What should you know about sebaceous hyperplasia at home treatment?

Sebaceous hyperplasia consists of enlarged sebaceous, or oil, glands. It often appears as small, flesh-coloured or yellowish bumps, sometimes with a central dip, commonly on the face. These bumps are generally a cosmetic concern, but a new or changing lesion can resemble another skin growth and should be identified before treatment.

Pore-clogging products may make nearby skin feel congested, although cleansing cannot shrink the gland itself. A dermatologist can examine the pattern and decide whether any testing is needed.

Use a mild cleanser, non-comedogenic moisturiser and daily broad-spectrum sunscreen. Avoid picking, burning, freezing or applying strong acids, essential oils or unprescribed medication to the bumps; these approaches can cause burns, infection or lasting colour change.

If removal is desired, a clinician may discuss [Electrosurgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/electrosurgery/) or [CO2 Laser Resurfacing](/treatments/laser-and-energy/co2-laser-resurfacing/), depending on the number, depth, location and your skin characteristics.

Book a skin examination if a bump bleeds, crusts, grows quickly, changes colour, becomes painful or differs from the others. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, pus, fever or swelling after trying a home product. Diagnosis should come before a destructive treatment.

How can you tell these bumps from another lesion? Would observation be reasonable? If removal is appropriate, which method suits my skin and what temporary redness, crusting or pigment change should I expect?