What is sebaceous hyperplasia. How does it affect the skin. What are the main causes of this condition. Which treatment options are available for managing sebaceous hyperplasia. Can home remedies help alleviate symptoms. Are there any preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing sebaceous hyperplasia.

Understanding Sebaceous Hyperplasia: A Common Skin Condition

Sebaceous hyperplasia is a skin condition characterized by small, painless bumps that appear on the surface of the skin. These bumps are caused by enlarged sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing sebum, an oily substance that helps protect the skin from environmental factors. While sebaceous hyperplasia is generally harmless, some individuals may seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.

The condition most commonly affects adults, particularly those over the age of 40, but it can occur at any age. Sebaceous hyperplasia bumps typically appear on the forehead and cheeks, but they can develop anywhere on the body where sebaceous glands are present.

Key Characteristics of Sebaceous Hyperplasia

• Small, yellowish or skin-colored bumps
• Smooth surface with a slight depression in the center
• Usually 1-3 mm in diameter
• Often appears in clusters
• Most common on the face, particularly the forehead and cheeks
• Generally painless and non-itchy

The Science Behind Sebaceous Gland Enlargement

To understand sebaceous hyperplasia, it’s essential to delve into the mechanics of sebaceous glands. These tiny organs are found within the dermis layer of the skin and are responsible for producing sebum, an oily substance that lubricates and protects the skin.

In cases of sebaceous hyperplasia, the glands become enlarged due to an overgrowth of sebocytes, the cells that form the gland. This overgrowth leads to an overproduction of sebum, which can become trapped inside the gland. As a result, the gland swells and forms a visible bump on the skin’s surface.

Factors Contributing to Sebaceous Hyperplasia

• Age-related hormonal changes
• Genetic predisposition
• Sun exposure
• Immunosuppression
• Certain medications

Is sebaceous hyperplasia related to any genetic conditions? In rare cases, sebaceous hyperplasia can be associated with Muir-Torre syndrome, a genetic condition that increases the risk of certain cancers. However, it’s important to note that the presence of sebaceous hyperplasia alone is not a diagnostic measure for Muir-Torre syndrome. Individuals with this syndrome should seek proper medical evaluation to distinguish between benign sebaceous hyperplasia and potentially cancerous lesions.

Diagnosis and Differentiation from Other Skin Conditions

Accurately diagnosing sebaceous hyperplasia is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment approach. While the condition is generally harmless, it’s essential to differentiate it from other skin conditions that may have similar appearances.

Common Conditions Often Confused with Sebaceous Hyperplasia

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Milia
• Sebaceous adenoma
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Seborrheic keratosis

How do dermatologists diagnose sebaceous hyperplasia? Dermatologists typically diagnose sebaceous hyperplasia through visual examination and dermoscopy, a non-invasive technique that allows for close inspection of the skin’s surface. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions, particularly if there are concerns about potential malignancy.

Exploring Treatment Options for Sebaceous Hyperplasia

While sebaceous hyperplasia is benign and doesn’t require treatment for medical reasons, many individuals seek treatment for cosmetic purposes. Several options are available, ranging from topical medications to in-office procedures.

Topical Treatments

Retinoids, such as tretinoin and adapalene, are often the first line of treatment for sebaceous hyperplasia. These vitamin A derivatives can help regulate cell turnover and sebum production, potentially reducing the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasia lesions over time.

Can over-the-counter retinol products be effective for sebaceous hyperplasia? While prescription-strength retinoids are generally more potent, some individuals may see improvement with regular use of over-the-counter retinol products. However, results may be less dramatic and take longer to appear compared to prescription options.

Oral Medications

In some cases, dermatologists may prescribe oral isotretinoin for severe or widespread sebaceous hyperplasia. This powerful medication can significantly reduce sebum production and shrink sebaceous glands. However, it comes with potential side effects and requires careful monitoring.

In-Office Procedures

1. Cryotherapy: This technique involves freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen, causing them to dry up and fall off.
2. Electrocautery: An electric current is used to burn off the bumps, followed by a healing period where scabs form and eventually fall off.
3. Laser therapy: CO2 laser treatments can effectively remove sebaceous hyperplasia lesions with minimal scarring.
4. Photodynamic therapy: This treatment combines light-sensitive medications with specific wavelengths of light to destroy abnormal cells.
5. Chemical peels: While not typically a first-line treatment, certain chemical peels may help improve the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasia.

What factors should be considered when choosing a treatment method? The choice of treatment depends on several factors, including the extent of the condition, the patient’s skin type, potential side effects, and the individual’s preferences. It’s essential to consult with a dermatologist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Managing Sebaceous Hyperplasia

While medical treatments are often the most effective for addressing sebaceous hyperplasia, some individuals may prefer to explore natural remedies or lifestyle changes to manage the condition. It’s important to note that these approaches may have limited effectiveness and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Potential Natural Remedies

• Tea tree oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil may help regulate sebum production.
• Apple cider vinegar: Some believe that its astringent properties may help reduce the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasia lesions.
• Aloe vera: Its anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe the skin and potentially reduce the visibility of bumps.
• Green tea extract: Rich in antioxidants, green tea may help protect the skin from damage and regulate oil production.

Are there any risks associated with using natural remedies for sebaceous hyperplasia? While natural remedies are generally considered safe, they can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. It’s crucial to perform a patch test before applying any new substance to the face and to discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Skin Health

1. Sun protection: Regularly using broad-spectrum sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure may help prevent the development or worsening of sebaceous hyperplasia.
2. Proper skincare routine: Gentle cleansing and moisturizing can help maintain overall skin health.
3. Healthy diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may support skin health.
4. Stress management: Chronic stress can affect hormone levels, potentially impacting sebum production.
5. Avoiding comedogenic products: Using non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products can help prevent clogged pores and exacerbation of sebaceous hyperplasia.

Prevention Strategies and Long-Term Management of Sebaceous Hyperplasia

While it may not be possible to completely prevent sebaceous hyperplasia, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the condition or manage it effectively over the long term.

Key Prevention Strategies

• Consistent sun protection
• Regular exfoliation to promote cell turnover
• Maintaining a balanced skincare routine
• Avoiding excessive use of heavy, oil-based products
• Managing underlying health conditions that may contribute to hormonal imbalances

How often should individuals with sebaceous hyperplasia follow up with their dermatologist? Regular follow-up appointments with a dermatologist are recommended for individuals with sebaceous hyperplasia, typically every 6-12 months. These visits allow for monitoring of the condition, assessment of treatment effectiveness, and early detection of any new or changing lesions.

Long-Term Management Considerations

1. Consistency in treatment: Many treatments for sebaceous hyperplasia require ongoing application or maintenance sessions to maintain results.
2. Adapting to skin changes: As the skin continues to age, treatment approaches may need to be adjusted.
3. Monitoring for recurrence: Sebaceous hyperplasia can recur even after successful treatment, so ongoing vigilance is important.
4. Addressing psychological impact: For some individuals, the cosmetic aspect of sebaceous hyperplasia can affect self-esteem. Seeking support or counseling may be beneficial.
5. Staying informed: Keeping up with new developments in treatment options can help individuals make informed decisions about their care.

The Future of Sebaceous Hyperplasia Research and Treatment

As our understanding of sebaceous gland function and skin biology continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for treating and preventing sebaceous hyperplasia. These emerging areas of study hold promise for more effective and targeted treatments in the future.

Emerging Research Areas

• Gene therapy approaches targeting sebocyte proliferation
• Novel topical formulations with enhanced penetration and efficacy
• Advanced laser technologies for more precise lesion removal
• Biological therapies targeting specific growth factors involved in sebaceous gland hyperplasia
• Improved diagnostic tools for early detection and differentiation from other skin conditions

What potential breakthroughs in sebaceous hyperplasia treatment are on the horizon? While specific breakthroughs are difficult to predict, ongoing research into sebaceous gland biology and skin aging processes may lead to more targeted therapies. Some areas of interest include the development of selective sebaceous gland inhibitors and personalized treatment approaches based on individual genetic profiles.

Challenges in Sebaceous Hyperplasia Research

1. Limited animal models that accurately replicate human sebaceous gland function
2. Complexity of sebaceous gland regulation and its interaction with other skin components
3. Variability in individual responses to treatments
4. Balancing efficacy with potential side effects, particularly for systemic treatments
5. Addressing the cosmetic nature of the condition while ensuring medical relevance in research funding

As research in this field progresses, individuals affected by sebaceous hyperplasia can look forward to potentially more effective and personalized treatment options. In the meantime, working closely with a dermatologist to develop a comprehensive management plan remains the best approach for addressing this common skin condition.

Sebaceous hyperplasia: Definition and treatment options

Sebaceous hyperplasia causes small bumps to appear on the skin when sebaceous glands become enlarged. Treatments can include removing the bumps, over-the-counter medications, and home remedies for clogged sebaceous glands.

Sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance called sebum. This helps protect the skin from the outside environment.

Due to an overgrowth of oil-producing cells, sebum can become trapped inside the gland, causing it to swell and form a bump under the skin. This is known as sebaceous hyperplasia.

These bumps are harmless and often appear on the forehead and cheeks. However, sebaceous glands exist all over the body, so bumps can form almost anywhere. They are more common in adults, but they can show up at any age.

There is currently no cure for sebaceous hyperplasia. However, some medications and home remedies may be able to reduce the appearance of these bumps. Cosmetic procedures can also remove them.

In this article, learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options associated with sebaceous hyperplasia.

Sebaceous hyperplasia is a condition that causes bumps to appear on the surface of the skin. Some people may want to have these bumps removed for cosmetic reasons.

The images below show some examples of how sebaceous hyperplasia can present.

Share on PinterestSebaceous hyperplasia is a skin condition that can occur as people age. It is caused by harmless enlarged glands that produce oil. For cosmetic reasons, some people may want these lesions removed.
Klaus D. Peter/Wikimedia CommonsShare on PinterestThis image is an up-close view of sebaceous hyperplasia.
Toshitsugu Sato/Wikimedia CommonsShare on PinterestThis image shows sebaceous hyperplasia on the face.
© 2016 The Korean Dermatological Association and The Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology/NCBI

Enlarged sebaceous glands cause sebaceous hyperplasia. These glands become enlarged when the cells that form the gland, known as sebocytes, overgrow and overproduce sebum. This leads to a buildup of oil.

A genetic condition called Muir-Torre syndrome can also cause sebaceous hyperplasia in rare cases. However, the presence of sebaceous hyperplasia is not a diagnostic measure of Muir-Torre syndrome.

People with this syndrome should take special care to receive a proper diagnosis of sebaceous hyperplasia, as it may indicate a tumor.

Sebaceous hyperplasia is harmless in most cases. However, if the bumps are unsightly or embarrassing, a person may choose to have them removed.

Doctors can offer various methods of removal, but a person may require multiple sessions to complete the procedure.

Some possible treatments for sebaceous hyperplasia include the following.

Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that may help with a range of skin-related issues. Doctors often recommend prescription retinoids for people with sebaceous hyperplasia. However, these may require regular applications to work as intended.

One 2015 study suggests that the regular application of retinoids can be an effective treatment for sebaceous hyperplasia. However, the bumps may also return if a person stops using the treatment.

Doctors can also treat the condition with oral retinoids such as isotretinoin. In the same 2015 study as above, 20 participants with sebaceous hyperplasia who used 1 milligram of isotretinoin per kilogram of body weight per day for a period of 2 months all showed a significant decrease in the number of lesions on their bodies.

Around 2 years after the end of this study, the participants had few recurring lesions, with the average number being only four.

However, other medical literature does not necessarily support this conclusion. Some research indicates that oral isotretinoin treatment may need to be ongoing. If a person stops the treatment, sebaceous hyperplasia may reoccur.

In many cases, doctors prescribe this treatment for severe forms of hyperplasia. More research may be necessary to determine the long-term efficacy of this treatment for this condition.

Facial peels

A facial peel may contain chemicals such as acid.

Chemical facial peels can cause irritation, discoloration, and sensitivity. If a person does not receive proper aftercare, this can aggravate sebaceous hyperplasia.

Laser therapy

A dermatologist may recommend removing lesions using CO2 laser therapy. This can reduce the thickness of the lesions and result in smoother skin without causing notable scarring.

Cryotherapy

A doctor can remove sebaceous hyperplasia bumps in a process called cryotherapy. The doctor will freeze the bumps, causing them to dry up and drop away.

However, cryotherapy can potentially cause changes in skin color in the affected area.

Electrocautery

Electrocautery involves using a charge of electricity to burn the bumps. The skin will then scab over and fall away, leaving behind a smooth area.

Electrocautery may cause skin pigment changes in the affected area and has the potential to leave indented scars if a person does not perform it correctly.

Photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy involves applying a drug to the affected cells that makes them sensitive to light. Controlled exposure to intense light can then kill the cells.

The skin may become extremely sensitive after this treatment, possibly leading to redness, irritation, and peeling.

Antiandrogen medications

There may be a link between sebaceous hyperplasia and increased testosterone. Therefore, some doctors may recommend antiandrogen medications for females with severe symptoms who do not respond well to other treatment methods.

Surgery

If sebaceous hyperplasia is severe or persistent, a doctor may suggest surgically removing the bumps.

This will prevent them from returning, but it can cause scarring. For this reason, doctors usually consider it a last resort.

The main symptom of sebaceous hyperplasia is the appearance of small, shiny bumps under the skin. A bump can have a slight indentation in the center and a white or yellow outer edge.

Although it typically occurs on the face, some reports detail cases of sebaceous hyperplasia occurring across many parts of the body. Bumps may appear on their own or in small clusters.

It may be difficult to distinguish the condition from acne. Acne forms when a person’s follicles become blocked and oil builds up under the skin, whereas sebaceous hyperplasia occurs in sebaceous glands themselves.

Learn more about acne here.

The two conditions may appear similar, but a whitehead or blackhead due to acne will usually have a raised center, while bumps from sebaceous hyperplasia will be indented. These bumps are typically small and cause no pain.

Many people with oily or combination skin may notice these bumps as they age.

Some home remedies can also reduce the appearance of bumps due to sebaceous hyperplasia. However, most home remedies are based on anecdotal evidence and do not have backing by human clinical trials.

Over-the-counter medications, creams, and face washes that contain retinol may help clear clogged sebaceous glands.

Some people may find that regularly washing the skin with a cleanser containing salicylic acid can help dry-oily skin and prevent clogged glands.

Dermatologists often visually diagnose sebaceous hyperplasia. They can distinguish sebaceous hyperplasia from other more serious conditions that may bear a resemblance to it, such as basal cell carcinoma.

Bumps that are due to basal cell carcinoma are typically larger and may have a darker or more pronounced color than the surrounding skin.

If a doctor is uncertain about a diagnosis, they will usually take a sample and send it to a laboratory for testing.

There is no way to prevent sebaceous hyperplasia. However, a person may be able to reduce the appearance of any bumps that appear.

It is also important to note that exposure to UV rays is considered a cofactor in sebaceous hyperplasia. To reduce their exposure to UV rays, a person can reduce the amount of time they spend in direct sunlight and protect their skin with sunscreen.

That said, sebaceous hyperplasia can still occur in skin with very little UV exposure.

Sebaceous hyperplasia predominantly occurs in older adult males. The activity of sebaceous glands is affected by hormone levels and age. As a result, this condition can occur without outside influence.

Increased exposure to UV rays and a person’s genetic history may increase their risk of developing the condition. However, scientists have not proven that these factors directly cause sebaceous hyperplasia.

Some researchers have linked some cases of sebaceous hyperplasia to long-term treatment with cyclosporine following organ transplants. Cyclosporine is a medication that reduces the activity of the immune system.

Sebaceous hyperplasia presents as small, inflamed bumps on the skin. It is typically harmless. A buildup of oil and subsequent inflammation of sebaceous glands causes the condition.

Because the bumps may be unsightly or embarrassing, some individuals may wish to reduce the appearance of these bumps or get rid of them completely.

Home treatments can sometimes help diminish bumps or prevent them from developing, but only medical interventions can remove them.

Role of sebaceous glands in inflammatory dermatoses

Review

. 2015 Nov;73(5):856-63.

doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.08.015.

Epub 2015 Sep 18.

Vivian Y Shi 
¹
, Michael Leo 
²
, Lauren Hassoun 
³
, Dev S Chahal 
⁴
, Howard I Maibach 
⁵
, Raja K Sivamani 
⁶

Affiliations

Affiliations

• ¹ Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, California.
• ² School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.
• ³ School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.
• ⁴ David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
• ⁵ Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, California.
• ⁶ Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, California. Electronic address: [email protected].

• PMID:

  26386632

• DOI:

  10.1016/j.jaad.2015.08.015

Review

Vivian Y Shi et al.

J Am Acad Dermatol.

2015 Nov.

. 2015 Nov;73(5):856-63.

doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.08.015.

Epub 2015 Sep 18.

Authors

Vivian Y Shi 
¹
, Michael Leo 
²
, Lauren Hassoun 
³
, Dev S Chahal 
⁴
, Howard I Maibach 
⁵
, Raja K Sivamani 
⁶

Affiliations

• ¹ Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, California.
• ² School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.
• ³ School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.
• ⁴ David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
• ⁵ Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, California.
• ⁶ Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, California. Electronic address: [email protected].

• PMID:

  26386632

• DOI:

  10.1016/j.jaad.2015.08.015

Abstract

Skin is an important interface between the host and its environment. Inflammatory dermatoses often have disrupted skin barrier function, rendering patients more susceptible to allergenic triggers leading to an exaggerated immune response. The skin surface lipid film, an important component of the skin barrier, comprises a mixture of keratinocyte and sebaceous gland-derived lipids. Recent evidence demonstrated that defective keratinocyte lipid synthesis predisposes for the development of atopic dermatitis. However, the important role of sebaceous gland-derived lipids in skin inflammatory diseases may be underrecognized. This overview focuses on the importance of the contribution of sebaceous glands to barrier function. Sebaceous gland alteration may play a role in the pathogenesis of common skin diseases including acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Keywords:

acne; atopic dermatitis; eczema; psoriasis; rosacea; sebocytes; seborrheic dermatitis; sebum.

Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Dermatologist’s advice: more about acne

There are no effective home treatments for acne, since only a doctor can make a competent treatment complex. However, dermatologists advise patients with this problem to follow a few simple rules:

– cleanse the skin twice a day;

– do not squeeze pimples and blackheads;

– do not use folk remedies found on the Internet;

– do not sunbathe, including in a solarium;

– do not use cleansers with large abrasive particles and alcohol-based lotions.

It’s no secret that acne is one of the most common dermatological problems. According to statistics, every third visit to a dermatologist or cosmetologist is associated with acne on the skin. At the same time, acne grows more and more every year: today, 25% of women from 20 to 50 years old complain of periodic inflammation on the face. “Adult” acne is no longer a rarity, and given the number of patients with teenage acne, the urgency of the problem speaks for itself.

If you are reading this article, you must have wondered. Why exactly do you suffer from acne. Why do some start a career in the modeling business at the age of 15, and you are forced to turn away in embarrassment when meeting with neighbors and classmates and use cosmetic camouflage.

Indeed. You lead a healthy lifestyle. Refused sweet and “harmful” food. It is also likely that you have experienced many of the advertised remedies. Perhaps you have already visited a beautician more than once. And even consulted with a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist and other specialists. And the problem doesn’t go away. What is the reason? Let’s figure it out.

Let’s start with terminology

Acne is a chronic relapsing skin disease predominantly of young people, which is the result of hyperproduction of sebum and blockage of hyperplastic sebaceous glands with possible subsequent inflammation.

Acne disease is based on active production of sebum, which does not necessarily mean oily seborrhea, but involves a change in the composition, volume, viscosity of sebum, and a number of other indicators.

At the same time, the excretory ducts of your sebaceous glands do not all cope with the task assigned to them. The reasons are different. But at the forefront, as a rule, is a genetic predisposition, or individual characteristics.

Do we know what anatomical prerequisites for the structure of the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands we got from our parents, grandparents?

And how did they themselves look in those distant years?

Pay attention! As follows from the same definition: The disease mainly affects young people

In other words, you didn’t have the disease before puberty. Nor will it be in retirement.

So, you say, it’s all about the hormonal background?… And this background is somehow different for you?

In some cases, it is!

But most acne patients show absolutely normal hormonal profile.

And the endless search for reasons leads you to a dead end again.

But let’s get back to the second part of our definition.

What happens to the anatomically “immature” sebaceous gland when it is stimulated by your “normal” hormones?

A occurs: “hyperproduction of sebum and blockage of hyperplastic sebaceous glands with possible subsequent inflammation”

Point.

As you can see, we are not talking about dysbacteria, or about ecology, or immunity with pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.

The role of these factors can sometimes take place, namely, as aggravating the course of the disease, but in no way causal.

Certainly. The pathogenesis of acne is somewhat more complex and has a number of features, including individual ones.

But in order to act in the right direction, it is necessary to correctly understand the general essence of the occurring phenomena. Otherwise, the patient will continue aimless throwing in search of the truth from specialist to specialist.

We emphasize that the clinical manifestations of acne are quite diverse. In some cases, inflammation of the sebaceous glands practically does not reach, and then we will deal with the comedonal form of acne, when open and closed comedones prevail in the clinical picture, that is, those same white nodules and brushes on the skin that many of you are trying to squeeze out and scratch.

Often, inflammation develops at the mouth of the clogged sebaceous glands, and then, depending on the depth of the infiltrate and its severity, we will see papulo-pustular or even conglobate (spherical) form of acne.

Time certainly heals, but it also works against you.

Long-standing acne. certainly leave certain changes on the skin, the fight against which can be much more burdensome than the control of the initial forms of acne.

It is known that acne and its consequences negatively affect the psyche of patients, causing anxiety and depression, significantly reduce their self-esteem and quality of life, and contribute to the development of social maladjustment.

Among patients with acne, there is a high percentage of single and divorced people, as well as a considerable number of unemployed, as many modern employers place increased demands on the appearance of their employees

So what to do if you suffer from acne?

First of all, you need to calm down and consult a dermatologist. In some cases, it may also be necessary to consult other specialists – a gynecologist or an endocrinologist

Patients suffering from various forms of acne, there is no reason to wait for spontaneous remission.

Treatment with a combination of external and systemic drugs allows you to cope with any form of the disease, even with pronounced destructive processes.

Modern examination and treatment can be directed to each of the components of pathogenesis, but it must be understood that it sometimes takes weeks and months to achieve a pronounced therapeutic effect. And the cure depends only on you and on your consistent actions.

Dermatological service of OKDC, has many years of experience in the treatment of patients with acne. We are aware of your problems and are always ready to help you…

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Atheroma – what is it and how to treat it?

Atheroma is an epidermal or follicular cyst filled with a pasty substance or the cyst’s own secretions.

That is, it is a subcutaneous capsule containing curd mass. This curdled mass is the accumulated secretions of the sebaceous gland, which often have an unpleasant odor. Sometimes there is a hole in the middle of the formation, from which the contents of an unpleasant color and smell are released. Sometimes atheromas are multiple.

Causes of atheroma?

There are many reasons for the appearance of atheromas. Most often, atheroma occurs due to blockage of the excreted duct of the duct of the sebaceous gland or swelling of the hair follicle (sac). swelling of the follicle may occur due to damage. As a rule, one hair grows from one follicle (hair follicle), and after injury and hair removal, the exit from the follicle can be blocked, especially against the background of high testosterone levels. The remaining part of the sebaceous gland continues to secrete sebaceous secretions and, as a result, the former follicle increases in size and turns into a large atheroma. Injury or rupture of the sebaceous glands themselves. Part of such a gland after an injury or inflammatory process (furuncle or carbuncle) may be under the skin, and since the gland continues to work and secrete a sebaceous secret, atheroma appears. The appearance of atheromas can also be influenced by hereditary and hormonal factors, such as increased testosterone levels.

What is inside an atheroma?

Contents of atheroma are filled with secretions, usually sebaceous glands. As a rule, these are fatty and keratinized substances of a fibrous structure. Outwardly, this mixture resembles cottage cheese. If an infection has penetrated into the atheroma, then the contents turn into a purulent mass of various colors from white to brown and mixed with blood.

Who gets atheromas more often?

Atheromas are very common and in most people throughout life, at least one appears. They appear for no apparent reason. True, it is believed that men appear twice as often. By age – the peak of the appearance of atheromas occurs at 20-30 years, but people go to the doctor more often at a later age, when atheromas grow to an impressive size.

On which part of the body do atheromas appear more often?

Atheromas are most often found on the scalp, face, ears, neck, shoulders, back and chest. In men, atheromas occur on the scrotum. On the scalp, if the atheroma is for a long time, this can lead to hair loss in this area, directly above the atheroma.

What is the danger of atheroma?

Atheromas are benign neoplasms (not cancerous), but they can become a chronic focus of infection, which leads to other complications. Atheroma, even if not infected with a bacterial infection, can become inflamed and swollen. During inflammation, atheroma is very difficult to remove, so the operation during such a period may be postponed. Serious complications of atheroma are its rupture and infection, which can lead to an abscess and even phlegmon. Very rarely, atheromas can lead to basal and squamous cell skin cancer, but since this rarely occurs, atheroma histological examination is not performed.

How do you know if atheroma is inflamed and infected?

Signs and symptoms indicating inflammation of atheroma: reddening of the skin over the atheroma, swelling, increase in size, pain, aggravated by touch, fever, discharge of a white-gray substance over the atheroma with an unpleasant odor. If a person has at least one of the listed signs, then an urgent need to consult a surgeon.

When contacting a surgeon

The doctor will conduct a survey, examination, make an accurate diagnosis. For the diagnosis of atheroma, ultrasound, consultation with an oncologist or dermatologist is sometimes required. After the diagnosis is made, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment. If it is a surgical treatment, he will tell you how it will be carried out: to what extent, by what method, under what anesthesia. Be sure to ask about the tolerance of drugs, allergies, the presence of concomitant diseases, such as diabetes, taking drugs that affect the blood coagulation system. The latter may be a contraindication to surgery. In accordance with generally accepted treatment protocols, he will prescribe a preoperative laboratory examination. After that, he will set the date of the operation or hold it on the day of the appeal, if possible.

How many days does it take to stay in the hospital

The operation is usually performed on an outpatient basis and usually does not require hospitalization in most cases.

How long will the atheroma removal operation take? The operation to remove atheroma is usually performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia. The duration of the actual surgical intervention is 15-25 minutes, but the total time taken together with preparation, followed by dressing, paperwork is 45-70 minutes.

What kind of anesthesia is used to remove atheroma?

Removal of atheroma in most cases is performed under local anesthesia. The use of anesthesia is irrational. Local anesthesia is the introduction of an anesthetic using a syringe with a needle into the skin and subcutaneous tissue surrounding and covering the atheroma, or more simply, an anesthetic injection is made. General anesthesia, that is, anesthesia or regional conduction anesthesia, is carried out if there are indications, for example, with a giant atheroma.

Before surgery

On the day of surgery, 4 hours before the actual surgery, it is advisable not to eat or drink anything. Before the operation itself, consent to the surgical intervention is signed and the place where the atheroma is located is photographed.

Emergency surgical treatment for inflammation of atheroma

If an atheroma has become infected, inflamed and an abscess has formed, then it is not possible to remove the atheroma. In this case, under sterile conditions under local anesthesia, the atheroma is opened, the purulent contents are evacuated, washed and drained. In the postoperative period, antibiotics are often required. Further, the wound is tightened according to the laws of purulent surgery, the so-called secondary intention. In this case, the atheroma will need to be removed after 3 months to avoid recurrence of inflammation.

Elective surgical treatment

Elective surgery, as a rule, takes place according to the following algorithm:

1. Preparation and treatment of the surgical field with disinfectants.
2. Anesthetize the area around the atheroma with local anesthetics.
3. An incision is made over the atheroma An incision in modern medical institutions can be made both with a scalpel and with a radio wave knife Surgitron (Surgitron) or a laser.
4. Next, the atheroma is isolated and husked. Atheroma can be removed in two different ways: without violating the membranes as a whole, or with the extraction of the contents of the atheroma in the first place and the membranes in the second. The latter method is used if a small skin incision is made or the atheroma is fragmented.
5. Next, hemostasis is carried out – that is, they stop bleeding from damaged vessels, if any.
6. Treat the wound with disinfectants.
7. Stitch the wound if required. Depending on where the atheroma was located, absorbable, cosmetic, ordinary or reinforced sutures are applied (especially on parts of the body that are actively involved in the movement of the body, for example, in the armpits and on the lower back).
8. Apply an aseptic bandage to the wound or a sticker, depending on the location of the former atheroma. For small incisions or on the scalp, do not apply a bandage.

Will there be a scar after the operation?

In the incision area, immediately after the operation, a small scar remains, which should disappear with time. How long it will disappear – it depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.

What complications can occur after surgery?

After removal of atheroma, tissue fluid with blood clots may accumulate in the resulting cavity. The danger of the accumulation of this fluid is that this fluid is a potentially ideal environment for the development of infection. To prevent this fluid from accumulating, a pressure bandage or drains are applied, through which this fluid flows out over the next day and thereby prevents the formation of an infectious focus.

After removal of atheroma during the first day, there may be a slight increase in body temperature. But if the temperature rises to a high level (38 g), swelling and pain occur in the area of ​​the postoperative wound, then you should urgently contact the surgeon who performed the operation to exclude infection from entering the postoperative wound, even though the inflammation and infection of the postoperative wound is rare. In this case, after examination, the doctor may prescribe the use of antibiotics.

What should be done to prevent atheromas from appearing?

To prevent and prevent the appearance of atheromas, it is recommended to clean the skin of the face at a beautician and thoroughly wash the face at home, especially in the presence of acne and oily skin.