Sebaceous hyperplasia describes small, non-cancerous enlargements of the oil glands that create visible bumps on the skin. They commonly appear on the face and trunk and are a harmless, age-related change for many people.
The purpose of this guide is to explain typical symptoms, how diagnosis is made and what modern treatment options exist. It will help readers understand why these lesions are often confused with acne or clogged pores and when a review is sensible.
Most cases do not require treatment, yet concerns about appearance, shaving irritation or persistent lesions can lead someone to seek advice from a GP or dermatologist. Correct diagnosis matters because some raised spots can resemble basal cell carcinoma, so professional assessment is recommended for long-lasting or changing bumps.
This article outlines at-home skin care for oil control and prevention, and describes in-clinic procedures for faster removal, plus aftercare and long-term management. Emphasis is on safe, evidence-informed choices rather than quick fixes.
Key Takeaways
- These benign enlargements of oil glands usually do not require treatment.
- They most often show on the face and may mimic acne or clogged pores.
- Seek GP or dermatologist review for persistent, changing or concerning bumps.
- At-home oil control can help; clinic procedures offer faster removal when desired.
- Professional diagnosis rules out similar but serious lesions such as basal cell carcinoma.
What sebaceous hyperplasia is and why it happens
Bumps from enlarged oil glands result when normal sebum production becomes trapped below the skin. The tiny sebaceous glands sit just under the surface and make sebum to protect skin and hair.
When a gland grows or produces more oil than usual, that oil can collect. If a pore or hair follicle blocks, a small, soft papule may form.
Enlarged glands, trapped oil and clogged hair follicles
The process is mechanical: overactive glands increase output and follicles struggle to drain. A blocked hair follicle creates the visible bump even if overall skin oiliness seems normal.
Who is more likely to develop it today
It becomes more common with age and in people who naturally have oilier facial skin. Genetics play a part, so family history matters.
Common triggers that increase oil
- Hormonal shifts (including life stages)
- Stress and environmental humidity
- Inherited tendency to overproduce sebum
Unlike acne, which is inflammatory and bacterial, this form of enlargement stems from gland growth and blockage. Sebum itself is protective, but excess output can still cause texture changes and bumps.
Understanding the cause sebaceous hyperplasia helps people recognise the usual appearance and decide when to seek a professional assessment.
How to recognise sebaceous hyperplasia on the skin
These lesions usually appear as small, soft, dome-shaped bumps with a tiny central dip. They feel like persistent texture rather than a painful spot and often sit flush with surrounding skin.
Typical look and feel
Most measure about 2–5 mm across. Colour varies from flesh-toned on all skin tones to a faint yellow tint.
Size, colour and bright light effects
Under strong light the raised domes and central umbilication become more obvious. The nose and forehead often show the uneven texture first because these are oil-rich areas.
Common locations
- Face — particularly the nose, forehead and cheeks
- Occasionally the trunk and other body areas
When they resemble acne or clogged pores
Unlike acne, these bumps are usually not red or inflamed and do not respond to spot treatments. They can persist despite cleansing and exfoliation.
Practical impact
On shaving areas they may catch razors and cause irritation. Many report makeup or SPF sitting unevenly, which can affect confidence and prompt consideration of clinical removal.
Appearance alone is not definitive. Persistent, changing or painful lesions should be checked by a clinician to confirm the diagnosis and rule out lookalikes.
Diagnosis: getting the right answer and ruling out basal cell carcinoma
A clear clinical diagnosis steers safe treatment choices for small, persistent bumps. These growths are usually benign, but spots that last or change may need careful review because they can resemble basal cell carcinoma.
What clinicians check
During assessment a GP or dermatologist notes location, size, colour and surface texture. They look for a central dip, any crusting, bleeding or ulceration, and ask whether the lesion has changed over time.
When to seek review
People should book a consultation if a lesion persists, grows, alters in colour, ulcerates or bleeds. Any bump that looks different from nearby spots also merits prompt assessment.
Why confusion happens and how it is resolved
Both conditions commonly appear on sun-exposed facial skin and can present as small raised bumps. Clinicians use magnified inspection, dermoscopy and clinical judgement to differentiate and to decide whether reassurance, monitoring or a biopsy is needed.
Safety first: Any plan to remove a bump should begin with confirming the diagnosis at a clinic to avoid treating a lesion that might be a cell carcinoma.
| Feature checked | Suggests benign | Suggests possible basal cell |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Soft, dome-shaped with central dip | Shiny, pearly or rolled edge; crusting |
| Change over time | Stable for months to years | Rapid growth, ulceration or bleeding |
| Location | Oil-rich facial areas | Sun-exposed face, nose or forehead |
| Next step | Reassure or offer cosmetic procedure | Further investigation or biopsy |
Once the correct diagnosis is confirmed, removal is usually optional and focuses on comfort or appearance. For specialist assessment of eyelid or nearby lesions see the clinic page for eyelid tumours: eye and eyelid tumours.
Sebaceous hyperplasia treatment options: how to get rid of bumps safely
When appearance or irritation becomes troublesome, patients can explore a range of safe removal choices. Treatment is optional for most, but a clear plan helps people weigh cosmetic benefit against potential scarring.
Choosing treatment and at‑home supportive care
Decision guidance: Removal is often chosen when bumps affect confidence, disrupt shaving, or make makeup sit unevenly.
Supportive at‑home options include retinol (vitamin A) and salicylic acid to reduce pore clogging and improve texture. These actives may take several months to show results. Retinoids are avoided in pregnancy; people with darker skin should introduce them slowly and moisturise to lower irritation and pigment risk.
Warm compresses can soften and temporarily shrink lesions but seldom remove the enlarged gland completely.
In‑clinic procedures: what to expect
Clinic methods target the gland to flatten or remove the bump. Choice depends on size, location, skin type and lesion count. Typical appointments last 15–45 minutes and may use no anaesthetic, topical or local block. Downtime is usually 3–7 days for tiny crusts; make‑up is often acceptable from day 2–3.
Laser, energy devices and focused removal
Laser micro‑ablation (CO₂ or Erbium) vapourises the top tissue so trapped sebum can release. Results are often immediate with a small crust that sheds in days. RF coagulation, electrocautery and pinpoint curettage with diathermy collapse the gland core and produce a predictable scab and healing window.
Cryotherapy and photodynamic therapy
Cryotherapy freezes the lesion so it dries and falls off. It is quick but can cause temporary or longer‑lasting discolouration, especially in deeper skin tones.
Photodynamic therapy uses a topical solution applied for 1–2 hours (or overnight for some areas) followed by light activation. It is performed in clinic and can treat multiple lesions at once.
Timeframes, repeat treatments and balancing risks
Topical routes may need months to improve texture; procedures give faster visible results but sometimes require repeat sessions for clusters or deeper lesions. A second pass may be advised at review.
Risk vs reward: Any removal carries some scarring and pigment change risk, so clinicians usually choose the least aggressive effective option.
| Method | Typical session time | Downtime | Common outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topical retinoid / salicylic acid | Self‑care, ongoing | None | Gradual texture improvement over months |
| Laser micro‑ablation (CO₂ / Erbium) | 15–30 minutes | 3–7 days (crusting) | Immediate flattening; tiny crust; possible second pass |
| Electrocautery / RF / diathermy curettage | 15–45 minutes | 3–7 days | Predictable scab and healing; faint scar possible |
| Cryotherapy | Minutes per spot | 3–7 days | Lesion dries and falls off; risk of discolouration |
| Photodynamic therapy | 1–3+ hours (including incubation) | Several days | Good for multiple lesions; light‑activated reduction |
For an overview of minimally invasive clinic procedures and what to expect, see the clinic’s guide to minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.
Aftercare, risks, and long-term management
Post-procedure care helps reduce complications and supports the best possible cosmetic results. Normal healing often starts with mild redness and slight swelling. Pinpoint scabs and tiny crusts typically form and shed within about 3–7 days.
Downtime and normal healing
Keep the treated area dry for 24 hours. From day 1–2 cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free wash. Pat the skin dry and apply a light aftercare balm once or twice daily until crusts lift naturally.
Avoid picking or peeling scabs. Makeup is usually acceptable from day 2–3 if the skin is clean and not actively weeping.
Infection and warning signs
There is a small risk of infection after cutting or energy‑based removal. Seek urgent clinic advice if there is increasing pain, persistent pus or oozing, a strong odour, spreading redness, swelling, fever or a wound that looks worse rather than better.
Managing pigment changes
Irritation can cause post‑inflammatory pigment change, especially in darker skin tones. Introduce active products slowly and use gentle care. Apply high‑protection sunscreen (SPF 50) daily for at least four weeks to help even colour recovery.
Daily oil-control routine and product choices
For long‑term management, cleanse morning, night and after exercise with a gentle foaming cleanser. Exfoliate every few days and use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to avoid rebound oiliness.
Avoid heavy occlusives such as cocoa butter, coconut oil, petroleum jelly and silicone-heavy products. Steer clear of alcohol-based washes that can irritate and increase oil production.
Maintenance ingredients that work
Simple, evidence-led ingredients help control oil and maintain results. Niacinamide and green tea extracts have clinical support for reducing sebum. Clay masks can absorb excess oil without aggressive stripping.
Consistent aftercare and an oil-control regimen protect removal outcomes and may lower the chance of new bumps forming. For advice on delicate areas such as the eyelids, see this clinic page on eyebag removal treatment.
Conclusion
In summary, sebaceous hyperplasia is a common, benign condition that mainly affects skin texture and appearance rather than health.
Look for small, dome-shaped bumps with a tiny central dip, most often on the face. Any lesion that grows, changes or bleeds should be assessed to exclude basal cell carcinoma.
First confirm the diagnosis, then choose between home maintenance — retinoids, salicylic acid and gentle routines — or in‑clinic treatment for quicker flattening and removal.
Topical care can take months to show results. Procedures act faster but may need repeat sessions and carry risks such as scarring, temporary redness or pigment change.
With realistic expectations, good aftercare and daily SPF, most people achieve smoother skin while keeping long‑term oil control.
