Sebaceous Gland Diseases: Clinical Picture, Risk Factors, and Treatment

Sebaceous glands, which are present in almost every part of the skin except the palms and soles, are responsible for the generation of sebum. However, abnormal sebaceous gland activity can lead to various diseases, both benign and malignant. These disorders include conditions such as steatocystoma, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, sebaceoma, sebaceous adenoma, nevus sebaceous, and sebaceous carcinoma. Sebaceous glands also play a secondary role in androgenic alopecia, acne vulgaris, and seborrheic dermatitis. Steatocystoma simplex or multiplex is a non-cancerous growth that arises from mutations in the keratin 17 gene. Sebaceous gland hyperplasia refers to the non-malignant enlargement of sebaceous lobules. Common treatment methods for sebaceous gland hyperplasia include topical retinoids, oral isotretinoin, and surgical removal of the affected lesions. Acne vulgaris, a highly prevalent disorder, is influenced by various factors, including increased production of sebum. Acne can be managed using topical or systemic antibiotics, hormonal therapies, cautery-based lesion removal, and phototherapy techniques such as laser treatment.