Natural Remedies For Sebaceous Hyperplasia: Causes & Prevention

Sebaceous hyperplasia is a benign and common condition which affects adults. The condition is characterized by small, soft, yellowish papules around the face typically cheeks, forehead and nose. It may also be observed around the chest, shaft of legs and external genitals.

What Causes Sebaceous Gland Hyperplasia?

Sebaceous glands are found all over the skin, except the soles and palms.

Some of the major sebaceous glands are located around the face and chest. They are located under the skin as a part of the pilosebaceous unit, which comprises of the sebaceous glands (or secretory glands) which produce sebum and the duct which opens on to the surface of the skin. Sebaceous glands are androgen sensitive and their activity varies according to age and hormone levels.

Sebocytes are cells along the lining of the sebaceous glands, which produce the sebum. Through their lifecycle, sebocytes move from periphery to center of the gland, where they disintegrate to release sebum. When the turnover of these sebocytes drops, the sebaceous gland gets crowded, resulting in benign enlargement of the gland or sebaceous hyperplasia.

In most cases, these hyperplastic glands are located around the face.

Other factors which contribute to this pathophysiology of hyperplasia of sebaceous glands include post-transplant immunosuppression. Although sebaceous hyperplasia is observed in adults, it may also be observed among younger age groups especially during puberty and thereafter progresses with age.

Prevention Of Sebaceous Hyperplasia

There are certain measures which can be taken to prevent the occurrence of sebaceous hyperplasia,

• Avoid foods that are known to result in hormonal imbalance. Avoid red meat and dairy products especially cheese and butter. Restrict the consumption of milk or alternatively use skimmed milk.
• Boost immunity levels to prevent occurrence of sebaceous hyperplasia. Include foods rich in vitamin C namely oranges, lemon and lime in your diet. Ensure a healthy and balanced diet.
• Drink adequate amount of water. Water plays a vital role in flushing out excess accumulations in the sebaceous glands.
• Ensure regular skin care regimen including face wash and hand wash to ensure prevention of infections. Also take bath with warm water at least once during the day. Warm water bath helps open up the pores on the skin, which in turn facilitates the elimination of accumulated sebocytes within the sebaceous glands.
• Males should ensure appropriate care and hygiene while shaving the skin around the face, since it can act as a trigger for sebaceous hyperplasia.

Natural Way To Get Rid Of Sebaceous Hyperplasia

There are several natural treatments and home remedies that can help in dealing with sebaceous hyperplasia. Use of these home remedies in conjunction with prevention techniques can ensure a healthy and buoyant skin.

• Local application of freshly squeezed lemon juice is a potent home remedy. Lemon juice acts as an antiseptic and helps eliminate any underlying infection. Further, it plays a critical role in limiting the over production of sebocytes and stimulates lymphatic flow which in turn helps in their natural elimination.
• Vinegar is been acknowledged as an effective tonic for skin care and the most effective solution of sebaceous hyperplasia. Apple cider vinegar balances the pH on the skin and aids and halts the overgrowth of cells within the sebaceous glands. Use of apple cider vinegar with peppermint oil is effective in dealing with the toughest form of sebaceous hyperplasia and hastens healing.