Are there any medications for syringomas?
Some topical and oral medications may help destroy and remove syringomas, while also encouraging and supporting tissue regeneration.
Medications are often the first line of treatment for benign skin growths, given the low risk of complications, such as scarring, tissue damage, and infection.
Medications used to treat syringomas include:
- topical or oral retinoids
- topical atropine
Washes and creams that contain low concentrations (under 10 percent) of chemicals that exfoliate or gently remove the top layers of the skin may also help reduce the appearance of syringomas.
Chemicals to look for and factors to consider when buying a safe, effective exfoliator include:
- glycolic acid
- pyruvic acid
- mandelic acid
- lactic acid
- salicylic acid
- for products with exfoliators in them make sure the exfoliators are smooth, preferably round, and all the same size and shape
- avoid products with microbeads
- avoid products that contain known irritants associated with skin drying and damaging, such as toluene, parabens, sulfates, and methylisothiazolinone (MIT)
Typically it takes months to years of continual use for these products to work. Exfoliating too often or using products that contain uneven or sharp exfoliators, can cause dryness, tissue damage, and even scarring.
Prevention
The only real way to prevent syringomas is to exfoliate regularly, use astringents, and undergo therapies that aim to reduce or limit sweat gland activity. Avoiding or protecting the skin from environmental and chemical stressors such as UV rays may also help reduce the risk of papule growth.
- wearing sunscreen
- avoiding skin irritants and allergens
- making sure blood sugar levels are in a healthy range because syringomas are considered a complication of diabetes
- eating a healthy, balanced diet high in skin nutrients such as vitamin A and E
- using at-home exfoliating remedies or over-the-counter products once a week, bi-weekly, or as needed
- using natural astringents and skin tonics, such as lemon juice and apple cider vinegar
