Sebaceous hyperplasia in skin of color
Sebaceous hyperplasia[edit | edit source]
Sebaceous hyperplasia represents enlarged sebaceous glands principally found on the forehead, cheeks and nose in older adults. They can be found in persons of all skin colors and are typically 2 to 5 mm in diameter with a yellowish-white color and a light brown central opening. Due to some prominent vessels they may be mistaken for a basal cell carcinoma. Fortunately, dermoscopy almost always allows us to distinguish them from a BCC.
Dermoscopic features of sebaceous hyperplasia in all skin types include:[1]
- White to yellowish-white globules that resemble popcorn in appearance. When the color is more yellow think of them as buttered popcorn (the butter is the sebum).
- Crown vessels are fine branching vessels that are more prominent on the periphery and do not cross the midline.
- Light brown central umbilication of the pilosebaceous unit. It has been described having the appearance of a round Bonbon caramel toffee.[2]
Sebaceous hyperplasia in a Hispanic woman.
The sebaceous hyperplasia has all the features described above. The darker skin background makes it easy to distinguish the sebaceous hyperplasia from the surrounding skin.
Sebaceous hyperplasia in a man of African descent with dark skin. The darker skin background makes it easy to distinguish the sebaceous hyperplasia from the surrounding skin.
Sebaceous hyperplasia in a white man. Note how it does not stand out as readily from the surrounding pink skin.
