Syringoma

Overview

Syringomas are small, benign (noncancerous) skin growths that develop from the sweat glands, specifically the ducts of eccrine sweat glands. They appear as firm, skin-colored or slightly yellowish bumps, usually only a few millimeters across, and often cluster together.

The most common location is the soft skin under the eyes, though they can also appear on the cheeks, forehead, chest, abdomen, or genitals. Syringomas are harmless and do not turn into cancer. People usually seek treatment only because of their appearance, since they tend to be a cosmetic rather than a medical concern.

Syringomas usually first appear in adolescence or adulthood and tend to remain stable, though new ones can develop gradually. They are often mistaken for other small bumps, such as milia or tiny cysts, which is why a dermatologist's assessment can be helpful in confirming what they are.

Symptoms

• Small, firm bumps a few millimeters wide
• Skin-colored, yellowish, or light brown
• Often appear in clusters, commonly under both eyes
• Smooth, rounded surface
• Usually painless and not itchy
• Generally stable, though they may slowly increase in number over time

Syringomas typically cause no symptoms beyond their appearance. A bump that bleeds, grows quickly, changes color, or becomes painful should be checked to rule out other skin conditions.

In some people, the bumps become slightly more noticeable with sweating or heat, since they arise from sweat glands. They remain harmless, but this can prompt people to ask about them.

Causes

Syringomas form from an overgrowth of cells in the sweat gland ducts. The exact reason this happens is not fully understood, but several factors are associated with them:

• Sweat gland activity: They arise from eccrine sweat glands and may be influenced by gland activity.
• Genetics: They can run in families, and some people develop many at once.
• Hormonal influence: They sometimes appear or worsen around puberty or with hormonal changes.
• Associated conditions: A higher number can occur in people with Down syndrome or diabetes in certain forms.

Because syringomas are linked to the structure of the sweat glands and often to genetics, they are not caused by poor hygiene or skin care, and they cannot be passed to others by contact.

Risk Factors

• Family history of syringomas
• Female sex, as they are somewhat more common in women
• Adolescence and adulthood, when they typically appear
• Down syndrome
• Certain forms associated with diabetes

Diagnosis

A dermatologist can usually diagnose syringomas by their appearance and location:

• Skin examination: The characteristic clusters of small bumps, especially under the eyes, often make the diagnosis clear.
• Skin biopsy: Removing a tiny sample for microscopic examination, used when the diagnosis is uncertain or to rule out other growths.

A dermatologist will also consider similar-looking conditions, such as milia, small cysts, or other benign growths, to make sure the diagnosis is correct before discussing any treatment.

Treatment

Because syringomas are harmless, treatment is optional and done mainly for cosmetic reasons. Removing them can be tricky because they sit in delicate skin and may recur. Options include:

• Laser treatment: Lasers can flatten or remove the bumps.
• Electrosurgery: Using a small electric current to destroy the growth.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing the bumps.
• Surgical or chemical methods: Careful removal or application of certain medications.

Treatments may need to be repeated, and there is some risk of scarring or changes in skin color, so they are best done by an experienced clinician. Syringomas can return after treatment.

Because syringomas sit in delicate skin and can return, it is worth discussing realistic expectations with your clinician before treatment. More than one session is sometimes needed, and protecting the treated skin from the sun afterward supports healing and a better cosmetic result.

Prevention

There is no proven way to prevent syringomas, since they relate to natural sweat gland structure and often genetics. General skin care can support good outcomes if you have them treated:

• Protect your skin from sun damage
• Have any new or changing bumps evaluated
• Choose an experienced clinician for cosmetic removal to limit scarring

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor or dermatologist if you are unsure what a bump is, or if you would like syringomas removed for cosmetic reasons. Seek evaluation if a bump:

• Grows quickly or changes color
• Bleeds, crusts, or becomes painful
• Looks different from the others

These features are not typical of syringomas and should be checked to rule out other skin growths.

Related Topics

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. American Academy of Dermatology. Benign skin growths.
2. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Skin growths.
3. Mayo Clinic. Skin conditions.
4. DermNet. Syringoma.