Sebaceous hyperplasia is a skin condition in which a person develops small, yellowish growths, usually on the face. it is also known Fordyce’s. It usually occurs in middle-aged and older adults and is seen in about 1% of the US population. About 10–16% of people on long-term cyclosporin A for organ transplants also develop sebaceous hyperplasia. There are a few families where multiple lesions begin to occur during puberty. Lesions may be single or multiple. They are seen in areas where many oil glands are found – the face (nose, cheeks, and forehead), chest, upper arms, mouth lining, vulvar area, and around the nipples. They are small (2–9 mm), painless, whitish-yellow-to-pink or skin-colored bumps, often with a central depression or dimple.



Sebaceous hyperplasia generally affects middle-aged to elderly adults. Sebaceous glands are highly androgen sensitive, and, although the number of sebaceous glands remains approximately the same throughout life, their activity and size vary according to age and circulating hormone levels. The symptoms of this condition are 1-5 mm papules on the skin, mainly on the forehead, nose and cheeks, and sebarrhoeic facial skin. The papules may be cauliflower-shaped. Acne is also a symptom of this glandular disorder. Sebaceous hyperplasia is a common skin finding in aging adults, reported to occur in approximately 1% of the healthy population. However, the prevalence of sebaceous hyperplasia has been reported to be as high as 10-16% in patients receiving long-term immunosuppression with cyclosporin A.

Sebaceous hyperplasia lesions begin to appear in middle age (usually fifth or sixth decade) and continue to appear into later life. Tretinoin cream or gel used daily will reverse sebaceous hyperplasia slowly overtime and will also help keep the condition from worsening. TCA chemical peels will also reverse sebaceous hyperplasia, but new lesions will occur slowly after treatment. When the lesions are severe, extensive or disfiguring, oral isotretinoin or, in females, antiandrogens, may help improve the appearance. Applying a drug activated by light (photodynamic therapy). Oral isotretinoin has proven effective in clearing some lesions after 2-6 weeks of treatment. Light cautery, diathermy or laser vaporization are also helpful in removing skin lesions.

Sebaceous Hyperplasia Treatment Tips

1. A tretinoin is a gel or cream that is applied to the affected area of the body part.

2. Oral isotretinoin are also effective in clearing some lesions after 2-6 weeks of treatment.

3. Cosmetic procedures including minor surgery and liquid nitrogen freezing are also helpful.

4. Accutane it is a powerfull drug and is very effective in curing this disease.

5. Light cautery, diathermy or laser vaporization are also helpful in removing skin lesions.