Atheroma

Atheroma is a benign tumor of the sebaceous glands of the skin.

The main cause of the disease is the blockage of the sebaceous glands and it is localized in the areas of the surface of the skin with a large concentration of these glands.

The neoplasm has a round shape, clear borders and is painless on palpation.

Any condition of the body, which may cause disorders in the drainage of sebum or the complete blocking of the ducts of the sebaceous glands, can become the cause of the development of the disease.

Hyperhidrosis, disorders of the stratum corneum of the dermis, which leads to thickening of the epidermis, disorders of the natural exfoliation of dead cells also lead to blocking the drainage of sebaceous gland secretions.

The disease can also occur against the background of hormonal disorders, due to which the viscosity of the fatty secretion increases and thus weakens the excretory function of the skin.

Bad environmental conditions, occupational risks, neglect of personal hygiene, cosmetic preparations that shrink the ducts of the sebaceous glands and deodorants antiperspirants are the factors increasing the risks of benign tumors of the sebaceous glands of the skin.

What are the symptoms?

Atheroma is most often localized in areas of the skin with a high density of sebaceous glands. These are the scalp, the chin, the skin of the neck and back, the armpit area and the area of ​​the genital folds.

Outwardly, a benign tumor looks like a small, smooth and movable rounded formation with clear borders and a dense consistency. Even with strong pressure, it is painless.

In the center of the formation, it is sometimes possible to notice the enlarged opening of the sebaceous gland.

The contents of the benign tumor consist of sloughed epidermis and sebaceous secretion, representing a white pulp-like mass.

The formations can appear both in one and several places on the skin, their sizes are variable, some of them reach up to 4-5 cm in diameter.

As the tumors grow in size, they cause patients psychological discomfort, especially if they are in areas where there is normal friction when wearing clothes.

If the formation increases its size too much and due to the friction of the clothes, it is possible to cause compression of the surrounding tissues and blood vessels, disrupting the process of exchanging substances in them.

Atheromas do not cause direct harmto human health, but with their prolonged existence, it is possible for pus to collect in them and the formation of a subcutaneous abscess.

The inflammatory process is accompanied by pain in the area of ​​formation, swelling and redness. Sometimes the body temperature also rises.

In most cases in the purulent formation there is an accidental rupture from which pus and a fatty secretion-like content flows out.

Treatment of atheroma

The diagnosis is made on the basis of an examination. An important diagnostic sign is the presence of enlarged sebaceous glands.

A benign entity must be distinguished from fibroids and lipomas. To avoid complications, it is necessary to remove the tumor.

Through the radiosurgical method, it ensures the complete removal of the formation with minimal damage to the skin and insignificant blood loss.

After the operation, no scars remain, and the wound that appeared as a result of the procedure quickly disappears. No complications were observed.

Prevention

It is necessary to remove all prerequisites and possible causes of the disease and also strictly maintain very good personal hygiene and limit the consumption of fatty and fried foods.