Sebaceous Hyperplasia is a common skin condition that’s harmless. Imagine small bumps shaped like donuts on your skin – that’s what it looks like. These bumps usually pop up on your forehead, cheeks, and nose, appearing whitish-yellow or skin-colored and feeling soft. They vary in size from 2 to 9 mm.
What Causes Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
During puberty, the oil-producing glands (sebaceous glands) get bigger and more active because of increased androgen production. This activity peaks in your twenties. As you age and androgen levels drop, the turnover of the cells making up these oil glands, called sebocytes, slows down. This slowdown causes a bunching up of these cells within the glands, leading to the harmless enlargement known as sebaceous hyperplasia. This is more noticeable in areas like the face, where these glands are concentrated. It’s believed to be linked to lower androgen levels as you age.
How to Deal with Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
There are different treatments, like photodynamic therapy, freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy), burning or drying with electric currents (cauterization or electrodesiccation), using chemicals on the skin (topical chemical treatments), laser treatments, cutting it off (shave excision), or removing it completely (excision). Doctors do these treatments. Sometimes, a medicine called Isotretinoin (Accutane) is used, but it’s recommended to try other options first before considering this prescribed medication. If you’re dealing with acne, Hill Country Acne Center suggests exploring other avenues. Hill Country Acne Center doesn’t handle sebaceous hyperplasia, but we can assist with acne-related issues.