From the Guidelines
Sun exposure can contribute to the development of sebaceous hyperplasia, which are enlarged oil glands that appear as small yellowish bumps on the skin. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damages the skin's structure and function over time, leading to premature aging and potentially stimulating the sebaceous glands to enlarge. This relationship is particularly evident in individuals with a history of significant sun exposure, especially those with fair skin. To prevent sebaceous hyperplasia, consistent sun protection is recommended, including daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm). These measures help prevent not only sebaceous hyperplasia but also other forms of sun damage. The mechanism behind this relationship involves UV radiation causing oxidative stress and DNA damage to skin cells, which can disrupt normal cell function and lead to abnormal growth of sebaceous glands. Additionally, sun damage can weaken the supporting structures around the glands, making them more prominent on the skin's surface.
Some key points to consider:
- UV radiation from the sun is a major risk factor for skin damage and skin cancer, as noted in studies such as 1 and 1.
- The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends counseling to prevent skin cancer, particularly for children, adolescents, and young adults, as seen in 1 and 1.
- Sun-protective behaviors, including the use of sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, can help minimize the risk of skin damage and skin cancer, as discussed in 1 and 1.
- The evidence suggests that UV radiation exposure during childhood and youth is linked to a moderately increased risk for skin cancer later in life, as stated in 1 and 1.
- While the evidence is not as strong for adults, it is still important for adults to practice sun-protective behaviors to reduce their risk of skin damage and skin cancer, as noted in 1 and 1.
Overall, consistent sun protection is crucial to preventing sebaceous hyperplasia and other forms of sun damage, and individuals should take steps to minimize their exposure to UV radiation, especially during peak sun hours.
From the Research
Relationship Between Sun Exposure and Sebaceous Hyperplasia
- Sebaceous hyperplasia is a benign proliferation of sebaceous glands, and ultraviolet radiation is known to be a cofactor for its pathogenesis 2.
- Chronic sun exposure has been shown to clinically cause sebaceous hyperplasia in previous animal studies 2.
- Sebaceous gland hyperplasia is a benign cutaneous condition that presents primarily on the face and increases with UVB exposure and ageing 3.
- The exact mechanism of how sun exposure causes sebaceous hyperplasia is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the damage caused by UV radiation to the skin and sebaceous glands.
Treatment Options for Sebaceous Hyperplasia
- Various treatment modalities have been described for sebaceous hyperplasia, including electrodessication, surgery, cryotherapy, oral isotretinoin, lasers, and topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) 4, 3.
- Laser-assisted photodynamic therapy with topical 5-aminolevulinic acid and pulsed dye laser irradiation has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for sebaceous hyperplasia 5.
- The use of wavelength-specific lasers, such as 1720 nm, has been found to have better outcomes and provide minimal damage to surrounding tissues 6, 3.
Sun Exposure as a Risk Factor
- Sun exposure is a known risk factor for the development of sebaceous hyperplasia, and patients with a history of prolonged sun exposure are more likely to develop this condition 2, 3.
- The role of excimer laser as an aetiological factor of sebaceous hyperplasia is rarely reported in the literature, but a case study has shown that 308-nm excimer laser therapy can cause eruptive sebaceous hyperplasia 2.