Physical Address

304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124

Sebaceous gland hyperplasia


Evidence Levels: A Double-blind study B Clinical trial ≥ 20 subjects C Clinical trial < 20 subjects D Series ≥ 5 subjects E Anecdotal case reports

Sebaceous gland hyperplasia (SGH) represents the most common sebaceous tumor. It is a benign proliferation of sebaceous glands. Neonatal SGH is seen in about 60% of newborns but is self-limited, requiring no treatment.

Senile SGH primarily affects the elderly and is a symptom of exogenous (ultraviolet [UV]-induced) facial aging. In most cases lesions appear as tiny, dome-shaped, umbilicated, isolated papules, whitish or yellowish in color. Diffuse, presenile SGH can be induced by drugs such as ciclosporin A, systemic corticosteroids, and tacrolimus. Naevoid SGH is a benign hamartoma characterized by multiple, asymptomatic yellowish to skin-colored papules on the face. The face is most commonly affected but areolar and genital distribution have also been observed.

Specific Investigations

They are usually not necessary; biopsy may be considered in cases of diagnostic uncertainty.

Management Strategy

SGH is a benign condition that may negatively affect self-esteem and well-being. SGH may be in the differential diagnosis of other dermatoses including cutaneous malignancies. In clinically ill-defined cases, histopathological confirmation is recommended. In most cases the diagnosis is made clinically.

Treatment of sebaceous gland hyperplasia: a review of the literature

Hussein L, Perrett C. J Dermatolog Treat 2020; 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2020.1720582 [Epub ahead of print].

Effectiveness does not depend on the technique itself but instead on the number of lesions, financial cost, psychological factors, skin phototype, and age.

First-Line Therapies for Senile SGH

  • Cryotherapy

  • B

  • Laser therapy

  • B

  • Electrodissection

  • C

  • Low-dose isotretinoin

  • B

Evaluation of the efficacy of cryosurgery in patients with sebaceous hyperplasia of the face

Ataş H, Gönül M. J Cutan Med Surg 2017; 21: 202–6.

Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen six times every other week achieved excellent response rates in 71.4% for males and 61.8% for females ( n = 40). Hyperpigmentation was seen in <1%.

Treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia by laser modalities: a review of the literature and presentation of our experience with erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG)

Liu A, Taylor MB, Sotoodian B. J Drugs Dermatol 2020; 19(5): 547–52.

Different laser types are used for sebaceous hyperplasia. Short-pulsed dye laser (PDL) produces faster results than long PDL. CO 2 laser is very effective without recurrence, but significant adverse effects have been reported, including scarring and pigmentary changes. Diode 1450-nm laser has been described to produce good (75%) clinical improvement and lesion shrinkage ranging between 50% to >75% without lasting adverse effects. The erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser achieves significant cosmetic outcomes with a low recurrence rate and minimal adverse effects.

You're Reading a Preview

Become a Clinical Tree membership for Full access and enjoy Unlimited articles

Become membership

If you are a member. Log in here

Related Posts