Overview

Syringomas are small, harmless bumps that form on the skin. They are actually benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow from the cells of your sweat ducts, specifically the intraepidermal part of eccrine ducts. Think of them as tiny, overenthusiastic growths of the sweat gland tubes in your skin.

These little bumps can appear for various reasons, sometimes linked to genetics, meaning they might run in families. They are most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults, particularly women. People with certain conditions like Down syndrome, Marfan syndrome, or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may also be more prone to developing them. The good news is that syringomas are not contagious, so you can't catch them from someone else or spread them to others through touch. While they don't usually cause physical harm, their appearance, especially when many are present, can sometimes cause cosmetic concern or self-consciousness.

Symptoms

You might notice syringomas appearing gradually. Here’s what to look for:

• Small, firm bumps, usually about 1-3 millimeters in diameter.
• The bumps are often skin-colored, but can also appear yellowish, pinkish, or slightly brownish.
• They typically appear in clusters, often symmetrically on both sides of the body.
• Most commonly found around the lower eyelids and upper cheeks.
• They can also occur on the neck, chest, armpits, abdomen, and genital area.
• Usually, they don't cause any pain or itching, but occasionally some people report mild itching, especially in hot weather or when sweating.
• The surface of the bumps is generally smooth.
• Once they appear, they tend to persist unless treated.

Diagnosis

A dermatologist can often diagnose syringomas simply by looking at them and considering your medical history. The characteristic appearance and location of the bumps are usually key indicators.

In some cases, especially if there's any uncertainty about the diagnosis, or if the bumps look unusual, your doctor might perform a skin biopsy. This involves taking a small sample of one of the bumps to examine under a microscope. This helps confirm that it's a syringoma and rule out other conditions.

Management & Treatment

It's important to remember that syringomas are harmless, so treatment is not medically necessary. Many people choose to leave them alone. However, if their appearance bothers you, there are several effective treatments available to remove or reduce them.

Since these are cosmetic procedures, it's always best to have an open conversation with your dermatologist about the potential benefits and risks.

Professional Treatments:

• Laser Therapy: This is a common and effective method where a specialized laser is used to target and destroy the bumps. It has a lower risk of scarring compared to other methods.
• Electrosurgery: In this procedure, an electric current is used to burn away the syringomas.
• Surgical Excision: A dermatologist can also surgically remove the bumps. This is a simple in-office procedure.
• Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the bumps with liquid nitrogen, causing them to fall off.
• Prescription Medications: In some cases, topical creams or oral medications, such as retinoids, may be prescribed to help manage the bumps.

It's very important not to try and remove syringomas at home. This can lead to scarring, infection, and other complications. Always seek care from a qualified healthcare professional.

After any removal procedure, your skin will need time to heal. Your dermatologist will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to help prevent infection and minimize scarring. Be aware that syringomas can sometimes reappear after treatment, and you may need further sessions.

Duration & Outlook

Syringomas are considered a chronic condition, meaning the bumps are generally persistent and don't go away on their own. Once they develop, they tend to stay unless they are medically removed. While existing syringomas usually don't change much over time, it's possible for new ones to develop, especially if you are predisposed to them.

The outlook is generally very good because syringomas are benign and don't pose a risk to your physical health. They don't turn into skin cancer. The main concern is usually cosmetic. It's important to see a doctor if you notice any significant changes in the appearance, size, or color of the bumps, or if they start to bleed or become painful, as this could indicate something else.

Prevention

Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent syringomas from developing. Since they are often linked to genetic predisposition or are simply a benign overgrowth of sweat duct cells, there aren't specific lifestyle changes or preventative measures that have been proven to stop them from forming.

If you have a condition that makes you more prone to syringomas, managing that underlying condition is important for your overall health, but it may not prevent the syringomas themselves.

Causes & Triggers

Syringomas are caused by an overgrowth of cells from the sweat ducts (eccrine ducts) in the skin. The exact reason why these cells start to overgrow isn't fully understood, but several factors are thought to play a role.

Genetics seems to be a significant factor, as syringomas can sometimes run in families. They are also more common in individuals with certain genetic syndromes, such as Down syndrome. Hormonal influences might also contribute, given that they often appear during puberty and are more common in women. There aren't specific external "triggers" in the way we think of for conditions like eczema flare-ups.

People most likely to develop syringomas include:

• Adolescents and young adults (often appearing during or after puberty).
• Women (more frequently affected than men).
• Individuals with a family history of syringomas.
• People with certain genetic conditions like Down syndrome.
• Individuals with darker skin types may sometimes have a variant called eruptive syringomas, which can appear more suddenly on the chest and abdomen.

Risk factors mainly revolve around these predispositions: being female, having a family history, or having associated medical conditions.

When to see a doctor

While syringomas are harmless, it's always a good idea to have any new skin growth checked by a doctor, especially a dermatologist, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

You should consider seeing a doctor if:

• You notice new bumps on your skin and are unsure what they are.
• The bumps are bothering you cosmetically, and you want to discuss removal options.
• The bumps change in size, shape, or color.
• The bumps become itchy, painful, or start to bleed.
• You have a large number of bumps, or they appear suddenly (eruptive syringomas).

A dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis and discuss whether any intervention is desired or necessary. Remember, they are there to help you understand what's happening with your skin and provide guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Are syringomas cancerous?
  No, syringomas are benign (non-cancerous) growths. They do not turn into skin cancer.
• Do syringomas go away on their own?
  Unfortunately, syringomas usually do not go away on their own. They tend to be persistent unless medically treated.
• Can I get syringomas from someone else?
  No, syringomas are not contagious. You cannot catch them from another person.
• Why do I have syringomas under my eyes?
  The skin around the eyes is thin and has many sweat glands, making it a very common location for syringomas to develop.
• Is it bad to try and pop or squeeze a syringoma?
  Yes, you should avoid picking, squeezing, or trying to pop syringomas. They are not like pimples. Doing so can lead to skin irritation, infection, and potential scarring without removing the syringoma itself. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for any concerns.

References

• American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Syringoma. Retrieved from https://www.aocd.org/page/Syringoma
• Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Syringoma. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23321-syringoma
• Medical News Today. (2023). What to know about syringoma. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319805