. Your sebaceous glands produce more oil when these hormones, notably testosterone, are present. At puberty, when androgen production increases dramatically and causes many teenagers to have extremely oily skin, their influence becomes quite apparent.

Androgen levels fall with ageing. This reduces oil production and sebaceous gland activity. Furthermore, cell turnover decreases. This indicates how quickly new cells grow in place of old ones in the sebaceous glands. The gland grows bigger as the dead cells proliferate once more inside it.

Chapter 5: What Are The Risk Factors Of Sebaceous Hyperplasia?

The occurrence of sebaceous hyperplasia increases with age. Usually, it doesn’t show up until middle age or later. Men and women are equally affected by the illness. Those with light or pale skin tend to have it the most. Although it is less common, certain persons with a family history of sebaceous hyperplasia may get it much earlier in life.

Sebaceous hyperplasia has also been related to long-term usage of the immunosuppressive medication cyclosporine. Individuals taking this medication and having transplants are at higher risk of developing the illness.

The disease frequently strikes newborns as well. Hormones that are transferred from mother to child are the reason for this. Sebaceous hyperplasia frequently coexists with infant acne in newborns.

Chapter 6: How Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia Diagnosed?

Usually, a straightforward visual examination is enough for your healthcare professional to detect sebaceous hyperplasia. They might, however, request a skin biopsy if there is any doubt about the diagnosis. This will assist in excluding other illnesses including skin cancer.

Apart from sebaceous hyperplasia, basal cell carcinoma is a skin cancer that might be difficult to distinguish at times. The head or neck is the most common site for basal cell carcinoma. It resembles a spherical, glossy pimple, scar, or sore that is elevated.

Eliminating sebaceous gland cancer might also be aided by a biopsy. A hard, yellowish mass is the outward sign of this uncommon, slowly spreading cancer. It looks like a pimple or persistent sore, and it frequently develops on the eyelid. It may also bleed. In addition, it might cure before resurfacing.

An uncommon hereditary illness is Muir-Torre syndrome. A kind of Lynch syndrome exists. There is an increased chance of sebaceous gland cancer in patients with this disease.

Chapter 7: How Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia Treated?

For aesthetic reasons, adults could decide to treat the lumps. It’s acceptable to leave them alone as well. Sebaceous hyperplasia lumps are hard to squeeze. This is due to the absence of anything extractable therein. Squeezing them will actually make them bleed or get inflamed.

A few different therapy alternatives are available. The following are some of the variables that will affect your results:

How many bumps do you have
How old are you?
Your complexion type.
The way the sun affects your skin. Want to know how to remove face tan at home?

Prescription Medications

The use of prescription drugs may prevent the formation of new lumps. Among the options are:

Topical retinoids
and Azelaic Acid

The natural cell turnover rate of the skin is accelerated by these medications. Additionally, they might minimize the size of any existing bumps. However, it’s unlikely that these topical remedies would completely eliminate all of your lumps.

Your dermatologist might recommend Accutane (isotretinoin) if your condition is serious. Swollen sebaceous glands are treated with this oral drug. Bumps may reappear after stopping the medication, despite the effectiveness of this treatment. Moreover, using Accutane while pregnant is not advised.

Lastly, women who have the illness can take antiandrogen drugs. These drugs inhibit testosterone’s skin-related effects. They consist of:

Some contraceptive tablets
Aldactone / spironolactone

Medical Procedures

Treatment options for sebaceous hyperplasia can include several in-office treatments. Improvements from these treatments are frequently noticeable and faster. Skin discolouration or scarring is still a possibility. After the surgery, the illness could also return.

Some of the options are:

Laser Therapy: A laser penetrates your skin to introduce a light wavelength. Larger sebaceous glands are targeted by the light, which also warms and kills them. Many types of lasers are used to treat sebaceous hyperplasia. The most effective ones include:

The er: Yag laser
The pulse dye laser
The 1450-nm diode laser
The CO2 laser

Photodynamic therapy: A chemical that absorbs light is given to your skin as part of photodynamic therapy. Following that, the size and quantity of sebaceous glands are decreased by light therapy.

Cryotherapy: During cryotherapy, the skin’s afflicted area is sprayed with liquid nitrogen. By freezing, the bumps get dry and eventually fall off.

Electrodesiccation/Cauterization: Electrodesiccation, also known as cauterization, involves heating a sharp needle with an electrical charge. Inserted into a bump, the bump dries up quickly.

Excision: Moistened or excised to remove lumps.

Over-The-Counter-Medications

These medicines or remedies are to be taken/followed only under a dermatologist’s consultation. If you face any issues, consult a doctor right away.

Retinol: Applying retinol, a kind of vitamin A, topically can help lessen or stop clogged sebaceous glands. Low-concentration retinol is available. However, for treating severe or extensive cases, isotretinoin (Myorisan, Claravis, Absorica) is the most effective form of the drug. Applying retinol takes roughly two weeks to start showing results. A month or so after treatment ends is when sebaceous hyperplasia typically recurs.

Antiandrogen Medications: An apparent cause of sebaceous hyperplasia appears to be elevated testosterone levels. Prescription antiandrogen drugs are a good option for women. These medicines help to decrease testosterone levels.

Other OTC medications: OTC face washes or peels containing salicylic acid and facial creams that contain retinol.

There is no scientific evidence that these products work for sebaceous hyperplasia. It’s advisable to talk to a skin expert or a doctor before using such products to avoid any side effects.

Chapter 8: Can Sebaceous Hyperplasia Be Prevented?

Sebaceous hyperplasia cannot be prevented, however, it can be lessened by decreasing your chance. You may assist in keeping your sebaceous glands from clogging by cleansing your skin with a product that contains salicylic acid or minimal amounts of retinol.

Sun Exposure: The development of sebaceous hyperplasia may be influenced by sun exposure. Being out of the sun as much as possible can also help prevent sebaceous hyperplasia, as it is linked to sun exposure. To protect your face and scalp from the sun, wear a hat and apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 when you’re outdoors.

Warm Compress: Buildup can be removed by using a warm compress or washcloth soaked in warm water to the lumps. Although sebaceous hyperplasia cannot be completely eliminated, this can reduce the size and visibility of the lumps.

Chapter 9: Are There Any Home Remedies To Deal With Oily Skin?

Wash your face: Your skin has to be cleansed of extra oil in order to be properly cared for. In the morning, at night, and following an exercise session, you ought to cleanse your face. Keep away from excessively harmful cleansers as they might aggravate the skin and increase sebum production. If you prefer, use a mild foamy wash. You should avoid using harsh facial cleansing methods for the same reason.

Avoid harsh cleansers: Ideally, your cleanser will not irritate the skin or create allergies or acne. It should also not be comedogenic. Also, it ought to be simple to rinse off. If you have oily skin, gels or bars are probably going to work better than creams or oil cleanses.

Healthy Diet: Avoid unhealthy foods such as oily foods or food with high sugar. Whatever goes inside your body is also important. To get healthy skin you need to eat healthy food rich in necessary vitamins and nutrients.

Try to avoid makeup: Before going to bed, make sure to remove all makeup and look for noncomedogenic cosmetics that won’t clog your pores. Make use of a product that works well without requiring you to scrub or agitate your skin. Water-based cosmetics can now be effectively removed with micellar water makeup removers. Oil-based makeup remover residue can be eliminated with their assistance if they are insufficiently potent on their own.

Exfoliate: Cleanse your skin with a mild exfoliant, many times a week, Dead skin cells can trap sebum, thus doing this will assist in getting rid of them from your skin.

Moisturize: Acne may arise from sebum becoming entangled in dead skin cells. Moisturize the area. Especially if using products meant to eliminate oil from the skin, oily skin requires moisturizer as well. Pick an item that won’t clog your pores, is non-comedogenic, and is light. You might choose to apply sunscreen in the morning instead of moisturizer.

Select appropriate products: Look for ingredients that have been shown to combat oil in the ingredient listings. In clinical trials, the following components have decreased oil: Niacinamide, a kind of vitamin B3, and L-carnitine, an amino acid, found in green tea. Licochalcone A, a phenol derived from licorice root, has potential applications in the treatment of oily skin and acne. Clay face masks can absorb extra oil.

Observe the instructions on the product’s label. When attempting something new, always consult a dermatologist and start slowly to ensure that it won’t aggravate your skin or worsen existing disorders.

Stay away from some components: Products for skin care are available at a variety of price points. Pay attention to ingredients and product labels rather than just brand identification. The substances listed below will clog oily skin:

Cocoa Butter
Silicone
Petroleum jelly
Alcohol-based products should also be avoided because they tend to irritate the skin.

Blot as necessary: Blotting papers can be used all day to reduce shine and remove accumulation. Avoid rubbing the paper against your face as this may cause the oil to spread.

Avoid touching your face: Make an effort to avoid touching your face all day. In regions prone to acne and other irritations, this can disperse bacteria, debris, and extra oil.

Are you tired of dealing with skin concerns like acne, pigmentation, dark circles, ageing or dryness? If yes, then MFine has some good news for you. We have launched a new line of skincare products that cater to all skin types, whether you have sensitive or oily skin.

Our products are formulated by dermatologists and contain a unique blend of natural and active ingredients to ensure that you find the perfect match for your skin needs. Our aim is to provide top-quality skincare solutions for different age groups.

To get started, we offer a FREE skin assessment or a FREE derma consultation to help you determine the best skincare kit for your skin type. So why wait? Try our skincare products today and get the flawless skin you’ve always desired.

Chapter 10: FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What triggers sebaceous hyperplasia?

Ans: Hair follicle blockages are the cause of sebaceous hyperplasia. If you have more sebaceous glands than your skin requires, or if your sebaceous glands are overactive, they may clog. While it can occur anywhere on the skin, the face is the most common place for it to occur.

Q. What to avoid with sebaceous hyperplasia?

Ans: Because sun exposure is associated with sebaceous hyperplasia, avoiding the sun as much as possible can also help prevent it. Wear a helmet and sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 when you’re outside in the sun to shield your face and scalp.

Q. Can stress cause sebaceous hyperplasia?

Ans: Chronic stress causes sebaceous hyperplasia in adult women with acne by increasing the release of adrenal androgens.

Q. What is the best laser treatment for sebaceous hyperplasia?

Ans: Sebaceous hyperplasia, acne scarring, and acne can all be effectively treated with Smoothbeam laser therapy. Using a laser to target your skin’s excessive sebaceous glands, this safe and mild treatment reduces the quantity of acne on your face.

Q. What hormone causes sebaceous cysts?

Ans: Sebum production increases when androgen hormone levels are too high (sebum is the oil in your skin that causes acne). Thus, breakouts and cysts may appear on your skin as your body begins to produce more oil in it.

Q. What does sebaceous hyperplasia look like?

Ans: The symptoms of sebaceous hyperplasia include little, 1–3 mm diameter, whitish–yellow pimples. The bumps feature a little pit in the centre and, occasionally, exposed blood veins. Tiny lumps that are yellow-white in color surround the central pit. They are soft to touch.

Q. How do you stop sebaceous hyperplasia from spreading?

Ans: You can apply retinol. This type of vitamin A is topically to assist prevent or lessen clogged sebaceous glands. Although retinol is available over the counter, its concentration is typically lower. A prescription for severe or widespread cases can be given to you by your dermatologist.

Q. Can sebaceous hyperplasia become cancerous?

Ans: The growth in a hair follicle known as sebaceous hyperplasia is harmless and noncancerous. You may have many of these pliable, squishy lumps. Your nose, forehead, chin, cheeks, or upper torso (chest, back, and shoulders) are where the bumps usually develop.

Q. Is sebaceous hyperplasia serious?

Ans: Treatment is typically not necessary for sebaceous hyperplasia because it is a mild condition. Lesions, though, may be uncomfortable. Clinical similarities to other cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and sebaceous adenoma are the primary cause for worry.

Q. Can sebaceous hyperplasia disappear?

Ans: Following the onset of sebaceous gland hyperplasia, it is irreversible. This is due to the fact that a sebocyte—a type of sebaceous gland cell—is what causes a sebaceous gland hyperplasia lesion. Newborns are one exception. In a matter of months, their lumps typically go away.

Q. Are acne and sebaceous hyperplasia the same?

Ans: Sebaceous hyperplasia and acne are distinct skin disorders, even though they both have to deal with oil buildup. Oil accumulates under the skin’s surface due to clogged skin follicles caused by acne. Oil accumulation happens within the sebaceous glands themselves in sebaceous hyperplasia.

Q. Is oily skin more prone to sebaceous hyperplasia?

Ans: Sebum is an oily or waxy material produced by the sebaceous glands that hydrates and shields your skin and hair. Excess oil can lead to problems such as sebaceous hyperplasia, acne, and plugged pores.

Q. Is baltod and sebaceous hyperplasia the same?

Ans: Sebaceous hyperplasia involves enlarged sebaceous glands and manifests as small bumps on the skin, while a baltod refers to a localized infection and the development of a painful lump filled with pus, known as an abscess or boil. These are two distinct skin conditions with different causes and characteristics.

References

Everybody has different skin, therefore it’s vital to remember that what works for one person might not work for another. For a diagnosis and treatment, please consult a physician or dermatologist if you have sebaceous hyperplasia or if you suspect you may have it. They can evaluate your skin and recommend the most effective course of action. Also, do not lose hope. You still have a chance to get healthy and glowing skin. Just work on it.

Request a Call Back

Call us:

+91 80619 70525

Consult with the best doctors city right now

Dr. S Sudheer KumarDermatologist
11+ years exp
mfine Healthcare
Consult Now
Dr. Shaik AshifhaDermatologist
6+ years exp
mfine Healthcare
Consult Now
Dr. Soham BhattacharyyaDermatologist
17+ years exp
mfine SELECT
Consult Now
Dr. Shweta TripathiDermatologist
5+ years exp
mfine Healthcare
Consult Now