{"id":895775,"date":"2025-12-06T21:50:45","date_gmt":"2025-12-06T18:50:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=895775"},"modified":"2025-12-06T21:50:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-06T18:50:45","slug":"how-to-treat-sebaceous-hyperplasia-according-to-derms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=895775","title":{"rendered":"How to Treat Sebaceous Hyperplasia, According to Derms"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How to Treat Sebaceous Hyperplasia, According to Derms<\/h1>\n
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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Rebecca Norris<\/p>\n
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\"Rebecca\"Rebecca<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nRebecca Norris\n<\/div>\n
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  • <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
    \nRebecca is a contributing writer for Byrdie where she specializes in all things nails. She has worked in beauty editorial for over a decade.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Updated on March 20, 2023 01:34PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n
    Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD<\/p>\n
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    \"Dr.\"Dr.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Reviewed by<\/span>
    \nRachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD\n<\/div>\n
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    • <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
      \nRachel is a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai Hospital Department of Dermatology. She has contributed to Byrdie, as well as Harpers Bazaar, Marie Claire, Allure, Vogue, and the New York Times, and more\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \nAbout Byrdie’s Beauty & Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      Board-Certified Dermatologist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
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      Getty<\/p>\n

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      Just when you thought you knew about every type of skin bump and acne out there, along comes another. Meet sebaceous hyperplasia, a common skin condition whose TikTok search has yielded nearly two million views.\n<\/p>\n

      Fortunately, this condition is treatable. 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. Ahead, learn everything you need to know.\n<\/p>\n

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      Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

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      • Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, FAAD, is the founder of Enti\u00e8re Dermatology and a consulting dermatologist for StriVectin.<\/li>\n
      • Dr. Rachel E. Maiman, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic and general dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City.<\/li>\n
      • Dr. Marina Peredo, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia? <\/span><\/h2>\n

        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). <\/strong>Most often seen on the forehead and cheeks, Levin says that the condition\u00a0appears as small yellow or skin-colored bumps usually 1-3 millimeters in diameter. \u201cWhile 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,\u201d Levin explains, noting that there can be a family history as well.<\/p>\n

        Considering sebaceous hyperplasia is a condition that occurs within the oil glands of the skin, Dr. Rachel E. Maiman, MD, says that a common misconception is that the condition only affects those with oily skin, \u201cthough, this is not a strong correlation. Sebaceous glands are, however,\u00a0highly 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

        While sebaceous hyperplasia breakouts are considered an overgrowth, it\u2019s important to remember that they are, in fact, benign. \u201cThey are harmless and not cause for concern, but frequently present a cosmetic problem to patients who seek treatment for that reason,\u201d Maiman says.\n<\/p>\n

        With that in mind, keep reading for the best treatments for sebaceous hyperplasia.\n<\/p>\n

        How to Treat Sebaceous Hyperplasia <\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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        01<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Don’t Try to at Home <\/span><\/h2>\n

        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.\n<\/p>\n

        \u201cUnfortunately, there are no effective treatments at home,\u201d Levin says. \u201cTreating sebaceous hyperplasia effectively requires in-office procedures in order for the results to be noticeable,\u201d Maiman adds. \u201cA brief Google search of my own did result in purported<\/em> at-home remedies… but I can tell you that this is of little to (more accurately) no benefit.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        02<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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        …Unless You Opt for Prescription-Strength Retinoids <\/span><\/h2>\n

        The one exception to the ineffective-at-home rule is prescription-strength retinoids like tazarotene, which Maiman says can potentially prove beneficial. \u201cPrescription-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,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        03<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Always Use Sun Protection <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Since sun exposure plays a major role in the formation of sebaceous hyperplasia, Levin says that daily sun protection is a must. (It ought to be mentioned, though, that that\u2019s the case for everyone, as sun exposure can lead to a whole array of complexion concerns.)\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        04<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Ask Your Dermatologist About Oral Isotretinoin <\/span><\/h2>\n

        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. \u201cBut once discontinuing isotretinoin, the sebaceous hyperplasia can recur,\u201d she warns.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        05<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Do Laser Therapy <\/span><\/h2>\n

        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 and CO2 (carbon dioxide).\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        \u201cResponses to these modalities range from complete elimination of lesions to flattening,\u201d she says. Since there are so many lasers to choose from, she 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.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        06<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Consider Chemical Peels <\/span><\/h2>\n

        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\u2019s important that the concentrations are chosen with the utmost care. \u201cTo 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,\u201d she says.\n<\/p>\n

        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.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        07<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Get Sebaceous Hyperplasia Removed With Electrocautery <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Many dermatologists will recommend electrocautery\u2014including Levin and Maiman. \u201cI prefer to treat with electrocautery as this is well-tolerated, effective, quick, and [has] minimal risks,\u201d Levin says, though she notes there can be a recurrence. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a proven treatment (however short-lived) for sebaceous hyperplasia.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        \u201cThis procedure involves the use of an electrical cautery needle to burn the lesions using thermal energy induced by the electrical charge it creates,\u201d Maiman says. \u201cIn 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.\u201d 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.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        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\u2014potentially at monthly intervals. As far as pricing for this treatment goes, Maiman says that it\u2019s 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.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        08<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Freeze Bumps With Cryotherapy <\/span><\/h2>\n

        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. \u201cMuch 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,\u201d she says. \u201c[Though] cryotherapy tends to be less efficacious to electrocautery, comparatively, and usually necessitates multiple treatments for complete removal.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        09<\/span>of 09<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Don’t Forget Aftercare <\/span><\/h2>\n

        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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n

        While dermatologists will offer a variety of different treatment options for sebaceous hyperplasia, Dr. Marina Peredo, MD, FAAD, says that no treatment will completely cure the condition, only control it. \u201cEven the best treatments I offer patients do not cure it,\u201d she says, noting that cauterization is her method of choice.\n<\/p>\n

        The Complete Guide to Treating Acne-Prone Skin<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n
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        1. \n

          Farci F, Rapini RP. Sebaceous hyperplasia. In:\u00a0StatPearls<\/em>. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        2. \n

          Farci F, Rapini RP. Sebaceous hyperplasia. In:\u00a0StatPearls<\/em>. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        3. \n

          Zasada M, Budzisz E. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.\u00a0Postepy Dermatol Alergol<\/em>. 2019;36(4):392-397.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          Read more:<\/div>\n
            \n
          • Skin<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Skin Type<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Oily<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

            Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/sebaceous-hyperplasia-treatment-5194109<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            How to Treat Sebaceous Hyperplasia, According to Derms By Rebecca Norris Rebecca Norris Rebecca is a contributing writer for Byrdie where she specializes in all things nails. She has worked in beauty editorial for over a decade. Byrdie’s Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 20, 2023 01:34PM Reviewed by Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD Reviewed by Rachel […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":895776,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-895775","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/895775","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=895775"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/895775\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/895776"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=895775"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=895775"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=895775"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}