Sebaceous Gland Disorders

What are Sebaceous Gland Disorders?

It isn’t common for people to think about sebaceous gland disorders. Then again, you could already be a victim of a disorder of this gland and not know it. What exactly are the disorders linked to this gland?

Acne

Acne vulgaris is perhaps the most common skin condition linked to the sebaceous gland. Acne develops when the glands underneath the skin produce too much sebum which mixes with dirt and bacteria. The mixture clogs the pores and leads to the formation of blackheads, whiteheads and pustules that are all part of an acne condition. Teens often suffer from acne more than adults because of increased amounts of testosterone in their systems. Unfortunately, one may not be able to stop a sebaceous gland from producing too much sebum until after hormone levels have naturally stabilized.

Keratosis Pilaris

This is often considered mainly as a skin condition. The sebaceous gland however has been linked to the condition simply because it does occur on the skin and may involve hair follicles which are connected to sebaceous glands. Keratosis pilaris is more popularly known as goosebumps and forms when keratin builds up on pores through which sebum produced by sebaceous glands normally exit. Although this skin condition may result in a little itchiness and irritation, it is not a lethal or life threatening condition.

Seborrhea

This condition is characterized by reddish and flaky skin on the face and scalp. The condition is often considered hereditary but its real causes are undetermined. One theory suggests that yeast which finds its way into sebaceous gland sections promote the over production of sebum which results in this skin condition.

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Like acne, this condition is marked by the inflammation of a sebaceous gland. In some cases, it may easily be mistaken for acne. The difference though is that this condition is more severe than acne and does not heal even when aggressive topical acne treatment is used. The papules may appear close to each other and may even maintain the shape of cauliflowers. Reddish skin flaking that is typical of seborrhea may also be present.

Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma

This condition can simply be rephrased as cancer of the sebaceous glands. Like other forms of cancer, abnormal cells will begin to multiply at a fast rate and will invade surrounding healthy sebaceous cells.

Sebaceous Cyst

A cyst that originates from the sebaceous gland is not a malignant growth. It is formed when keratin cells multiply in a closed sac underneath the skin. The sac itself is soft and will move around the area where it is located when it is prodded. This sebaceous gland condition will eventually disappear after some time. In cases, where an abscess forms, the contents of the sac will come out as smelly yellowish fluid.

These are only some of the basic sebaceous gland conditions that you should know about. Although some of them may be generally harmless, you should still consider seeing a doctor especially if you suspect that a skin lump or growth does not disappear after some time.