“I’ve developed so many bumps on my face…”
“Is it possible to treat facial bumps with self-care at home?”
Do any of these concerns sound familiar?
If you notice yellow or white lumps with a central depression somewhere on your face, you may have sebaceous hyperplasia. The growths associated with sebaceous hyperplasia tend to enlarge over time and are unlikely to resolve on their own.
Attempting to squeeze them yourself may cause a bacterial infection, so please consider seeking treatment at a clinic.
This page explains the differences between sebaceous hyperplasia and other similar conditions, as well as the treatment options available at our clinic. Reading through will help you identify the cause of your symptoms and understand how sebaceous hyperplasia can be addressed.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia? Common on the Nose and Forehead
- 2 Causes of Sebaceous Hyperplasia
- 3 How Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia Different from Warts? 3 Conditions Often Confused with It
- 3.1 1. Syringoma
- 3.2 2. Milia
- 3.3 3. Epidermoid Cyst (Atheroma)
- 4 3 Treatment Options for Sebaceous Hyperplasia at IC Clinic
- 4.1 Surgical Excision
- 4.2 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser
- 4.3 Cryotherapy with Liquid Nitrogen
- 5 Frequently Asked Questions about Sebaceous Hyperplasia
- 5.1 Q. Is treatment for sebaceous hyperplasia covered by insurance?
- 5.2 Q. Are there any ways to prevent or manage sebaceous hyperplasia?
- 5.3 Q. Is there any chance that sebaceous hyperplasia will resolve on its own?
- 6 Visit IC Clinic for Sebaceous Hyperplasia Treatment
What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia? Common on the Nose and Forehead
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a condition in which yellow or white bumps, approximately 5–6 mm in size with a central depression, appear on the skin.
In most cases, the bumps cause no pain or itching.
With sebaceous hyperplasia, the sebaceous glands that produce sebum multiply or enlarge, leading to the formation of papules. These papules may not be limited to a single spot and can appear scattered across multiple areas.
A characteristic feature of sebaceous hyperplasia is that it tends to appear in areas where sebum production is high, such as the nose and forehead.
Causes of Sebaceous Hyperplasia
The exact cause of sebaceous hyperplasia has not been fully established.
The condition is more commonly seen from middle age onward, and since the number of bumps tends to increase with age, aging is considered to be a contributing factor.
That said, sebaceous hyperplasia can also occur in people in their 20s, so being young does not rule out the condition. In younger individuals, sebaceous gland proliferation is thought to be influenced by the effects of androgens (male hormones).
It has also been observed that people with oily skin tend to be more prone to developing sebaceous hyperplasia.
How Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia Different from Warts? 3 Conditions Often Confused with It
Here we explain three conditions that are commonly mistaken for sebaceous hyperplasia.
- Syringoma
- Milia
- Epidermoid Cyst (Atheroma)
Because the causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches differ depending on the condition, please use this information as a reference to help identify which condition may apply to you.
However, distinguishing between these conditions on your own can be difficult, so please visit a clinic rather than attempting to manage your symptoms based on self-diagnosis.
1. Syringoma
Syringoma is a condition in which skin-colored or pale yellowish bumps appear, primarily on the eyelids.
The lesions are typically 1–3 mm in diameter and may also appear on the face, chest, or abdomen. Syringoma is more commonly seen in women.
Because syringoma is unlikely to resolve on its own, it is worth considering treatment at a clinic.
In some cases, it may be misdiagnosed as a wart and cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen recommended, but this carries significant risks. Liquid nitrogen is unlikely to improve syringoma and may leave scarring.
If you notice wart-like bumps on your eyelids in particular, syringoma should be considered as a possible cause.
For a detailed explanation of syringoma, please refer to the following article.
What Is Syringoma? Causes of Bumps Under the Eyes and 4 Treatment Options Available at Our Clinic
2. Milia
Milia is a condition in which multiple small white cysts form, primarily around the eyes and on the eyelids.
The contents of these cysts are composed of old keratin, which often appears as a white mass visible through the skin.
Milia is thought to develop due to a slowdown in skin cell turnover, and the number of cysts tends to increase with age. However, since children can also develop milia, individual skin type may also play a role.
While milia may occasionally disappear on their own, this can take a considerable amount of time, so visiting a clinic is recommended for more efficient treatment.
3. Epidermoid Cyst (Atheroma)
An epidermoid cyst is a benign tumor that forms when dead skin cells and sebum accumulate inside a sac that develops beneath the skin’s surface.
The cause of epidermoid cysts is not yet fully understood.
In the early stages, the condition may only present as a subtle lump beneath the skin with no visible surface changes, making it easy to overlook.
The cyst has a small opening through which bacteria can enter, potentially causing infection and inflammation. At this stage, pain and warmth may develop, and it is often at this point that individuals first become aware of the condition.
Attempting to squeeze the cyst yourself may spread the infection and worsen your symptoms. Please avoid self-treatment and consider visiting a clinic.
For details on the causes, symptoms, and treatment of epidermoid cysts, please refer to the following page.
About Epidermoid Cysts (Atheroma)
3 Treatment Options for Sebaceous Hyperplasia at IC Clinic
At our clinic, we offer the following three treatment options for sebaceous hyperplasia.
- Surgical Excision
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser
- Cryotherapy with Liquid Nitrogen
Below we explain the features, advantages, and considerations of each treatment.
Surgical Excision
Sebaceous hyperplasia can be treated through surgical excision using a scalpel.
Since the procedure does not involve cutting deeply into the underlying tissue, scarring tends to be relatively inconspicuous. However, depending on the extent of the excision, there may be some bleeding, and a larger dressing may be applied after the procedure.
At our clinic, dermatologists and plastic surgeons work together as a team to deliver treatment. By combining the expertise of specialists from both fields, we aim to provide treatment with minimal discomfort and less noticeable scarring.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser
A CO2 laser, which reacts with water in tissue, can be used to vaporize the affected bumps.
The advantages of CO2 laser treatment include reduced post-procedural bleeding and a generally faster healing process compared to surgery. However, complete removal of all growths cannot always be assured, so surgical excision may offer a more reliable approach to treatment.
For details on our CO2 laser treatment, please visit the following page.
Removal of Warts and Moles with CO2 Laser | Features, Typical Costs, and Important Points
Cryotherapy with Liquid Nitrogen
This treatment involves applying a cotton swab soaked in extremely cold liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the cells of the growth.
While it may help improve symptoms, it does not address the underlying cause of sebaceous hyperplasia. Additionally, there is a risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation and scarring, and IC Clinic does not recommend liquid nitrogen treatment for sebaceous hyperplasia.
For more information on cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, please refer to our wart treatment page below.
About Warts
Frequently Asked Questions about Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about sebaceous hyperplasia. We hope this helps address any concerns you may have about symptoms or treatment.
Q. Is treatment for sebaceous hyperplasia covered by insurance?
As a general rule, insurance coverage applies to sebaceous hyperplasia treatment, including surgical procedures.
Initial consultation fees and prescription fees associated with surgery are also covered under insurance.
However, CO2 laser treatment falls outside the scope of insurance coverage. Please feel free to ask about detailed treatment costs at the time of your consultation.
Q. Are there any ways to prevent or manage sebaceous hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia may be prevented or managed by maintaining a regular skin cell turnover cycle.
It is thought that disruption of skin cell turnover associated with aging can lead to increased sebum production, which may contribute to the onset or worsening of sebaceous hyperplasia.
Skin cell turnover is influenced not only by aging but also by lifestyle habits. Irregular sleep patterns and an unbalanced diet can disrupt the turnover cycle, potentially leading to increased sebum production.
Incorporating vitamins and other nutrients that support skin health into your diet, and maintaining a well-regulated daily routine, may help in preventing sebaceous hyperplasia.
Q. Is there any chance that sebaceous hyperplasia will resolve on its own?
Sebaceous hyperplasia is unlikely to resolve on its own. While the growths are benign and leaving them untreated does not cause harm to the body, they tend to gradually increase in size over time.
As a result, their appearance may become more noticeable and cause increasing concern in daily life. If you are bothered by how they look, please consider consulting with a clinic.
Visit IC Clinic for Sebaceous Hyperplasia Treatment
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a condition in which yellow or white bumps approximately 5–6 mm in size with a central depression appear on the skin.
Because it can be easily confused with syringoma, milia, and epidermoid cysts, please consult a clinic rather than making a self-diagnosis.
At our clinic, we offer the following three treatment options.
- Surgical Excision
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser
- Cryotherapy with Liquid Nitrogen
We will suggest a treatment approach suited to your individual symptoms, so please feel free to get in touch with us.
