Despite the fact that syringomas are harmless and do not pose a significant health risk, they can cause cosmetic concerns for some people. Syringoma is characterized by small, firm bumps that usually appear on the face and neck. To effectively manage syringoma, it is important to understand its causes, recognize its symptoms, and explore its treatment options.
Causes
Syringomas are not well understood by scientists, but they are thought to be caused by a proliferation of sweat gland ducts in the skin. Syringomas are more common in women and tend to develop during adolescence or early adulthood. They may occur spontaneously or be associated with certain factors, such as hormonal changes, genetics, or skin trauma.
Symptoms
Syringoma usually causes the following symptoms:
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Skin bumps that are flesh-colored or slightly yellowish
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There may be clusters of bumps or they may appear individually
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The bumps are usually smooth, firm, and dome-shaped
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The eyelids, cheeks, forehead, and neck are common sites for syringomas
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The bumps may be asymptomatic or cause mild itching or discomfort if they are irritated or inflamed
A syringoma is usually noncancerous and does not cause pain or other significant symptoms.
Diagnosis
Usually, syringoma can be diagnosed visually, but a biopsy may be performed in some cases to confirm the diagnosis. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is collected from a syringoma and examined under a microscope by a dermatopathologist to rule out other skin conditions or tumors.
Treatment
In most cases, syringoma requires no treatment unless the bumps cause cosmetic concerns or discomfort. Common treatment options include:
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By reducing inflammation and promoting skin turnover, prescription-strength retinoids and topical creams containing corticosteroids or glycolic acid may improve the appearance of syringomas.
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By destroying the affected tissue with heat energy, electrosurgical techniques such as electrocautery or radiofrequency ablation can be used to remove syringomas.
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By targeting and vaporizing the abnormal sweat gland ducts while minimizing damage to surrounding skin, laser treatments can effectively remove syringomas.
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The freezing of syringomas with liquid nitrogen destroys the affected tissue and removes the bumps.
Treatment outcomes may vary, and multiple sessions may be required to achieve satisfactory results. Syringomas may recur after treatment in some cases.
Prevention
It is unknown what causes syringoma, so there are no specific preventative measures. It may be possible to minimize the risk of developing new or worsening existing syringomas by practicing good skincare habits and avoiding factors that may exacerbate syringoma formation, such as skin trauma or irritation. As an added benefit, early detection and prompt treatment of syringomas may reduce complications or cosmetic concerns.
