If you have small, soft bumps and lesions that occur primarily on your face, you may be suffering from sebaceous hyperplasia. What is sebaceous hyperplasia? Well, the good news is that it is benign and cosmetic, and it doesn’t require treatment unless you desire it. If you’re still confused, please scroll down for some helpful information that will hopefully clear up both your confusion and your face!
What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a disorder characterized by soft bumps on the skin caused by overactive oil glands. These bumps tend to occur on the face (on the nose, forehead, and cheeks in particular), but they can also be found any place where you have oil glands on your body. The bumps occur when an overactive oil gland becomes clogged, and they can form clustered together or spaced apart.
If you suffer from sebaceous hyperplasia, you might develop one or more lesions, and the symptoms may progress as you age. The lesions often have a yellowish outer color, and their centers are depressed. While the lesions are cosmetic and harmless, they can become irritated and they may even start bleeding if you scratch your face or shave.
Who Gets Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia often affects people who have fair skin. The condition is hereditary, so if one or both of your parents has sebaceous hyperplasia, you are more likely to have it. Sebaceous hyperplasia sometimes becomes present as you near middle age, since your body’s hormone levels can affect the production and overall function of your oil glands.
Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia a Cancer?
No, sebaceous hyperplasia is a benign, cosmetic condition. However, because it can look quite similar to basal cell carcinoma, your dermatologist may biopsy one or more of your lesions to rule out the possibility of cancer.
How Do You Treat Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Salicylic acid treatments and topical skin care products are highly recommended, as they can reduce the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasia while providing other skin care benefits. Plus, they’re noninvasive and easy to find. Laser treatments can also be used to control sebaceous hyperplasia lesions.
You might also choose to apply liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) or have the lesions excised. However, removing the lesions can result in scarring, so if the lesions are in a highly visible area, such as your face, you will want to carefully consider the potential outcomes before deciding on your course of treatment. Additionally, it’s important to note that lesions can reappear if they are not properly and thoroughly removed, so it is important to maintain a regular treatment program to preserve your results.
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If you’re wondering how to treat your sebaceous hyperplasia and you live in or near Springfield, Missouri, contact DermaHealth. At our laser and skin care clinic, trained professionals can use facial peels containing salicylic acid and topical skin care products to reduce the size of your sebaceous hyperplasia bumps and lesions. Additionally, our Ellman RF machine can help to remove and break down your lesions quickly. To learn more, please give us a call at 417-447-7777 or click here to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
