Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Sebaceous Hyperplasia is a skin disease which generally affects the youth but it can affect people of any age. It is a term used for enlarged sebaceous glands In Sebaceous Hyperplasia the patient develops yellowish growth on the face. There are small papules that can be found on the central face. They are one to three millimeter in diameter.

Fordyce`s Condition

Fordyce`s Condition also known as Fordyce`s spots is harmless. It is a condition in which yellow dots are seen in the oral mucous membrane. The condition needs treatment only when it becomes ugly. It generally does not interfere in love making as they are painless.

Cause

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

The exact cause of Sebaceous Hyperplasia is not known. The disease runs in families i.e. it is hereditary. Sebaceous Hyperplasia is not contagious.

Fordyce`s Condition

Even the cause of Fordyce`s Condition is not known. It is neither contagious nor is caused by viruses. The papules can be found since birth and become prevalent only when the child reaches puberty.

Symptoms

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

It is difficult to clinically differentiate Sebaceous Hyperplasia from basal cell carcinoma. In this condition multiple and similar lesions are present. The lesions do not bleed as easily as in the case of basal cell carcinoma.

Fordyce`s Condition

Fordyce`s Condition is a variant of Sebaceous Hyperplasia. There are tiny yellow spots on the lips, on the genital skin and mouth. The tiny dots may be in groups or in sheets. No associated hair structures are seen and the steatic duct empties directly to the surface. The condition is most common in children as well as young adults.

Treatment

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

No treatment is needed for Sebaceous Hyperplasia. Tretinoin gel or cream is helpful in slowly reversing the condition overtime and prevent it from worsening. In case the condition is worsening then a powerful and expensive drug by the name of Accutane will help reverse the condition but new lesions would appear as soon as you stop the medication. Another medication available is TCA chemical peels and glycolic acid. They are helpful in treating the condition but new lesions will appear after the treatment.

In case of females antiandrogens can be recommended whereas in case of men oral isotretinoin is advised. Individual lesions can be removed by laser vaporization, diathermy or cautery.

Fordyce`s Condition

Individual lesions can be removed by diathermy, laser vaporization or light cautery Generally Fordyce’s Condition does not require any treatment.