Sebaceous hyperplasia is a harmless skin condition involving the overgrowth or enlargement of the sebaceous glands.

Sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles all over your body. They release sebum onto your skin’s surface. Sebum is a mixture of fats and cell debris that creates a slightly greasy layer on your skin. It helps keep your skin flexible and hydrated.

As the sebaceous glands swell, this creates shiny bumps on the skin, especially the face. The bumps are harmless, but some people like to treat them for cosmetic reasons.

In this article, we detail the symptoms, causes, and treatments of sebaceous hyperplasia.

Sebaceous hyperplasia causes yellowish or flesh-colored bumps on the skin. These bumps are shiny and usually on the face, especially the forehead, nose, and cheeks.

They’re also small, typically measuring between 2 and 9 millimeters in width, and are usually painless.

Sebaceous hyperplasia or cancer?

People sometimes mistake sebaceous hyperplasia for basal cell carcinoma, which can produce similar signs.

Bumps from basal cell carcinoma can be waxy and shiny, causing lumps that may appear paler than the surrounding skin or have a red or pink hue. In some cases, they will not involve skin discoloration and will be the same color as the surrounding skin.

These bumps can vary in size. Your doctor can do a biopsy of the bump to confirm whether you have sebaceous hyperplasia or basal cell carcinoma.

Sebaceous hyperplasia is most common in individuals ages 50 or older. People with fair skin — especially people who’ve had a lot of sun exposure — are more likely to get it. Some forms of sebaceous hyperplasia often occur in individuals with a family history of it.

People taking the immunosuppressant medication cyclosporine (Sandimmune) are also more likely to develop sebaceous hyperplasia.

Sebaceous hyperplasia doesn’t require treatment unless the bumps bother you.

To get rid of sebaceous hyperplasia, the affected sebaceous glands need to be removed. You may have to be treated more than once to fully remove the glands. There are several options for removing the glands or controlling sebum buildup:

  • Electrocauterization: In this procedure, a healthcare professional uses a needle with an electrical charge to heat and vaporize the bump. This forms a scab that eventually falls off.
  • Laser therapy: A healthcare professional can use a laser to smooth the top layer of your skin.
  • Cryotherapy: A healthcare professional can freeze the bumps, causing them to easily fall off your skin. This option can also cause some discoloration.
  • Retinol: When applied to the skin, this form of vitamin A can regulate cell growth and prevent your sebaceous glands from clogging. This treatment can prevent new formations, but is less effective at removing existing bumps.
  • Warm compress: Applying a warm compress or washcloth soaked in warm water on the bumps can help dissolve buildup. While this won’t get rid of sebaceous hyperplasia, it can make the bumps smaller and less noticeable.

There’s no way to prevent sebaceous hyperplasia, but you can reduce your risk of getting it. Washing your face with a cleanser that has salicylic acid or low levels of retinol can help prevent your sebaceous glands from clogging.

Sebaceous hyperplasia is associated with sun exposure, so minimizing sun exposure as much as possible can also help prevent it. When you’re out in the sun, use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and wear a hat to protect your scalp and face.

Sebaceous hyperplasia is harmless, but the bumps it causes can be bothersome to some people. Consult your doctor or a dermatologist if you wish to remove the bumps. They can help you find the right treatment option for your skin type.

Please note that you may need to undergo several rounds of treatment to achieve results, and once treatment stops, the bumps may recur.

Sebaceous hyperplasia is a skin condition where blockages in the sebaceous glands result in the formation of small bumps on the skin. Sebaceous hyperplasia is most common in adults over 50 years of age and those with light skin.

The condition is harmless, but people may still wish to remove these bumps. Treatments for sebaceous hyperplasia can range from topical treatments to minor surgery. A healthcare professional can advise on the best course of action to remedy symptoms.