Sebaceous hyperplasia in skin of color
Sebaceous hyperplasia
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.
