Images of Syringoma: What to Know

A syringoma is a benign growth related to a sweat duct. It often develops on both sides of the face, especially beneath the eyes, and may also occur on the cheeks, forehead, chest or genital skin. Bumps are usually small, smooth and firm rather than fluid-filled. They may become more noticeable with heat, sweating or hormonal changes. Similar-looking bumps can have different causes, so a close photograph cannot reliably distinguish syringoma from milia, xanthelasma or other lesions.

A clinician can usually assess syringoma by looking at the skin; a biopsy is considered when the appearance is unusual or uncertain. Treatment is optional when the bumps are harmless, but removal may be discussed if they affect your appearance or catch on clothing. Options include CO2 laser resurfacing or electrosurgery. These procedures can cause temporary redness, crusting or changes in skin colour, and a lesion can recur. Do not squeeze or scrape the bumps, particularly near the eyes.

Arrange a skin examination if a bump is new, solitary, rapidly changing, bleeding, painful or unlike the surrounding lesions. Seek prompt advice for swelling near the eye with vision changes, marked tenderness or spreading redness. These features are not typical of an uncomplicated syringoma.

Ask how certain the diagnosis is, whether observation is reasonable, which procedure suits your skin and how the eye area will be protected during treatment.