[1]: 663  They are skin-colored or yellowish firm, rounded bumps, 1–3 mm in diameter, and may be confused with xanthoma, milia, hidrocystoma, trichoepithelioma, and xanthelasma.

A phosphorylase deficiency, resulting from elevated glucose levels seen in diabetes, is thought to lead to an accumulation of glycogen in the skin and within the clear cells.

The incidence of syringomas has been reported in up to 40% of people with Down syndrome, and can be associated with a condition calcinosis cutis, which requires prompt medical attention.

Another theory suggests that syringomas are a reactive hyperplasia rather than a true neoplasm resulting after inflammatory processes such as eczema.

[citation needed] Syringomas can often be diagnosed clinically based on presentation, distribution patterns over the body, lack of associated symptoms, and family history.

Common destructive treatment methods include carbon dioxide lasers, dermabrasion, surgical excision, electrocoagulation, and chemical peels.