What is it
Sweat glands bring secretions to the surface of the skin through thin ducts. With syringoma, the cells of the walls of such a duct begin to grow, forming a small nodule of small cystic structures deep in the skin. The surface of the skin above it remains smooth and intact, so it is impossible to squeeze out the contents - there is no cavity with sebaceous contents inside, as with milia. The nodules are usually multiple and appear in groups, most often symmetrically under both eyes. There is also a rare eruptive form, in which dozens of elements appear in waves on the chest, abdomen and shoulders.
- Proliferation of sweat gland duct cells
- Nodules 1–3 mm, dense, flesh-colored or yellowish
- Symmetrical placement under the eyes
- The skin surface is not damaged
- Eruptive form - multiple elements on the body
- Benign, do not degenerate
Who encounters more often
Heredity plays a role: often the mother or sisters have similar nodules. Syringomas are more common in women, and the first elements usually appear in adolescence or young adults, when hormonal levels change. Sometimes nodules become more noticeable during pregnancy and before menstruation. An increased frequency is observed in people with Down syndrome and in patients with diabetes mellitus - there is a separate clear cell variety associated with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. The sun and skin care do not affect the appearance of nodules.
- Hereditary predisposition
- Female gender
- Puberty
- Pregnancy and hormonal fluctuations
- Down syndrome
- Diabetes mellitus in the clear cell form
How to distinguish from other nodules on the face
There are several similar formations under the eyes, and the choice of treatment method depends on correct recognition. Milia are white balls the size of millet grains that contain keratin and are removed by puncture. Xanthelasmas are flat yellowish plaques at the inner corner of the eye associated with lipid metabolism disorders. Flat warts are contagious and have a different surface. Syringomas are dense, flesh-colored, multiple, symmetrical and lie deeper, so they cannot simply be opened.
- Milium is a white ball with keratin, opened by a puncture
- Xanthelasma - flat yellow plaque, requires lipid testing
- Flat warts are viral and can spread
- Hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands - a nodule with a depression in the center
- Syringoma - dense, flesh-colored, multiple and symmetrical
Diagnostics
In most cases, an examination is enough for a dermatologist: the characteristic appearance, symmetry and typical location under the eyes allow an immediate diagnosis. Dermatoscopy helps to distinguish syringomas from milia, warts and hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands. A biopsy with histological examination is needed only in case of an atypical picture: a single rapidly growing node, ulceration, unusual color - then it is important to exclude other skin tumors. If many elements suddenly appear in an adult, the doctor may recommend checking the blood sugar level.
- Examination by a dermatologist
- Dermatoscopy
- Biopsy with histology for atypical formation
- Family history assessment
- Checking glucose levels during eruptive form
Treatment
Treatment is carried out solely for cosmetic reasons: there is no medical need to remove syringomas. Since the nodules are located in the deep layers of the skin, any method carries the risk of scarring and pigmentation changes, and the skin of the eyelids is especially thin. The most common are laser destruction, electrocoagulation and radio wave ablation; single large elements are sometimes excised. The procedure is performed by a doctor after an examination, usually in several sessions. Creams, peels and home remedies do not remove nodules. It is important to understand that even after successful removal, new items may appear over time.
- Removal for cosmetic reasons only
- Laser destruction of nodules
- Electrocoagulation and radio wave method
- Excision of single large elements
- Several sessions and sun protection after the procedure
- Possibility of new nodules appearing in the future