What is Sebaceous Hyperplasia and How Can I treat It?

Sebaceous Hyperplasia is a skin condition. If you have it there will be small bumps on the surface of your skin and usually appear on your nose, cheeks, forehead, chin and chest.

These bumps are benign, meaning they aren’t cancerous. They are caused by enlarged sebaceous glands.

Sebaceous glands are found in your hair follicles, and they have cells called sebocytes which produce sebum. Sebum is an oil that stops your skin and hair from drying out.  

Who can get Sebaceous Hyperplasia?

Anyone can have the condition, but it is more common in middle aged people, babies and anyone who is was given immunosuppressants before an organ transplant.

What do the bumps look like?

They are often small, usually around 2 or 3mm, but they can vary in size so some bumps will be larger. They are skin-coloured or yellowish with a tiny pore in the centre containing a hair follicle.

Should I see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if you notice any changes to your skin. An examination by a medical professional will rule out skin cancer. Your doctor will give you a skin examination using a microscope and from this they can usually diagnose sebaceous hyperplasia.

If the doctor needs clarification, then you may be asked to have a skin biopsy. A small sample of the skin around the affected area will be sent to a laboratory for testing.

Can Sebaceous Hyperplasia be treated?

The condition does not normally require treatment because it is harmless. But there are medications you can take. Your doctor may prescribe:

• Isotretinoin Tablets – Isotretinoin is a medication used to treat severe acne. The treatment works by shrinking the bumps, but once you stop the tablets the bumps may return
• Antiandrogens – This medication is for women and blocks the testosterone effects on the skin. The treatment can’t be used on males because it can cause erectile dysfunction and breast growth.

Are there any other treatments?

Yes.  You can use creams that contain either retinoids, which is vitamin A, or a cream with salicylic acid or niacinamide. Creams containing these ingredients can help to improve sebaceous hyperplasia. Talk to a member of staff at the pharmacy if you are unsure what type of cream you need to use.

What about removing the bumps?

If your sebaceous hyperplasia is effecting your self-confidence, then you can have the bumps removed.

This is where VSM Pharmacy can help you. We have a skin Cryotherapy clinic. All you need to do is book a free consultation and our skin specialist will assess your sebaceous hyperplasia to see if it can be treated. During the consultation we’ll explain the process of removal.

Cryotherapy is an effective method of treating sebaceous hyperplasia and has been in use for many years. You can see the results of this study which concludes that cryotherapy is a “low-cost therapy without scarring, hyperpigmentation, or recurrence.”

If we recommend treatment, then you can make a further appointment to have the bumps frozen with liquid nitrogen, so they shrink and fall away.

How do I make an appointment at the pharmacy?

You can give us a call on 01276 21002, or pop into the Pharmacy and speak to a member of staff. You can also book online through the website.