Infantile sebaceous nevi are benign conditions that may have a small risk of deterioration. In the absence of an emergency, it can be observed closely. If necessary, it can be treated by liquid nitrogen freezing, electrocautery, carbon dioxide laser or surgical excision.
1. Liquid nitrogen freezing: By freezing with liquid nitrogen, cells can be necrotic, which is suitable for relatively shallow and small lesions. However, it may not be able to completely eliminate the rash and may leave scarring or risk of recurrence.
2. Electrocautery treatment: sebaceous nevus with small lesions or shallow lesions before puberty can be eliminated by electrocautery, but there is a risk of recurrence and scarring.
3. Carbon dioxide laser: Carbon dioxide laser is one of the more commonly used treatments nowadays, which aims to remove sebaceous nevus by vaporizing the tissues with the help of laser, but there is still a risk of recurrence and scarring.
4. Surgery: Doctors will decide whether sebaceous nevus can be treated by surgically removing the nevus with the risk of scarring according to the patient’s age, the location of the lesion, and the considerations on beauty and appearance.
The appearance of yellowish patches on the head and face, especially soon after birth, suggests a visit to a hospital dermatologist. The doctor will formulate an appropriate treatment plan according to the patient’s condition.