An Updated Review of the Sebaceous Gland and Its Role in Health and Diseases Part 2: Pathophysiological Clinical Disorders of Sebaceous Glands

February 2021 in “ Dermatologic Therapy ”

Gelan Shamloul, Amor Khachemoune

TLDR Sebaceous glands are involved in various skin disorders, some treatable with medications like finasteride and minoxidil.

This review article examines the role of sebaceous glands in skin disorders, distinguishing between primary disorders like steatocystoma multiplex, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, sebaceoma, sebaceous adenoma, nevus sebaceus, and sebaceous carcinoma, and secondary disorders such as acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, and androgenic alopecia (AGA). It notes that AGA, which affects a significant portion of the population, is characterized by hair follicle miniaturization and is treatable with finasteride, minoxidil, and possibly platelet-rich plasma (PRP). A study of 250 Japanese men with hair loss indicated an increase in sebaceous gland size, implicating its role in AGA. Acne vulgaris is linked to increased sebaceous activity and bacterial proliferation, while seborrheic dermatitis is associated with an immune response to Malassezia yeast. The article underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis through histopathology and immunohistochemistry and discusses various treatments for these conditions.

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