Sebaceous gland diseases: clinical picture risk factors and treatment

Abstract

Sebaceous glands are present in almost every part of the skin or body except the palms and soles, and the primary function of these glands involves the generation of sebum. However, numerous diseases, both benign and malignant, have been linked to abnormal sebaceous gland activity. Sebaceous gland disorders are a class of widespread dermatological conditions with numerous aetiologies. Diseases in which the primary involvement is associated with sebaceous glands comprise conditions such as steatocystoma, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, sebaceoma, sebaceous adenoma, nevus sebaceous, and sebaceous carcinoma. Additionally, sebaceous glands play a secondary role in androgenic alopecia, acne vulgaris, and seborrheic dermatitis. Steatocystoma simplex or multiplex is a non-cancerous growth that arises either sporadically or through inheritance in an autosomal dominant manner, originating from mutations in the keratin 17 gene. Sebaceous gland hyperplasia refers to the non-malignant enlargement of sebaceous lobules, which presents as papules exhibiting a yellowish color and telangiectatic features. Common treatment methods for sebaceous gland hyperplasia include the application of topical retinoids, the administration of oral isotretinoin, and the surgical removal of the affected lesions. Nevus sebaceus also referred to as a nevus of Jadassohn or organoid nevus, represents a congenital skin hamartoma originating from mosaic mutations. While acne vulgaris is a highly prevalent and complex disorder influenced by various factors, one of which is the increased production of sebum. Acne can be managed using approaches like topical or systemic antibiotics, hormonal therapies, cautery-based lesion removal, and phototherapy techniques such as laser treatment. The purpose of this research is to review the sebaceous gland diseases: clinical picture, risk factors, and treatment.