Instructions
First of all, it is necessary to find out the reason for the excessive activity of the sebaceous glands. Basically, some diseases can contribute to its development: metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiency, hormonal imbalance, vegetative-vascular dystonia and kidney disease. In this case, the problem of oily skin is only a symptom of these ailments, and it will be solved when the skin becomes healthy. Very often, oily skin can be the result of poor nutrition. Then, by eliminating salty, spicy, pickled, smoked and fried foods, the secretion of the sebaceous glands will significantly decrease.
It is important to know that oily skin needs to be cleansed regularly in order to open the pores and prevent them from becoming infected. This can be done with the help of scrubs containing fruit acids. In addition, cleansing gels designed specifically for oily skin are ideal. All kinds of lotions and tonics do an excellent job of removing oily skin. You can make a mask with a cleansing effect by first steaming your face over a container of boiled milk.
We should not forget about herbal medicine, which is successful in combating this problem. To narrow pores and reduce the secretion of sebaceous glands, a decoction of horsetail is perfect. To do this, you need to pour one tablespoon of dry crushed plant into a glass of water and boil in a water bath for 20 minutes. Then soak a cotton pad in the strained solution and apply it to enlarged pores for 15 minutes. You can also rinse your face with calendula infusion after washing, which has a powerful antiseptic effect, thereby reducing the risk of skin infection.
Part of comprehensive skin care is taking fortified brewer's yeast, which helps normalize metabolism and reduce the secretion of the sebaceous glands. They can be bought at a regular pharmacy. For this purpose, the use of traditional medicine recipes, for example, a decoction of burdock root, is also used. To do this, you need to pour two tablespoons of crushed root into two glasses of boiling water and boil for 20 minutes over low heat. The infused decoction is divided into four servings, which should be taken throughout the day, in the intervals between meals.
note
In adolescence, the main cause of oily skin is a sharp increase in sebaceous secretion and thickening of the upper layers of the skin, indicating the onset of puberty.
Helpful advice
If you have active, inflamed pimples on your oily skin, it is not recommended to use a scrub or gommage to clean your face. This can injure the skin and exacerbate the inflammatory process.
Sebaceous glands on the face- one of the most important external secretion organs, on which the condition, appearance of our skin, and its youth depend. If these small secretory organs function normally, then we are not afraid of acne, inflammation, oily sheen and other “charms” of problem skin. However, if we spent most of our adult lives struggling with problems that are characteristic of oily or combination skin, then closer to the age of 40 or so we will be able to notice on the face a number of enlarged sebaceous glands and small whitish depressed “pimples” appearing in their place, which randomly appear on various parts of the face or even the body. It is extremely difficult not to get rid of this defect, but you should not give up!
Enlarged sebaceous glands on the face: hyperplasia
Hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands on the face is the “technical” scientific name for benign formations on the skin (in translation, hyperplasia means “excessive formation”, “increased formation”). These specific formations on the skin form over time as a result of chronic dysfunction of the sebaceous glands: this problem goes hand in hand with such defects as enlarged pores and oily skin. Hypersecretion of sebum leads to blockage of the sebaceous glands, and the secretion accumulates in them over time, and the glands themselves increase in size. In this case, the sebaceous glands and nearby pores become clogged in a very specific way, forming hard (less often soft) white or yellowish elevations on the skin with a “crater” in the center. In fact, the deepening in the center of these formations is the main diagnostic criterion, thanks to which you can clearly say that you are dealing with hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands, and not with something else like milia or acne. Sometimes enlarged sebaceous glands can change color (turn red during inflammation) or sprout blood vessels (at a more advanced age with rosacea). You should also be aware that some manifestations of inflammation or hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands on the face can superficially resemble a form of skin cancer known as basal cell carcinoma. To exclude an alarming diagnosis, a dermatologist can perform a biopsy - take a tiny scraping from the tumor and examine it for the presence of atypical cells.
Although these formations are not as painful or inflamed as acne, they are quite stubborn: enlarged sebaceous glands on the face do not go away, regardless of the thoroughness of facial skin care and the adequacy of the choice of cosmetics. Those pesky bumps aren't just clogged pores or milia, but rather a more persistent problem called sebaceous gland hyperplasia. In this condition, another factor that can cause additional damage is sunlight. The fact is that ultraviolet radiation provokes not only skin damage, but also intensive production of sebum. As for dislocation, these neoplasms associated with enlarged sebaceous glands are usually “scattered” throughout the face and are extremely rarely located close to each other, although this does happen. Hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands most often appears on the forehead and central part of the face, but can also occur anywhere on the body, especially in areas where the most sebaceous glands are located.
Treatment of hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands on the face
Treatment of sebaceous gland hyperplasia should not be started on your own; this problem requires a visit to a dermatologist. Although, of course, there are remedies you can use at home to keep these unsightly growths under control and keep your skin as smooth as possible. However, doctors have great capabilities and can offer you several options for treating sebaceous gland hyperplasia on the face. The following types of sebaceous gland treatment (alone or in combination) are available today.
- Peels: as a rule, these are chemical mono- or combined peels, often based on salicylic or trichloroacetic acid.
- Electric needle: This method, which works on the same principle as electrolysis, causes the blockage in the sebaceous gland to be broken down. After the procedure, a small scab forms at the site of the removed hyperplasia, which soon peels off naturally.
- Photodynamic therapy is a technique that is based on the use of a laser beam to damage unwanted cells and formations. In this case, the skin is pre-treated with a special gel that reacts to light radiation. To completely get rid of sebaceous gland hyperplasia, several sessions of this procedure are often required.
- Liquid nitrogen - in this case, removing enlarged sebaceous glands on the face seems to be a rather risky undertaking. The fact is that if the reagent penetrates the skin too deeply, you can end up with a scar or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, while it is very difficult to control the “behavior” of liquid nitrogen.
- Prescription topical retinoids or azelaic acid: This treatment for facial sebaceous glands may reduce hyperplasia, but will not completely solve the problem.
- Surgical excision can also cause scarring and is therefore considered a last resort option.
- Hormonal medications (antiandrogens) reduce the level of the hormone testosterone, which may be a key factor in the development of the problem of hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands (testosterone affects the activity of the sebaceous glands and can stimulate the growth of hyperaplasia). This method, like surgical excision, is a last resort and is used only if safer treatments have failed.
Before considering and choosing any of these options, you should know that, like acne, hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands on the face cannot be completely cured - this pathology can only be brought under control. Thus, enlarged sebaceous glands on the face can be reduced or removed, but their hyperactivity will remain at the same level. This will likely lead to the formation of new hyperplasias, especially in the absence of proper home skin care. Thus, if you decide to remove hyperplasia using one of the listed methods, be prepared to carefully and regularly care for your facial skin using appropriate cosmetics.
Facial skin care for diseases of the sebaceous glands
After treating your sebaceous gland hyperplasia, choose a few key products to help prevent new bumps from forming on your skin. Chief among them are tools that perform two main tasks in our case.
- Normalize the activity of the sebaceous glands (seboregulation).
- Provide proper cleansing of dead skin particles (exfoliation).
To do this, you should choose products with fairly high concentrations of salicylic acid, or, alternatively, fruit acids. Salicylic acid is considered more gentle and also reduces inflammation in the sebaceous glands on the face. The next group of products worthy of our attention are products containing retinol: studies have shown that they can be effective in reducing the number of enlarged sebaceous glands on the face, as well as their diameter. Retinoids in cosmetics help control the growth of skin cells that can clog pores, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and also regulate sebum production. Another ingredient that helps with diseases of the sebaceous glands is vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide or niacin. This component provides several benefits at once: reducing inflammation and reducing cell proliferation, which accompanies the development of sebaceous gland hyperplasia. A trio of these ingredients in various products (serums, cleansing gels, creams) helps to significantly reduce the risk of recurrence of enlarged sebaceous glands on the face.
These were the best skin care products for hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands on the face. As for scrubs and gommages, you shouldn’t really rely on them: not a single mechanical exfoliant in the world, regardless of composition or price, can eliminate inflammation of the sebaceous glands on the face or their hyperplasia. The fact is that inflammation in the sebaceous glands and their blockage are “rooted” deep enough that scrubs will not be able to reach the source of the problem. Moreover, if you try to diligently “scrape off” these formations on the skin, you can get additional inflammation, dryness and irritation on the skin. However, regular and gentle exfoliation (1-2 times a week) of dead epidermal cells is extremely important - without this, care will be incomplete and ineffective. Remember: without complete cleansing, blockage of the sebaceous glands on the face is inevitable. It is also important to make sure that your skin is protected with sunscreen before going outside, as ultraviolet radiation aggravates the problem of hyperplasia.
They increase greatly.
Anamnesis
■ Hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands occurs in both men and women.
■ Papules rarely appear before age 30, but become more common with age. Approximately 80% of patients over 70 years of age have at least one such lesion. Most lesions represent one hypertrophied sebaceous gland, many lobules of which are located around an enlarged sebaceous duct.
■ Lesions occur on all skin types, but are more noticeable on light skin.
■ The etiology of sebaceous gland hyperplasia is unknown. Heredity almost certainly plays a role.
■ Damaging solar radiation is suspected to be a contributing factor.
■ The lesions are completely asymptomatic.
■ Papules can be disfiguring to the face and are primarily a cosmetic problem.
■ Older patients are usually concerned about whether the lesions are basal cell carcinoma.
Clinical picture
The lesion begins as a soft, pale yellow or skin-colored papule measuring 1-2 mm, minimally raised above the surface of the skin.
■ Over time, the lesion reaches a maximum size of 3-4 mm, and an umbilical depression forms in the center.
■ Mature papules have a distinct yellow-orange color and are more sharply demarcated from the surrounding skin.
■ Papules can be single, but more often they are multiple and randomly located on the forehead, nose and cheeks.
Many regularly spaced small telangiectasias radiate from the papules and between them in the direction from the umbilical depression in the papule to its periphery.
■ Due to the smooth surface of lesions with hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands, an erroneous diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma may be made.
Laboratory diagnostics
■ Skin biopsy confirms the presence of multiple lobules of a single sebaceous gland located around the central sebaceous duct.
■ This sebaceous duct corresponds to the clinically observed umbilical recess.
Discussion
■ Individual lesions may be mistaken for basal cell carcinoma, minor keratoacanthoma, or molluscum.
■ With hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands, telangiectasia diverges from the foci in a regular manner, in contrast to the random arrangement of telangiectasia on the face with basal cell carcinoma.
Treatment
■ No treatment is required, but patients may seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.
■ Carbon dioxide laser, shave excision, electrical excision with curettage, and trichloroacetic acid are effective methods of removal.
■ For treatment to be successful, the sebaceous gland lobules located in the superficial layers of the dermis must be destroyed.
■ Over-treatment may cause scarring.
■ Sometimes with this disease all you need to do is reassure the patient.
Nuances
Papules with sebaceous gland hyperplasia can be mistaken for basal cell carcinoma.
The key to the diagnosis of sebaceous gland hyperplasia is the umbilical depression in the center of the papule, the correct radial location of telangiectasias and the presence of multiple foci.
Individual lesions consist of clusters of yellow-white balls. The depressed central pore may be absent. Small vessels are visible in the recesses between the balls.
Yellow-white papules are usually seen on the forehead and cheeks. The central pore is an almost constant characteristic. Individual lesions can be mistaken for basal cell carcinoma, in which the vessels are randomly located on the face.
One of the most important parameters that directly affect the condition of human skin is the functioning of the sebaceous glands. During their normal operation, the skin looks fresh, elastic and toned, and the amount of secretion produced by the sebaceous glands allows you to effectively protect the epidermis from external influences, but at the same time not cause clogging of pores. However, sometimes a malfunction occurs in the sebaceous glands, which can lead to their hyperplasia, manifested in the form of whitish or yellowish elevations with a small notch in the center in the form of a crater. Today we will talk about why this problem occurs and how you can deal with it.
Causes of hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands
As a rule, specific “bumps” on the skin are formed as a result of long-term dysfunction of the sebaceous glands, which consists in the production of excessive amounts of sebum. As you might guess, this problem is most relevant for people with oily and problematic skin. However, as a rule, hyperplasia does not occur in adolescence, that is, when the activity of the sebaceous glands is most pronounced, but closer to 25-35 years. This is due to a gradual increase in the sebaceous glands, which in the first stages may not be noticed.
The second reason for the appearance of hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands is the passion for tanning, since sunlight not only increases the oiliness of the skin, but also increases the degree of its damage and the level of sensitivity. In this case, hyperplasia often occurs not only on the face, but also on the back, chest and any other areas of the body where the skin is at least slightly oily.
Treatment methods for sebaceous gland hyperplasia
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get rid of sebaceous gland hyperplasia on your own. To eliminate this deficiency, you need to contact a professional cosmetologist or dermatologist.
Today, there are the following methods for treating sebaceous gland hyperplasia:
- Chemical peels carried out using various acids and their combinations. Peels with salicylic and trichloroacetic acids have proven to be the most effective in getting rid of the problem under consideration, however, the disadvantage of these cosmetic procedures is that they are too aggressive on the skin.
- Spot removal with an electric needle, after which a small scab forms, which falls off on its own after some time. The procedure is considered quite effective provided that there are isolated manifestations of sebaceous gland hyperplasia.
- Photodynamic therapy by exposure to laser radiation, damaging the tumor and thereby destroying it. To achieve noticeable results, it is necessary to undergo a course of procedures, but they are characterized by an extremely low degree of skin trauma.
- Cryotherapy and surgical excision They guarantee the removal of hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands, but they often leave small scars and areas of increased pigmentation, so these methods are used only in extreme cases.
- Therapy with hormonal drugs justified only if there is a failure in the hormonal system that led to the problem.
Principles of skin care for those prone to sebaceous gland hyperplasia
For people with oily and problem skin, the easiest way is to prevent the appearance of hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands with the help of proper care, so that they do not have to resort to any aggressive methods of eliminating them, listed above in the article. If you still had to treat this problem, then in the future it is also important to provide proper home care.
If there is a tendency to hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands, the cosmetics used must meet two main criteria:
- ensure effective sebum regulation;
- promote gentle exfoliation of dead keratinocytes.
It is necessary to select suitable retinoids and use them at least 1-2 times a week or more often, depending on the degree of oiliness and sensitivity of the skin, as well as how well it perceives this or that form of vitamin A. These can be mono-preparations containing as an active ingredient, exclusively retinoids, as well as special cosmetics enriched with additional components that soften and moisturize the skin.
We must not forget about proper cleansing of the skin with mild products that do not disturb its hydrolipid balance, but at the same time help regulate the amount of sebum produced.
A very desirable addition to the care of oily skin prone to sebaceous gland hyperplasia would be products containing niacinamide, or, as it is also called, vitamin B3. This component reduces the increased proliferation of epidermal cells and reduces inflammation. It is these two factors that are often the hidden cause of the problem in question.
By providing proper care using cosmetics selected taking into account the above criteria, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence of sebaceous gland hyperplasia and, in general, improve the condition of oily and problematic skin.
Sebaceous gland hyperplasia is a common benign condition in middle-aged and elderly people. The lesions can be single or multiple, localized on the face they look like yellowish soft small formations, especially often located on the nose, cheeks and forehead.
Also affected are the breasts, areolas, buccal mucosa, scrotum, foreskin and vulva. Among the rare variants, giant, linear, diffuse and family forms are noted.
Etiology and pathogenesis
Sebaceous glands are found on the entire surface of the skin, with the exception of the palms and soles. They are associated with hair follicles, less often they open directly onto the surface of the epithelium, including on the lips, buccal mucosa, genitals, nipples and eyelids. The largest ones are located in the greatest number on the face, chest, and upper back.
They are formed by lobules that open into the excretory duct. The life cycle of a sebocyte (a cell that produces sebum) begins at the periphery in a rapidly dividing layer. The cells then mature, accumulate more fat, and migrate to the central excretory duct. Here, mature sebocytes break down and release fat. This process takes about 1 month.
The sebaceous glands are very sensitive to the action of male hormones androgens. Although their number remains virtually unchanged throughout a person's life, their size and activity vary depending on age and the level of hormones in the blood. The most sensitive to hormonal balance are the cells on the skin of the face and scalp.
After maximum development at the age of 20-30 years, sebocytes begin to multiply and secrete fat more and more slowly. This leads to a buildup of cells at the openings of the hair follicles. Therefore, the causes of hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands are often physiological, associated with an age-related decrease in the level of sex hormones.
Pathology is also associated with the use of the drug Cyclosporine A in patients who have undergone organ transplantation. The mechanism of this phenomenon is not clear. There are data from studies of patients who underwent kidney transplantation. They show that the appearance of hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands in such patients in 46% of cases indicates non-melanoma.
In some cases, there is a hereditary predisposition to the disease. It begins during puberty, occurs with a large number of lesions, and only progresses with age.
Hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands does not become malignant, but it is included in the so-called Muir-Torre syndrome. This is a rare genetic disease accompanied by colon cancer, keratoacanthoma and adenoma of the sebaceous glands, as well as oncohematological processes. However, isolated hyperplasia is not a predictor of Muir-Torre syndrome or colorectal cancer.
The pathological condition is not associated with the presence of any virus or bacteria in the skin, so it is not contagious.
Symptoms
Patients consult a doctor because of a cosmetic defect or fear of skin cancer. The pathology is not accompanied by unpleasant sensations. The lesion appears as a soft, yellowish lesion with a smooth or slightly uneven surface. There may be one or more lesions on the face. Sometimes they get injured when shaving, turn red, and bleed. The size of such papules is from 2 to 9 mm. In their center there is a depression, inside of which a small ball of sebum can be seen. A single pathological element is often called an adenoma.
Sometimes papules can be accompanied by telangiectasia, as with. How to distinguish sebaceous gland hyperplasia from cancer in this case? Doctors use a simple and atraumatic method of examining the skin.
Often patients with this disease complain of acne and dry hair. These manifestations require additional treatment.
Diagnosis and differential diagnosis
If an enlarged sebaceous gland is detected, it is necessary to differentiate its hyperplasia and other diseases:
- angiofibroma;
- intradermal nevus;
- sebaceous gland tumor;
- Jadasson's nevus;
- nodular elastosis;
- milia;
- cutaneous sarcoidosis;
- and others.
Only a dermatologist can accurately distinguish these diseases. A biopsy is used to rule out skin cancer.
Microscopic examination of the obtained biopsy material reveals individual enlarged glands with dilated sebaceous ducts. In the lobules, the content of immature sebocytes with large nuclei and a low concentration of fat is increased.
In clinically clear cases, additional examination is not prescribed.
Treatment
This pathology is completely safe. Treatment of hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands is carried out only in case of a cosmetic defect, constant trauma or irritation of the skin. They are usually removed, but the lesions are prone to recurrence and scarring.
Defect removal is carried out in the following ways:
- photodynamic therapy in combination with the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid, which allows you to eliminate the lesion using ordinary light, 3-4 procedures are needed, which are most effective for multiple lesions;
- cryotherapy - freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen, after which a small crust remains, which separates after a few days; the advantage of this method is almost complete painlessness;
- electrocoagulation;
- treatment with chemicals, for example, trichloroacetic acid;
- excision with a scalpel.
One of the most common interventions for this pathology is. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and involves cauterization of the gland with a heated metal electrode. It lasts about 15 minutes and allows you to completely remove the pathological focus. A small crust forms at the site of coagulation, which separates on its own after 2 weeks.
Treatment of sebaceous gland hyperplasia with laser is often used: argon, carbon dioxide or pulsed. Laser treatment is as effective as electrocoagulation, but is less painful and less likely to be accompanied by scarring. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and lasts 30 minutes. Its widespread use is hampered by the high cost of equipment and the need for additional personnel training. After laser exposure, the skin is completely restored within 10 days.
After mechanical removal, temporary hyperpigmentation of the skin or the formation of a small scar is possible.
Relative contraindications for removal using physical methods:
- oncological diseases;
- decompensated diabetes mellitus;
- increased blood pressure above 180/100 mm Hg;
- symptoms of thyrotoxicosis;
- severe heart rhythm disturbances (frequent ventricular extrasystole, tachysystolic form of atrial fibrillation and others);
- angina pectoris III-IV FC;
- blood diseases with hemorrhagic syndrome and bleeding;
- active form of tuberculosis;
- mental disorders.
Drug therapy
Drug treatment for sebaceous gland hyperplasia is less effective. Isotretinoin preparations are used orally for 2-6 weeks. After completing this course, the rashes often recur. These medications should only be prescribed by a specialist, taking into account all contraindications and restrictions.
Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) is usually prescribed only in severe cases, with significant cosmetic defects, in men or postmenopausal women. It reduces the size of the sebaceous glands and sebum production. This drug is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, children under 12 years of age, patients with liver failure, severe hyperlipidemia (increased levels of lipids, primarily cholesterol, in the blood).
Ointments and creams with retinoids are considered less effective, but safer. One of the modern drugs in this group is gel and cream. It is formulated to treat acne and contains the synthetic retinoid adapalene. This remedy acts on the processes of superficial keratinization of the epidermis, preventing blockage of the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands with dead cells. In addition, it also has an anti-inflammatory effect. However, Differin and other retinoids do not regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands themselves, and therefore do not eliminate the cause of the pathology.
Differin is applied to clean skin once a day (at night), the effect becomes noticeable after 3 months of regular use. It is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. Side effects include peeling and redness of the skin. This drug is best used after removal of the sebaceous gland to prevent recurrence of lesions.
If inflammation or skin irritation develops, antimicrobial drugs for external use, for example, Metrogyl gel, are additionally prescribed. It fights pathogenic microorganisms well and prevents inflammation. Apply the gel to the skin twice a day for 3 months. Side effects are very rare and include irritation and rash.
Folk remedies
One of the most popular remedies for getting rid of hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands on the head or any other part of the body is apple cider vinegar. It normalizes the acidity of the surface layer of the skin and regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands. Apple cider vinegar dissolves fatty deposits in the excretory ducts and prevents their reappearance.
To enhance the effect, this substance can be mixed with peppermint oil and used as a tonic. You need to treat your face with a cotton pad 2 times a day. After a week, the manifestations of the pathology should decrease significantly. If this does not happen, you should consult a dermatologist.
Peppermint essential oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, which helps in the treatment of the pathological condition. It eliminates excess sebum and restores normal sebocyte activity. Instead of oil, you can use juice squeezed from the leaves of this plant. You need to treat your skin with mint oil or juice at night.
Lemon essential oil also works great. It is a powerful antiseptic that also has an astringent effect. Applying a few drops of lemon essential oil to the affected area will help the skin recover, and regular use will prevent relapse of the disease. An additional benefit is hydration and relief of signs of inflammation. As with mint, you can use fresh lemon juice instead of essential oil.
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