Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Key Points
Condition results in small yellow bumps or protrusions around the pores where hair follicles grow.
Condition is more prevalent in patients who are immunosuppressed, or had recent organ transplants.

Sebaceous hyperplasia is the term used for enlarged pores around hair follicles seen on the forehead or cheeks of the middle-aged and elderly. Sebaceous hyperplasia appears as small yellow bumps up to 3 millimeters in diameter. Close inspection reveals a central hair follicle surrounded by yellowish rounded protrusions. There are often prominent blood vessels, best seen using dermoscopy. The Sebaceous hyperplasia lesions are sometimes confused with basal cell carcinoma. Sebaceous hyperplasia may be more prevalent in immunosuppressed patients, for example following organ transplantation. It is also frequently prominent in the rare Torre-Muir syndrome.

Differential Diagnosis (Other conditions with similar appearance)
Acrochordon
Basal cell carcinoma
Calcinosis cutis
Folliculoma

Diagnosis
Key Points
Diagnosis is performed through microscopy and clinic investigation to confirm correct diagnosis.

Treatment
Key Points
Treatment is unnecessary as Sebaceous hyperplasia is harmless.
*However, lesions can be removed through cauterization, diathermy, laser vaporization or in severe case through oral medications.

Sebaceous hyperplasia is harmless and does not require any treatment. However, individual lesions may be removed by light cautery, diathermy or laser vaporization. When the lesions are severe, extensive or disfiguring, oral Isotretinoin or, in females, Antiandrogens, may help improve the appearance.