Strategic Targets in Acne: The Comedone Switch in Question

January 2015 in “ Dermatology ”

Jean‐Hilaire Saurat

comedone sebaceous stem cells pilosebaceous response LRIG1+ sebaceous stem cells pilosebaceous duct microcomedone sebaceous gland pilosebaceous follicles blackhead whitehead oil gland hair follicle

TLDR The best way to treat acne is to prevent healthy skin glands from turning into acne lesions by controlling the triggers early on.

The document reviews the process of comedone formation, which is the primary lesion in acne, by examining recent research on sebaceous stem cells and the pilosebaceous response to external substances. It highlights the role of LRIG1+ sebaceous stem cells located in the isthmus of the pilosebaceous duct and discusses the 'master switch' that leads to the transformation of a healthy sebaceous gland into a microcomedone. The paper suggests that the most effective strategy for acne treatment is to target the unaltered pilosebaceous follicles before they enter the acne cycle, emphasizing the importance of long-term control of the factors that trigger the comedone switch.

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