Overactive sebaceous glands lead to acne

Dubai-UAE: 27 December, 2016:  Our skin comes with its own in built moisturizer. Sebaceous glands are microscopic exocrine glands in the skin that secrete an oily or waxy matter, called sebum which helps to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair of mammals. The glands are distributed over the entire body with the exception of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet and are most abundant on the scalp and face. Sebaceous glands are highly androgen sensitive, and, although the number of sebaceous glands remains approximately the same throughout life, their activity and size vary according to age and circulating hormone levels.

“An overactive or underactive sebaceous gland can lead to disorders such as acne, seborrhea, rosacea, sebaceous cyst, sebaceous hyperplasia and sebaceous tumors,” said Dr. Noura Abdalla Barakat, Specialist Dermatologist at Medeor 24x7 Hospital, Dubai. “The sebaceous glands can become overactive or underactive leading to increased or decreased levels of sebum due to several reasons. One of the factors that influence sebum production is hormonal fluctuations. DHEA, testosterone, DHT, 5-Androstenediol are elevated during puberty/adolescence and use anabolic steroids and can lead to excess sebum. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) is a protein hormone produced in the liver similar in structure to Insulin and tends to be the highest during adolescence and again causes the skin to produce more sebum.”

Some other risk factors for sebum production are age, duration of local residency, halitosis, gastric reflux, abdominal bloating, constipation, sweet food, spicy food, family history of acne, late night sleeping on a daily basis, excessive axillary, body and facial hair and anxiety.

“The sebaceous gland is connected to the hair follicles in our skin and it is through the hair shaft that the sebum travels to the surface of the skin. With excess sebum production, the hair follicles become clogged and if this clogged pore is infected with bacteria, it results in inflammation,” she explained. “The follicle wall then bulges and results in a white head or if its open at the surface dirt collects resulting in a blackhead. Cystic acne is caused when the blockages occur deep inside the hair follicle.”

Most people resort to the many quick fixes available over the counter in the hope of banishing acne forever little realizing they might be doing further damage to their skin. 

“People always seek a Doctor’s opinion after trying over the counter medication or resorting to methods like popping their pimples. If the acne is sporadic, let it go away on its own. However, if it persists and you have more than a spot or two make sure to seek medical attention as early treatment is recommended to avoid scarring and the worsening of the problem,” the Doctor advised. “A doctor will be able to determine the cause of the acne and then treat the condition at the root cause.”

“At Medeor 24x7 Hospital, Dubai we are committed to the wellbeing and health of the multinational community in Dubai and we hope by highlighting the causes of these conditions that affect a multitude of people we can encourage them to seek early treatment,” said Dr. Mohammed Berer, Medical Director at Medeor 24x7 Hospital Dubai.