Diseases of Sebaceous Glands

What is it?

Sebaceous glands are skin organs which are located in the dermis layer. They secrete an oily substance called sebum that lubricates and waterproofs the skin. Sebaceous glands are associated with several skin conditions.
- Pimples - The condition most of us associate with the sebaceous glands. An accumulation of dirt or debris can combine with sebum to create a glue-like compound which can result with pimples.
- Seborrheic dermatitis - refers to a chronic, mild form of dermatitis. This condition is caused by changes in the sebaceous glands
- Nevus sebaceous - a benign tumor on the skin surface. Can sometimes turn cancerous.
- Rosacea - a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous Glands.
- Phymatous rosacea - a non-infectious skin condition. This skin condition is characterized by the overgrowth of the sebaceous glands
- Sebaceous carcinoma - an aggressive form of cancer