Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia is a disorder of the sebaceous glands in which they become enlarged, producing yellow, shiny bumps on the face. These bumps are a natural response to the maternal hormones of pregnancy and usually resolve on their own within a few weeks after delivery.

Sebaceous glands are glands located within the skin,and are responsible for secreting an oily substance named sebum. They are commonly associated with hair follicles but they can be found in hairless regions of the skin as well. Their secretion lubricates the skin, protecting it from drying out or becoming irritated.

Sebaceous hyperplasia generally affects newborns as well as middle-aged to elderly adults. The symptoms of this condition are 1-5 mm papules on the skin, mainly on the forehead, nose and cheeks, and sebarrhoeic facial skin. The papules may be cauliflower-shaped. Acne is also a symptom of this glandular disorder. It differs from the type of acne that affects adolescents and young adults, in that it is of a more abnormally discolored composition.