Definition
Sebaceous glands are small skin glands that form the fat-rich sebum. This forms a kind of protective layer on our skin and is therefore very important for an intact skin texture. However, various reasons can lead to the need to remove a sebaceous gland.
This can be a disturbing inflammation, constipation or a sebaceous gland cyst, for example. The sebaceous gland is cut out in a minor surgical procedure and thus removed. Another possibility is professional peeling of the skin.
Strictly speaking, however, the sebaceous gland is not removed in this case, but only its contents are emptied. A sebaceous gland can also be lasered away using a CO2 laser. The ultimate goal is to remove sebaceous glands that cause discomfort or cosmetic problems.
Causes of sebaceous glands
Sebaceous glands are very important for the health and protection of the skin. They produce the sebum, which is rich in lipids and is also called sebum, and thus form a kind of protective barrier on the skin. However, various causes can lead to the sebaceous glands not functioning properly or becoming diseased.
One possible cause is the overproduction of sebum, the seborrhea. It is an important mechanism for the development of acne. Due to the excessive production of sebum, the small glands become clogged.
Such blockages are often the starting point for bacterial infections, inflammations or the development of painful barley grains on the edge of the eyelid. A sebaceous gland cyst, which is known as an atheroma in the technical terminology, is also a possible cause for the removal of a sebaceous gland. A distinction is made between different types of benign sebaceous gland cysts.
The sebaceous gland can also be removed in case of sebaceous gland hyperplasia, i.e. a benign growth. They are usually a cosmetic problem and do not directly lead to complaints. Very rarely, malignant tumors can develop from sebaceous glands. In this case, removal is absolutely necessary.
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