International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

What is the main distinguishing feature of sebaceous hyperplasia compared to milia?

1. Color appearance

2. Location on the body

3. Texture

4. Size of papules

The correct answer is: Color appearance

The distinguishing feature of sebaceous hyperplasia in contrast to milia primarily lies in the color appearance of the lesions. Sebaceous hyperplasia typically presents as soft, yellowish-white bumps that often have a slightly oily or shiny surface, due to their association with sebaceous glands. This gives the lesions a distinct appearance compared to milia, which are generally small, firm, and white or flesh-colored cysts that are formed when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin's surface. While factors such as location on the body, texture, and size can vary between sebaceous hyperplasia and milia, these aspects do not serve as the main distinguishing characteristic. For instance, both conditions can occur on the face, and although sebaceous hyperplasia may have a softer texture, it is primarily the color that stands out as the most noticeable and defining feature between these two conditions. Understanding this helps in accurately identifying and differentiating these skin lesions in clinical practice.