Your Sebaceous Hyperplasia Treatment Guide: From Retinoids to Lasers
Stocksy
Key Takeaways
-
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a harmless skin condition featuring small yellow or skin-colored bumps that usually appear on the face.
-
Sun exposure can contribute to sebaceous hyperplasia, so daily sun protection is crucial to prevention.
Nothing sends us into a spiral quite like noticing a new bump on our face. Is it just the herald of hormonal acne joining the party or a warning sign of something far more serious? While skin-colored bumps can feel like the lesser of many skin evils (at least there’s no pigmentation to mask), they do spike our stress levels when they appear to be growths instead of the usual clogged pores. Fortunately, in the case of sebaceous hyperplasia, the condition is treatable and benign.
We spoke with three dermatologists about what exactly sebaceous hyperplasia is, who’s susceptible to it, and what your options are for getting a handle on it. Learn everything you need to know below.
Meet the Experts
- Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, FAAD, is the founder of Entière Dermatology and a consulting dermatologist for StriVectin.
- Rachel E. Maiman, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic and general dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City.
- Brendan Camp, MD, is a double-board-certified dermatologist at MDCS: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, FAAD, sebaceous hyperplasia is a common, benign condition of the oily glands in our skin (aka sebaceous glands). Most often seen on the forehead and cheeks, Levin says that the condition appears as small yellow or skin-colored bumps usually 1-3 millimeters in diameter. “While the cause of sebaceous hyperplasia is unknown, it presents usually in middle age, and is seen more so in lighter-skinned individuals and those with sun exposure,” Levin explains, noting that there can be a family history as well.
Considering sebaceous hyperplasia is a condition that occurs within the skin’s oil glands, Dr. Rachel E. Maiman, MD, says that a common misconception is that the condition only affects those with oily skin, “though, this is not a strong correlation. Sebaceous glands are, however, highly sensitive to circulating androgens. So hormonal shifts that occur naturally in men and women during certain periods of life are thought to be responsible for why this condition tends to develop in adulthood. In women, for instance, the most common time for sebaceous hyperplasia to appear is post-menopause.”
While sebaceous hyperplasia breakouts are considered an overgrowth, it’s important to remember that they are, in fact, benign. “They are harmless and not cause for concern, but frequently present a cosmetic problem to patients who seek treatment for that reason,” Maiman says.
With that in mind, keep reading for the best treatments for sebaceous hyperplasia.
How to Treat Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Beware of DIY Treatments
As tempting as it may be to attempt one of the Internet’s many DIY treatments, both Levin and Maiman strongly advise against doing so. “Unfortunately, there are no effective treatments at home,” Levin says.
“There are some reports about using tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar as natural treatments for sebaceous hyperplasia, however the evidence behind their use is limited,” adds double-board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD. “In addition, both products have the potential to cause skin irritation.”
“Treating sebaceous hyperplasia effectively requires in-office procedures in order for the results to be noticeable,” notes Maiman. “A brief Google search of my own did result in purported at-home remedies… but I can tell you that this is of little to (more accurately) no benefit.”
Opt for Prescription-Strength Retinoids
One exception to the ineffective-at-home rule is prescription-strength retinoids like tazarotene, which Maiman says can potentially prove beneficial. “Prescription-strength retinoids are sometimes employed because they may help prevent the formation of new lesions by speeding cellular turnover, however, they are not generally capable of resolving existing lesions,” she says.
“Some people recommend using retinoids to treat sebaceous hyperplasia because it may help shrink the size of the growth. However, there is limited evidence for this type of treatment,” adds Camp.
Control Oil Production
While getting your natural oil production under control may not treat existing sebaceous hyperplasia, it may help keep new growths from developing. “Salicylic acid products, such as cleansers, masks, or spot treatments, may help to reduce excess oil on the skin,” explains Camp. “In-office salicylic acid peels may be more effective than at-home treatments.”
Always Use Sun Protection
Since sun exposure plays a major role in the formation of sebaceous hyperplasia, Levin says that daily sun protection is a must. “Protecting skin from the sun, such as with regular use of a daily SPF moisturizer, is important to mitigate the damaging effects of UV radiation, and may be helpful to reduce the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasia,” echoes Camp. (It ought to be mentioned, though, that that’s the case for everyone, as sun exposure can lead to a whole array of complexion concerns.)
Ask Your Dermatologist About Oral Isotretinoin
Visiting a dermatologist for your sebaceous hyperplasia concerns can prove beneficial for multiple reasons: They can either recommend an in-office treatment or prescribe medication. If the latter occurs, Levin says that oral isotretinoin (aka Accutane) can decrease the size of sebaceous hyperplasia. “But once discontinuing isotretinoin, the sebaceous hyperplasia can recur,” she warns.
Do Laser Therapy
Maiman says that many lasers have been used in the treatment of hyperplasia, ranging from vascular lasers such as PDL (pulsed dye laser) and the 1450-nm diode laser to fractionated ablative resurfacing lasers like Erbium: YAG. “Responses to these modalities range from complete elimination of lesions to flattening,” she says.
Camp adds that “ablative lasers, such as a CO2 laser, can also be used to destroy sebaceous hyperplasia.” Since there are so many lasers to choose from, Maiman says that the best way to determine the right laser for your complexion concern is to sit down with your dermatologist to evaluate your skin.
Consider Chemical Peels
Maiman says that chemical peels, like trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in a concentration of 70 percent performed monthly for a period of four to five months, can prove to be effective in the treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia. However, it’s important that the concentrations are chosen with the utmost care. “To mitigate potential complications, lower concentrations, such as of 20 percent to 30 percent, can be used. However, this would be expected to produce less robust results and thus require more treatments,” she says.
While chemical peels can be effective at lessening the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasia, Maiman points out that they can also lead to side effects such as burning, itching, tingling, peeling, and redness.
Byrdie Tip
“It is important to know that sometimes treatments require more than one attempt to completely resolve the lesion,” says Camp in reference to in-office procedures.
Removal With Electrocautery
Many dermatologists will recommend electrocautery—including Levin and Maiman. “I prefer to treat with electrocautery as this is well-tolerated, effective, quick, and [has] minimal risks,” Levin says, though she notes there can be a recurrence. Nevertheless, it’s a proven treatment (however short-lived) for sebaceous hyperplasia.
“This procedure involves the use of an electrical cautery needle to burn the lesions using thermal energy induced by the electrical charge it creates,” Maiman says. “In most cases, a small curette is then used to scrape away the lesions. In other cases, the practitioner may elect to leave the lesions alone. In either case, the patient walks out of the office with a small superficial burn at the treatment site.” Within a day or two of treatment, Maiman says that the burn will form into a scab which will then fall off within five to 10 days.
The only downside is that, depending on the size of the initial breakout, Maiman says that multiple treatments may be required to manage the sebaceous hyperplasia—potentially at monthly intervals. As far as pricing for this treatment goes, Maiman says that it’s highly variable based on the lesion site, the practitioner, and the area of the practice, but you can expect to pay as low as $50 and as much as $750.
Freeze Bumps With Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is less efficient, but also a little less serious, than cautery. Maiman tells us that cryotherapy utilizes liquid nitrogen to kill sebaceous glands via freezing. “Much like electrocautery, the result is a small burn (although in this case from extremes of cold temperatures), that turns into a scab and flakes off over the ensuing days,” she says. “[Though] cryotherapy tends to be less efficacious to electrocautery, comparatively, and usually necessitates multiple treatments for complete removal.”
Don’t Forget Aftercare
Chemical peels, laser therapy, and prescription retinoids can help heal your sebaceous hyperplasia—but don’t forget that they may require aftercare. Be sure to take care of your skin so that it can properly recover. You’ll likely need to avoid the sun even more than usual, and opt for stronger sun protection than you typically use. Be sure to consult with your practitioner about the right aftercare for the treatment you choose.
The Final Takeaway
While dermatologists will offer a variety of different treatment options for sebaceous hyperplasia, no treatment will completely cure the condition, only control it. “It is important to know that treatments do not prevent the appearance of new sebaceous hyperplasia growths,” explains Camp. “If you have a growth on your skin that does not respond to OTC treatments or prescription medications it is important to have it evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist to make sure it is not a concerning type of growth like a skin cancer.”
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Your Sebaceous Hyperplasia Treatment Guide: From Retinoids to Lasers
Stocksy
Key Takeaways
-
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a harmless skin condition featuring small yellow or skin-colored bumps that usually appear on the face.
-
Sun exposure can contribute to sebaceous hyperplasia, so daily sun protection is crucial to prevention.
Nothing sends us into a spiral quite like noticing a new bump on our face. Is it just the herald of hormonal acne joining the party or a warning sign of something far more serious? While skin-colored bumps can feel like the lesser of many skin evils (at least there’s no pigmentation to mask), they do spike our stress levels when they appear to be growths instead of the usual clogged pores. Fortunately, in the case of sebaceous hyperplasia, the condition is treatable and benign.
We spoke with three dermatologists about what exactly sebaceous hyperplasia is, who’s susceptible to it, and what your options are for getting a handle on it. Learn everything you need to know below.
Meet the Experts
- Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, FAAD, is the founder of Entière Dermatology and a consulting dermatologist for StriVectin.
- Rachel E. Maiman, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic and general dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City.
- Brendan Camp, MD, is a double-board-certified dermatologist at MDCS: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, FAAD, sebaceous hyperplasia is a common, benign condition of the oily glands in our skin (aka sebaceous glands). Most often seen on the forehead and cheeks, Levin says that the condition appears as small yellow or skin-colored bumps usually 1-3 millimeters in diameter. “While the cause of sebaceous hyperplasia is unknown, it presents usually in middle age, and is seen more so in lighter-skinned individuals and those with sun exposure,” Levin explains, noting that there can be a family history as well.
Considering sebaceous hyperplasia is a condition that occurs within the skin’s oil glands, Dr. Rachel E. Maiman, MD, says that a common misconception is that the condition only affects those with oily skin, “though, this is not a strong correlation. Sebaceous glands are, however, highly sensitive to circulating androgens. So hormonal shifts that occur naturally in men and women during certain periods of life are thought to be responsible for why this condition tends to develop in adulthood. In women, for instance, the most common time for sebaceous hyperplasia to appear is post-menopause.”
While sebaceous hyperplasia breakouts are considered an overgrowth, it’s important to remember that they are, in fact, benign. “They are harmless and not cause for concern, but frequently present a cosmetic problem to patients who seek treatment for that reason,” Maiman says.
With that in mind, keep reading for the best treatments for sebaceous hyperplasia.
How to Treat Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Beware of DIY Treatments
As tempting as it may be to attempt one of the Internet’s many DIY treatments, both Levin and Maiman strongly advise against doing so. “Unfortunately, there are no effective treatments at home,” Levin says.
“There are some reports about using tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar as natural treatments for sebaceous hyperplasia, however the evidence behind their use is limited,” adds double-board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD. “In addition, both products have the potential to cause skin irritation.”
“Treating sebaceous hyperplasia effectively requires in-office procedures in order for the results to be noticeable,” notes Maiman. “A brief Google search of my own did result in purported at-home remedies… but I can tell you that this is of little to (more accurately) no benefit.”
Opt for Prescription-Strength Retinoids
One exception to the ineffective-at-home rule is prescription-strength retinoids like tazarotene, which Maiman says can potentially prove beneficial. “Prescription-strength retinoids are sometimes employed because they may help prevent the formation of new lesions by speeding cellular turnover, however, they are not generally capable of resolving existing lesions,” she says.
“Some people recommend using retinoids to treat sebaceous hyperplasia because it may help shrink the size of the growth. However, there is limited evidence for this type of treatment,” adds Camp.
Control Oil Production
While getting your natural oil production under control may not treat existing sebaceous hyperplasia, it may help keep new growths from developing. “Salicylic acid products, such as cleansers, masks, or spot treatments, may help to reduce excess oil on the skin,” explains Camp. “In-office salicylic acid peels may be more effective than at-home treatments.”
Always Use Sun Protection
Since sun exposure plays a major role in the formation of sebaceous hyperplasia, Levin says that daily sun protection is a must. “Protecting skin from the sun, such as with regular use of a daily SPF moisturizer, is important to mitigate the damaging effects of UV radiation, and may be helpful to reduce the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasia,” echoes Camp. (It ought to be mentioned, though, that that’s the case for everyone, as sun exposure can lead to a whole array of complexion concerns.)
Ask Your Dermatologist About Oral Isotretinoin
Visiting a dermatologist for your sebaceous hyperplasia concerns can prove beneficial for multiple reasons: They can either recommend an in-office treatment or prescribe medication. If the latter occurs, Levin says that oral isotretinoin (aka Accutane) can decrease the size of sebaceous hyperplasia. “But once discontinuing isotretinoin, the sebaceous hyperplasia can recur,” she warns.
Do Laser Therapy
Maiman says that many lasers have been used in the treatment of hyperplasia, ranging from vascular lasers such as PDL (pulsed dye laser) and the 1450-nm diode laser to fractionated ablative resurfacing lasers like Erbium: YAG. “Responses to these modalities range from complete elimination of lesions to flattening,” she says.
Camp adds that “ablative lasers, such as a CO2 laser, can also be used to destroy sebaceous hyperplasia.” Since there are so many lasers to choose from, Maiman says that the best way to determine the right laser for your complexion concern is to sit down with your dermatologist to evaluate your skin.
Consider Chemical Peels
Maiman says that chemical peels, like trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in a concentration of 70 percent performed monthly for a period of four to five months, can prove to be effective in the treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia. However, it’s important that the concentrations are chosen with the utmost care. “To mitigate potential complications, lower concentrations, such as of 20 percent to 30 percent, can be used. However, this would be expected to produce less robust results and thus require more treatments,” she says.
While chemical peels can be effective at lessening the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasia, Maiman points out that they can also lead to side effects such as burning, itching, tingling, peeling, and redness.
Byrdie Tip
“It is important to know that sometimes treatments require more than one attempt to completely resolve the lesion,” says Camp in reference to in-office procedures.
Removal With Electrocautery
Many dermatologists will recommend electrocautery—including Levin and Maiman. “I prefer to treat with electrocautery as this is well-tolerated, effective, quick, and [has] minimal risks,” Levin says, though she notes there can be a recurrence. Nevertheless, it’s a proven treatment (however short-lived) for sebaceous hyperplasia.
“This procedure involves the use of an electrical cautery needle to burn the lesions using thermal energy induced by the electrical charge it creates,” Maiman says. “In most cases, a small curette is then used to scrape away the lesions. In other cases, the practitioner may elect to leave the lesions alone. In either case, the patient walks out of the office with a small superficial burn at the treatment site.” Within a day or two of treatment, Maiman says that the burn will form into a scab which will then fall off within five to 10 days.
The only downside is that, depending on the size of the initial breakout, Maiman says that multiple treatments may be required to manage the sebaceous hyperplasia—potentially at monthly intervals. As far as pricing for this treatment goes, Maiman says that it’s highly variable based on the lesion site, the practitioner, and the area of the practice, but you can expect to pay as low as $50 and as much as $750.
Freeze Bumps With Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is less efficient, but also a little less serious, than cautery. Maiman tells us that cryotherapy utilizes liquid nitrogen to kill sebaceous glands via freezing. “Much like electrocautery, the result is a small burn (although in this case from extremes of cold temperatures), that turns into a scab and flakes off over the ensuing days,” she says. “[Though] cryotherapy tends to be less efficacious to electrocautery, comparatively, and usually necessitates multiple treatments for complete removal.”
Don’t Forget Aftercare
Chemical peels, laser therapy, and prescription retinoids can help heal your sebaceous hyperplasia—but don’t forget that they may require aftercare. Be sure to take care of your skin so that it can properly recover. You’ll likely need to avoid the sun even more than usual, and opt for stronger sun protection than you typically use. Be sure to consult with your practitioner about the right aftercare for the treatment you choose.
The Final Takeaway
While dermatologists will offer a variety of different treatment options for sebaceous hyperplasia, no treatment will completely cure the condition, only control it. “It is important to know that treatments do not prevent the appearance of new sebaceous hyperplasia growths,” explains Camp. “If you have a growth on your skin that does not respond to OTC treatments or prescription medications it is important to have it evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist to make sure it is not a concerning type of growth like a skin cancer.”
Stocksy
Key Takeaways
-
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a harmless skin condition featuring small yellow or skin-colored bumps that usually appear on the face.
-
Sun exposure can contribute to sebaceous hyperplasia, so daily sun protection is crucial to prevention.
Nothing sends us into a spiral quite like noticing a new bump on our face. Is it just the herald of hormonal acne joining the party or a warning sign of something far more serious? While skin-colored bumps can feel like the lesser of many skin evils (at least there’s no pigmentation to mask), they do spike our stress levels when they appear to be growths instead of the usual clogged pores. Fortunately, in the case of sebaceous hyperplasia, the condition is treatable and benign.
We spoke with three dermatologists about what exactly sebaceous hyperplasia is, who’s susceptible to it, and what your options are for getting a handle on it. Learn everything you need to know below.
Meet the Experts
- Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, FAAD, is the founder of Entière Dermatology and a consulting dermatologist for StriVectin.
- Rachel E. Maiman, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic and general dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City.
- Brendan Camp, MD, is a double-board-certified dermatologist at MDCS: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, FAAD, sebaceous hyperplasia is a common, benign condition of the oily glands in our skin (aka sebaceous glands). Most often seen on the forehead and cheeks, Levin says that the condition appears as small yellow or skin-colored bumps usually 1-3 millimeters in diameter. “While the cause of sebaceous hyperplasia is unknown, it presents usually in middle age, and is seen more so in lighter-skinned individuals and those with sun exposure,” Levin explains, noting that there can be a family history as well.
Considering sebaceous hyperplasia is a condition that occurs within the skin’s oil glands, Dr. Rachel E. Maiman, MD, says that a common misconception is that the condition only affects those with oily skin, “though, this is not a strong correlation. Sebaceous glands are, however, highly sensitive to circulating androgens. So hormonal shifts that occur naturally in men and women during certain periods of life are thought to be responsible for why this condition tends to develop in adulthood. In women, for instance, the most common time for sebaceous hyperplasia to appear is post-menopause.”
While sebaceous hyperplasia breakouts are considered an overgrowth, it’s important to remember that they are, in fact, benign. “They are harmless and not cause for concern, but frequently present a cosmetic problem to patients who seek treatment for that reason,” Maiman says.
With that in mind, keep reading for the best treatments for sebaceous hyperplasia.
How to Treat Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Beware of DIY Treatments
As tempting as it may be to attempt one of the Internet’s many DIY treatments, both Levin and Maiman strongly advise against doing so. “Unfortunately, there are no effective treatments at home,” Levin says.
“There are some reports about using tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar as natural treatments for sebaceous hyperplasia, however the evidence behind their use is limited,” adds double-board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD. “In addition, both products have the potential to cause skin irritation.”
“Treating sebaceous hyperplasia effectively requires in-office procedures in order for the results to be noticeable,” notes Maiman. “A brief Google search of my own did result in purported at-home remedies… but I can tell you that this is of little to (more accurately) no benefit.”
Opt for Prescription-Strength Retinoids
One exception to the ineffective-at-home rule is prescription-strength retinoids like tazarotene, which Maiman says can potentially prove beneficial. “Prescription-strength retinoids are sometimes employed because they may help prevent the formation of new lesions by speeding cellular turnover, however, they are not generally capable of resolving existing lesions,” she says.
“Some people recommend using retinoids to treat sebaceous hyperplasia because it may help shrink the size of the growth. However, there is limited evidence for this type of treatment,” adds Camp.
Control Oil Production
While getting your natural oil production under control may not treat existing sebaceous hyperplasia, it may help keep new growths from developing. “Salicylic acid products, such as cleansers, masks, or spot treatments, may help to reduce excess oil on the skin,” explains Camp. “In-office salicylic acid peels may be more effective than at-home treatments.”
Always Use Sun Protection
Since sun exposure plays a major role in the formation of sebaceous hyperplasia, Levin says that daily sun protection is a must. “Protecting skin from the sun, such as with regular use of a daily SPF moisturizer, is important to mitigate the damaging effects of UV radiation, and may be helpful to reduce the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasia,” echoes Camp. (It ought to be mentioned, though, that that’s the case for everyone, as sun exposure can lead to a whole array of complexion concerns.)
Ask Your Dermatologist About Oral Isotretinoin
Visiting a dermatologist for your sebaceous hyperplasia concerns can prove beneficial for multiple reasons: They can either recommend an in-office treatment or prescribe medication. If the latter occurs, Levin says that oral isotretinoin (aka Accutane) can decrease the size of sebaceous hyperplasia. “But once discontinuing isotretinoin, the sebaceous hyperplasia can recur,” she warns.
Do Laser Therapy
Maiman says that many lasers have been used in the treatment of hyperplasia, ranging from vascular lasers such as PDL (pulsed dye laser) and the 1450-nm diode laser to fractionated ablative resurfacing lasers like Erbium: YAG. “Responses to these modalities range from complete elimination of lesions to flattening,” she says.
Camp adds that “ablative lasers, such as a CO2 laser, can also be used to destroy sebaceous hyperplasia.” Since there are so many lasers to choose from, Maiman says that the best way to determine the right laser for your complexion concern is to sit down with your dermatologist to evaluate your skin.
Consider Chemical Peels
Maiman says that chemical peels, like trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in a concentration of 70 percent performed monthly for a period of four to five months, can prove to be effective in the treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia. However, it’s important that the concentrations are chosen with the utmost care. “To mitigate potential complications, lower concentrations, such as of 20 percent to 30 percent, can be used. However, this would be expected to produce less robust results and thus require more treatments,” she says.
While chemical peels can be effective at lessening the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasia, Maiman points out that they can also lead to side effects such as burning, itching, tingling, peeling, and redness.
Byrdie Tip
“It is important to know that sometimes treatments require more than one attempt to completely resolve the lesion,” says Camp in reference to in-office procedures.
Removal With Electrocautery
Many dermatologists will recommend electrocautery—including Levin and Maiman. “I prefer to treat with electrocautery as this is well-tolerated, effective, quick, and [has] minimal risks,” Levin says, though she notes there can be a recurrence. Nevertheless, it’s a proven treatment (however short-lived) for sebaceous hyperplasia.
“This procedure involves the use of an electrical cautery needle to burn the lesions using thermal energy induced by the electrical charge it creates,” Maiman says. “In most cases, a small curette is then used to scrape away the lesions. In other cases, the practitioner may elect to leave the lesions alone. In either case, the patient walks out of the office with a small superficial burn at the treatment site.” Within a day or two of treatment, Maiman says that the burn will form into a scab which will then fall off within five to 10 days.
The only downside is that, depending on the size of the initial breakout, Maiman says that multiple treatments may be required to manage the sebaceous hyperplasia—potentially at monthly intervals. As far as pricing for this treatment goes, Maiman says that it’s highly variable based on the lesion site, the practitioner, and the area of the practice, but you can expect to pay as low as $50 and as much as $750.
Freeze Bumps With Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is less efficient, but also a little less serious, than cautery. Maiman tells us that cryotherapy utilizes liquid nitrogen to kill sebaceous glands via freezing. “Much like electrocautery, the result is a small burn (although in this case from extremes of cold temperatures), that turns into a scab and flakes off over the ensuing days,” she says. “[Though] cryotherapy tends to be less efficacious to electrocautery, comparatively, and usually necessitates multiple treatments for complete removal.”
Don’t Forget Aftercare
Chemical peels, laser therapy, and prescription retinoids can help heal your sebaceous hyperplasia—but don’t forget that they may require aftercare. Be sure to take care of your skin so that it can properly recover. You’ll likely need to avoid the sun even more than usual, and opt for stronger sun protection than you typically use. Be sure to consult with your practitioner about the right aftercare for the treatment you choose.
The Final Takeaway
While dermatologists will offer a variety of different treatment options for sebaceous hyperplasia, no treatment will completely cure the condition, only control it. “It is important to know that treatments do not prevent the appearance of new sebaceous hyperplasia growths,” explains Camp. “If you have a growth on your skin that does not respond to OTC treatments or prescription medications it is important to have it evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist to make sure it is not a concerning type of growth like a skin cancer.”
Beware of DIY Treatments
As tempting as it may be to attempt one of the Internet’s many DIY treatments, both Levin and Maiman strongly advise against doing so. “Unfortunately, there are no effective treatments at home,” Levin says.
“There are some reports about using tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar as natural treatments for sebaceous hyperplasia, however the evidence behind their use is limited,” adds double-board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD. “In addition, both products have the potential to cause skin irritation.”
“Treating sebaceous hyperplasia effectively requires in-office procedures in order for the results to be noticeable,” notes Maiman. “A brief Google search of my own did result in purported at-home remedies… but I can tell you that this is of little to (more accurately) no benefit.”
Opt for Prescription-Strength Retinoids
One exception to the ineffective-at-home rule is prescription-strength retinoids like tazarotene, which Maiman says can potentially prove beneficial. “Prescription-strength retinoids are sometimes employed because they may help prevent the formation of new lesions by speeding cellular turnover, however, they are not generally capable of resolving existing lesions,” she says.
“Some people recommend using retinoids to treat sebaceous hyperplasia because it may help shrink the size of the growth. However, there is limited evidence for this type of treatment,” adds Camp.
Control Oil Production
While getting your natural oil production under control may not treat existing sebaceous hyperplasia, it may help keep new growths from developing. “Salicylic acid products, such as cleansers, masks, or spot treatments, may help to reduce excess oil on the skin,” explains Camp. “In-office salicylic acid peels may be more effective than at-home treatments.”
Always Use Sun Protection
Since sun exposure plays a major role in the formation of sebaceous hyperplasia, Levin says that daily sun protection is a must. “Protecting skin from the sun, such as with regular use of a daily SPF moisturizer, is important to mitigate the damaging effects of UV radiation, and may be helpful to reduce the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasia,” echoes Camp. (It ought to be mentioned, though, that that’s the case for everyone, as sun exposure can lead to a whole array of complexion concerns.)
Ask Your Dermatologist About Oral Isotretinoin
Visiting a dermatologist for your sebaceous hyperplasia concerns can prove beneficial for multiple reasons: They can either recommend an in-office treatment or prescribe medication. If the latter occurs, Levin says that oral isotretinoin (aka Accutane) can decrease the size of sebaceous hyperplasia. “But once discontinuing isotretinoin, the sebaceous hyperplasia can recur,” she warns.
Do Laser Therapy
Maiman says that many lasers have been used in the treatment of hyperplasia, ranging from vascular lasers such as PDL (pulsed dye laser) and the 1450-nm diode laser to fractionated ablative resurfacing lasers like Erbium: YAG. “Responses to these modalities range from complete elimination of lesions to flattening,” she says.
Camp adds that “ablative lasers, such as a CO2 laser, can also be used to destroy sebaceous hyperplasia.” Since there are so many lasers to choose from, Maiman says that the best way to determine the right laser for your complexion concern is to sit down with your dermatologist to evaluate your skin.
Consider Chemical Peels
Maiman says that chemical peels, like trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in a concentration of 70 percent performed monthly for a period of four to five months, can prove to be effective in the treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia. However, it’s important that the concentrations are chosen with the utmost care. “To mitigate potential complications, lower concentrations, such as of 20 percent to 30 percent, can be used. However, this would be expected to produce less robust results and thus require more treatments,” she says.
While chemical peels can be effective at lessening the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasia, Maiman points out that they can also lead to side effects such as burning, itching, tingling, peeling, and redness.
Byrdie Tip
“It is important to know that sometimes treatments require more than one attempt to completely resolve the lesion,” says Camp in reference to in-office procedures.
Removal With Electrocautery
Many dermatologists will recommend electrocautery—including Levin and Maiman. “I prefer to treat with electrocautery as this is well-tolerated, effective, quick, and [has] minimal risks,” Levin says, though she notes there can be a recurrence. Nevertheless, it’s a proven treatment (however short-lived) for sebaceous hyperplasia.
“This procedure involves the use of an electrical cautery needle to burn the lesions using thermal energy induced by the electrical charge it creates,” Maiman says. “In most cases, a small curette is then used to scrape away the lesions. In other cases, the practitioner may elect to leave the lesions alone. In either case, the patient walks out of the office with a small superficial burn at the treatment site.” Within a day or two of treatment, Maiman says that the burn will form into a scab which will then fall off within five to 10 days.
The only downside is that, depending on the size of the initial breakout, Maiman says that multiple treatments may be required to manage the sebaceous hyperplasia—potentially at monthly intervals. As far as pricing for this treatment goes, Maiman says that it’s highly variable based on the lesion site, the practitioner, and the area of the practice, but you can expect to pay as low as $50 and as much as $750.
Freeze Bumps With Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is less efficient, but also a little less serious, than cautery. Maiman tells us that cryotherapy utilizes liquid nitrogen to kill sebaceous glands via freezing. “Much like electrocautery, the result is a small burn (although in this case from extremes of cold temperatures), that turns into a scab and flakes off over the ensuing days,” she says. “[Though] cryotherapy tends to be less efficacious to electrocautery, comparatively, and usually necessitates multiple treatments for complete removal.”
Don’t Forget Aftercare
Chemical peels, laser therapy, and prescription retinoids can help heal your sebaceous hyperplasia—but don’t forget that they may require aftercare. Be sure to take care of your skin so that it can properly recover. You’ll likely need to avoid the sun even more than usual, and opt for stronger sun protection than you typically use. Be sure to consult with your practitioner about the right aftercare for the treatment you choose.
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