How to treat lip sebaceous gland ectopia

Lip sebaceous gland ectopia usually does not require special treatment. If it affects aesthetics or is accompanied by discomfort, it can be intervened through laser therapy, cryotherapy, and other methods. Seborrheic gland ectopia is a benign lesion caused by abnormal development of sebaceous glands, mainly manifested as dense pale yellow papules on the lips.

1. Laser therapy

Carbon dioxide laser or erbium laser can accurately destroy ectopic sebaceous gland tissue, suitable for lesions with limited range. Short term redness and swelling may occur after treatment, and friction of the wound should be avoided to prevent infection. Laser treatment needs to be performed by professional doctors, and may require 1-3 treatments depending on the size of the lesion, with an interval of 4-6 weeks between each treatment.

2. Cryotherapy

Liquid nitrogen freezing causes necrosis and shedding of ectopic sebaceous gland cells through low temperature, suitable for scattered papules. After treatment, blisters may form locally and need to be kept dry and clean. Cryotherapy is easy to operate but may require multiple treatments, with an interval of 2-3 weeks between each treatment. Excessive freezing may lead to pigmentation.

3. Local medication

isotretinoin cream can regulate sebaceous gland secretion and reduce the degree of papule protrusion. When using, avoid the red mucous membrane of the lips, and pregnant women should not use it. Tacrolimus ointment can help alleviate mild inflammatory reactions that may accompany it, but it should be used in the short term under the guidance of a doctor to avoid long-term use that may damage the skin barrier.

4. Daily care

Avoid frequent licking or tearing of dead lips and reduce mechanical stimulation. Choose perfume free lipstick to keep it moist, and sunscreen lipstick can prevent UV from aggravating pigmentation. supplementing with vitamin B and zinc elements in the diet can help maintain the health of the skin and mucous membranes.

5. Regular observation

Sebaceous gland ectopia rarely leads to malignancy, and it is recommended to have a follow-up examination every 6-12 months. If the papule suddenly enlarges, ruptures, or is accompanied by pain, timely biopsy is necessary to rule out other diseases. When combined with seborrheic dermatitis or acne, the primary disease should be treated simultaneously to reduce local irritation. Maintaining a balanced diet is beneficial for skin health. Moderate intake of foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots and spinach, can prevent high sugar and high-fat diets from stimulating sebum secretion. Pay attention to oral hygiene and use mild dental cleaning products. When going out, do physical sun protection on your lips and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If medical intervention is chosen, spicy and stimulating foods should be avoided within 2 weeks after treatment to prevent vasodilation from affecting the recovery effect. Avoid using lip exfoliating products containing phenols or salicylic acid in daily life to reduce chemical irritation.