Scalp Apocrine Glands: The Neglected Component of the Hair Follicle Complex

    December 2025 in “ Skin Appendage Disorders ”
    F Torres, André Luiz Vairo Donda, Daniel Fernandes Melo
    TLDR Scalp apocrine glands may help remove waste and balance electrolytes, but their role is not fully understood.
    The article explores the under-researched role of scalp apocrine glands, which are typically linked to chemical signaling and body odor. It remains unclear if these glands are consistently present in the normal scalp or only appear under pathological conditions. The study suggests that scalp apocrine glands may play a role in metabolic waste removal and electrolyte balance due to their higher excretion of urea and potassium compared to eccrine glands. Their ducts open into hair follicles, potentially influencing the microbiome and participating in follicular occlusion diseases. The article emphasizes the need for further research to understand their physiological and pathological significance in scalp health.
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