Benign Growths & Cysts
Sebaceous Hyperplasia
WHAT IS IT
Harmless enlarged oil glands on the skin
HOW COMMON
Very common, especially with age
CONTAGIOUS?
No — you cannot catch it or spread it
CURABLE?
Harmless; treatable for cosmetic reasons
What Is It?
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a harmless enlargement of the skin's oil (sebaceous) glands. It appears as small, soft, yellowish bumps with a tiny dimple in the center, usually on the forehead and cheeks. It's common with age and is sometimes mistaken for skin cancer, but it is completely benign.
Signs & Symptoms
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Small, soft, yellowish or skin-colored bumps
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A central dimple or pit
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Often several bumps on the forehead and cheeks
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Smooth surface, sometimes with fine vessels
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Slow-growing and painless
Why Does It Happen?
The oil glands in the skin enlarge, often due to aging, sun exposure, and hormonal influences. This makes the gland visible as a small yellow bump with a central pit. It is more common in middle-aged and older adults and in people with oily skin. It is NOT cancerous and NOT contagious.
Treatment Options
No treatment is needed because these bumps are harmless. Cosmetic removal is an option, though bumps can recur since the underlying gland remains.
LEAVE IT ALONE
The usual choice — the bumps are harmless and benign.
ELECTROCAUTERY
A small electric device flattens the bump cosmetically.
LASER TREATMENT
Targets the enlarged gland to reduce the bump.
TOPICAL / ORAL OPTIONS
Retinoids or other options are sometimes tried for many lesions.
Tips for Managing It at Home
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Don't squeeze the bumps — they won't "pop" like a pimple
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Use daily sun protection to limit new lesions
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Understand that treated bumps can slowly return
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Note any bump that changes or looks different from the rest
When to Call Your Provider
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A bump grows, bleeds, or develops a sore
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A spot looks different from your other bumps
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You're unsure whether it's sebaceous hyperplasia or skin cancer
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You'd like cosmetic removal options
Sources & further reading
The information in this handout is based on general dermatology guidance from the reputable organizations below. These links are provided for patients who wish to read more from trusted sources.
DermNet. Sebaceous Hyperplasia. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/sebaceous-hyperplasia
Cleveland Clinic. Sebaceous Hyperplasia. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24329-sebaceous-hyperplasia
MSD/Merck Manual. Overview of Benign Skin Tumors. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/benign-skin-tumors-growths-and-vascular-lesions/overview-of-benign-skin-tumors
This handout is for general education and does not replace advice from your own provider. Always follow your provider’s specific instructions.
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