Syringomas: What Are They and How Do We Treat Them?
What are syringomas?
Syringomas are benign (non-cancerous) growths of the sweat glands, specifically the eccrine ducts. They appear as small (1–3 mm), firm, skin-colored or slightly yellow bumps, most commonly around the eyelids and under the eyes, but can also occur on the cheeks, neck, chest, or genital area.
They often occur in clusters, giving the skin a textured or bumpy appearance. Syringomas are harmless and usually asymptomatic, though some patients may experience mild itching.
Why do syringomas develop?
Syringomas result from overgrowth of sweat duct cells within the skin. The exact cause is unclear, but they may be associated with:
- Genetics (can run in families)
- Hormonal influences (more common in women)
- Certain conditions such as Down syndrome
They are not caused by poor hygiene, clogged pores, or infection.
Do syringomas need treatment?
No—treatment is not medically necessary because they are benign. However, many patients choose treatment for cosmetic reasons, especially when lesions are visible around the eyes. Some patients may also report mild itching.
How do we treat syringomas?
Treatment can be challenging because syringomas sit deep in the dermis, making complete removal difficult without affecting surrounding skin.
Common options include:
🔹 Laser Treatment (most common)
Co2 Laser Treatment of a syringoma
- CO₂ or Er:YAG lasers
- Flattens and blends lesions
- Often requires multiple sessions
🔹 Electrosurgery (cautery)
- Uses heat to destroy lesions
- Best for small or isolated bumps
🔹 Surgical removal
- Effective for individual lesions
- Not ideal for large clusters due to scarring risk
🔹 Topical & medical options
- Retinoids (e.g., tretinoin)
- Chemical treatments (TCA)
- Oral medications (less commonly used)
Important things to know
- Recurrence is common
- Risk of scarring or pigment changes, especially in darker skin types
- Results are typically improvement, not complete removal
Bottom line
Syringomas are harmless sweat gland growths, most commonly seen around the eyes. While treatment isn’t required, advanced dermatologic procedures like CO₂ laser or electrosurgery can significantly improve their appearance.
At Aesthetics and Medical Lasers of Colorado, we tailor treatment based on skin type, lesion depth, and cosmetic goals to achieve safe, natural-looking results. Contact us at 720 818 0533 for more information.
