Syringoma

by Sam Malone

Though the name may sound frightening, syringomas are in fact benign harmless bumps that are caused by overactive sweat or eccrine glands. Syringomas tend to develop around the upper cheeks and the lower eyelids and are more common in teenagers and women. Syringomas may be hereditary and people with Down’s syndrome and diabetes are more likely to complain of this skin condition.

Signs and Symptoms

Syringoma are small flesh colored bumps (dermal papules) on the skin that develop around the upper cheeks, lower eyelids, armpits, and chest, forehead, abdomen and external genitalia.
The papules may appear round or flat and may be cystic or clear.
Syringoma tend to develop in symmetrical clusters on both sides of the body and at the same time.
There may be bumps in one localized area or over different areas at a time.
Syringomas cause no pain or itchiness.

Causes

The exact reason why syringomas develop is still not understood. There are some people who are definitely more prone to the condition than others indicating a genetic link. Other possible causes of syringoma include:

Overactive sweat or eccrine glands
Puberty and hormonal imbalance
Underlying medical conditions such as Down’s syndrome, diabetes, and Ehler-Danlos syndrome increase the risk of developing syringomas
Asian or African American races are more vulnerable to syringomas than other races
Women are more likely to have syringomas than men across all age groups

Treatment

Though harmless, syringomas may affect a person’s appearance especially if they occur on the face. If you suffer from this condition, it is important to consult with your doctor or dermatologist to determine if there is any medical reason for the condition and if any corresponding treatment is required. Other treatment alternatives for the removal of syringomas include:

The excision method – In this procedure, your dermatologist will cut and remove each syringoma individually. Anesthesia may be required as the procedure can be painful not to mention time consuming.

Electrodessication and curettage – The dermatologist will scrape down the syringoma and then dry or burn out the bump using an electric current.

Dermabrasion – If electrodessication seems too invasive for you, dermabrasion is a gentler alternative. Here, diamond tipped tools scrape down the bump until the skin looks flat.

Laser treatment – A CO2 laser is used to kill the cells. This method is effective for treating severe cases of syringoma.

Cryosurgery – For deep-seated syrigomas, cryosurgery or freezing is another option.

Home Remedies

All the above procedures come with their own set of risks and complications. Scarring, bruising, redness and dark patches are all possible side effects. Keeping this in mind, you may want to try your hand at some home remedies and natural cures for syringoma before resorting to more aggressive medical procedures. Some tried and tested home remedies for syringoma include:

An excellent way to get rid of facial scars is to rub the skin with slices of fresh potato, tomato or lemon.

Rub the gel from an aloe vera leaf all over the affected areas of the skin to promote healing and reduce the appearance of scars.

Apply apple cider vinegar on the syringoma to treat the bumps. Alternatively you can make a mix of lemon juice and glycerin and apply this to the affected areas of the skin.

Post surgery or after a skin procedure, gently massage almond oil into the skin to moisturize the skin and speed up the healing process.

Blend together sandalwood powder, rose water and milk cream. Apply this as a face pack to the skin to lighten blemishes and remove scars.

Keep in mind that none of these remedies promise instant results. It will take time and patience before you see the bumps disappearing and the scars healing.

Tips to Prevent Syringoma

There is no definite way to prevent syringoma. At the most you can monitor your skin on a regular basis and consult with a dermatologist at the first sign of syringoma. Factors such as exposure to the sun and allergic skin rashes may aggravate the skin and lead to an outbreak of syringoma. To counter this you should always wear sunscreen when stepping outdoors to protect your skin from any sun damage. Other general preventative measures include:

Keep a check on your blood pressure and blood sugar
Eat a healthy balanced diet full of foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants to ensure good skin health
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Maintain high levels of hygiene and skin care but stay away from products that contain chemicals and additives that can damage the skin further
Regular exercise can help increase your metabolism and improve overall health
Never scratch or pick at the syringoma as this can scar and bruise the skin

References:
http://www.bcm.edu/dermatology/index.cfm?pmid=5669

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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