Definition
A sebaceous gland inflammation is, as the name already says, an inflammation of the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are located all over the body surface, where they usually appear on the skin together with hair. For this reason, sebaceous gland inflammation can also develop on almost all parts of the body. However, they usually occur on the head, face, neck and throat, as well as in the genital area. Sebaceous gland inflammation is usually harmless, but in some cases it can lead to more serious infections and inflammation.
Causes of inflammation of the sebaceous glands
The sebaceous glands are located all over the skin and produce an oily secretion called sebum. The sebum serves to lubricate the skin, protects it and helps to maintain the natural skin barrier. If the excretory ducts of the sebaceous gland become blocked, the sebum produced can no longer flow out and accumulates. As a result, sebaceous gland inflammation develops.
Diagnosis
The dermatologist (dermatologist) diagnoses sebaceous gland inflammation by inspecting the affected area. The typical skin changes associated with an inflamed sebaceous gland are usually sufficient to enable a clear diagnosis to be made. In severe cases, a massive inflammation and the formation of an abscess or boil may occur.
In such cases, the inflamed tissue must be surgically split, and the tissue removed can be examined histologically (fine tissue) after the procedure. In addition, the doctor may take a smear of the purulent secretion to identify the bacteria contained in it and to be able to adjust any antibiotic therapy that may be necessary to the pathogen. This topic could also interest you: Sebaceous gland hyperactivity
Associated symptoms
The inflammation leads to a partly massive enlargement of the affected sebaceous gland. The surrounding tissue swells, becomes red and the skin feels warm at this point. Due to the swelling, the sebaceous gland inflammation causes more or less severe pain, depending on its size.
Dead skin scales and sebum accumulate in the congested sebaceous gland. In this environment, bacteria that occur naturally on the skin can multiply particularly well and further intensify the inflammation. Especially in the head area, a sebaceous cyst, also known as an atheroma or colloquially as wheat grits, can form in the course of sebaceous gland inflammation.
Due to the obstruction of the excretory duct, the sebum secretion accumulates in a cyst that lies under the skin. An atheroma is benign, but is often accompanied by very unpleasant symptoms. These include a very severe swelling of the tissue and pressure pain.
Atheromas that form in the area of the head or face should be examined by a doctor and, if necessary, surgically removed, as there is a high risk that the inflammation will spread to the brain. The spread of the inflammation to surrounding tissue causes high fever and in severe cases can also result in blood poisoning, which can lead to multiple organ failure with fatal consequences. Inflammation of the sebaceous glands usually proceeds without complications, but in some cases the inflammation may spread to surrounding tissue and lead to the formation of an abscess.
This is an encapsulated accumulation of pus in a newly formed cavity, which is the result of melting of inflamed tissue. Abscesses are caused by bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus. Smaller abscesses can be treated with pulling ointment.
The pus empties spontaneously to the outside and the wound heals on its own. A large abscess with a very advanced inflammation must be surgically removed. The surgeon splits the sebaceous gland with an incision under local anesthesia.
Inflammation of the sebaceous gland can continue and lead to the development of a furuncle. A boil is an inflammation of the hair follicle and is caused by bacteria. The most frequent pathogen of furuncles is the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which occurs in the natural skin flora.
Furuncles can swell strongly and be very painful. In contrast to an abscess, the inflammation here is not encapsulated by the surrounding tissue, so that the infection can spread quickly. Small boils often empty spontaneously to the outside, whereas larger boils must be surgically cut open.Inflammation of the sebaceous glands can in principle occur anywhere on the hairy surface of the body.
Frequently, an inflammation of the sebaceous glands occurs in the armpit, which manifests itself as painful nodules. The inflamed sebaceous gland is then visible as a kind of pus pimple and the surrounding skin is red and swollen. A common cause of sebaceous gland inflammation in the armpit is shaving the hairs of the armpit with a wet razor.
Especially if the razor is not sharp enough, small injuries of the skin occur, through which bacteria can penetrate and cause an inflammation. In most cases, an inflammation in the armpit is not a serious problem and heals by itself after a few days. However, there are other diseases that cause similar symptoms to sebaceous gland inflammation in the armpit.
These include furunculosis, i.e. the infection of a sweat gland. An ingrown hair causes the sweat gland to become inflamed, the sweat can no longer drain off and a palpable lump develops. But also swollen lymph nodes can be felt as painful nodules in the armpit.
If the lump does not disappear on its own after a few days or causes very severe pain, a doctor should be consulted. The doctor can determine the cause of the inflammation and treat it accordingly. Similar topics that might interest you: Boils in the armpitAn inflammation of the sebaceous glands in the eye is particularly troublesome.
There are about 20-25 sebaceous glands on the edge of the eyelid, which produce sebum and are important for the formation of the tear film on the eye. The excretory ducts of the gland can become blocked and inflamed by dead skin scales or sebum. The blockage makes it easier for bacteria to multiply in the sebaceous gland and triggers a slow inflammatory reaction in the eye.
It usually takes several weeks for the sebaceous gland inflammation to cause symptoms and for those affected to see a doctor. A chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands in the eye leads to the formation of a hailstone (chalazion). The hailstone is usually not painful, but causes very severe swelling of the eyelid, which causes the affected persons to feel a pronounced feeling of pressure and in rare cases also causes problems with vision.
In addition, a hailstone is not very aesthetically pleasing. Recurring sebaceous gland inflammations should be clarified by a physician, since diabetes mellitus or certain skin diseases, such as rosacea, can be hidden behind them. In very rare cases, a sebaceous gland carcinoma, i.e. a tumor that forms from cells of the sebaceous gland, can also cause symptoms similar to those of a hailstone.
This is an aggressively growing tumor that is easily confused with an inflammation of the eyelid. Inflammations of the sebaceous glands are very disturbing, especially if they occur in the intimate area. Due to the inflammation, those affected may be restricted in sitting, walking, cycling and standing.
Going to the toilet can also cause problems. Inflammation of the sebaceous glands is promoted by frequent shaving of the genital area, as bacteria can penetrate through small injuries to the skin and multiply in the sebaceous glands. In addition, the genital area has a warm and humid climate in which the bacteria feel particularly comfortable and grow easily.
Often the inflammation heals on its own after a few days. Larger pustules can also be treated with a drawing ointment, which accelerates the maturing of the boil and thus supports the healing process. Many people affected have inhibitions about consulting a doctor in the case of inflammation of the sebaceous glands in the genital area.
However, if the inflammation is very painful, causes severe problems or there is a suspicion that an abscess or boil has already formed, treatment by a physician must always be sought. Inflammation of the sebaceous glands in the face is very common, as there are many sebaceous glands in the face. Especially in the so-called T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) the sebaceous glands are very dense, which is why these areas are particularly susceptible to skin impurities.
Excessive sebum production and a disturbed keratinization of the skin causes the sebaceous glands to clog and disturbing skin impurities are the result. This clinical picture is called acne vulgaris. Acne occurs mainly during puberty due to hormonal changes and is not contagious.
The congested sebaceous glands become blackheads, whereby a distinction is made between open (black head) and closed (white head) blackheads.Bacterial colonization causes the blackheads to become more inflamed and pus pimples to develop. Inflammation of the sebaceous glands on the back is widespread and many people suffer from it. The reason for this is that there are also comparatively many sebaceous glands on the back, which can easily become clogged and inflamed.
In addition, the skin pores on the back are larger than those on the face or neck, which means that the inflammation can also be much larger. The development of sebaceous gland inflammation is promoted by wearing tight clothing or carrying rucksacks. Due to mechanical friction, dead skin scales and sweat clog the sebaceous glands and promote the inflammatory process.
Clothing made of synthetic materials can also irritate the skin, as sweat and heat are difficult to dissipate. Cotton fabrics are better suited to prevent skin impurities on the back. In the areola of the female breasts there are sebaceous glands, also known as Glandulae aerolares or Montgomery glands.
These glands are clearly visible as small elevations around the nipple. These sebaceous glands can also become clogged and inflamed, causing redness and a distinct feeling of warmth at the affected area. Inflammations of the sebaceous glands on the breast are harmless and usually do not require further treatment.
Pressing around the Montgomery’s glands or squeezing out any pus that may be present in an inflammation should be avoided at all costs, as otherwise bacteria can be squeezed into the tissue and cause serious infections. There are many sebaceous glands behind the ears and on the earlobes, which often leads to sebaceous gland inflammation in these places. Sebum, dirt and sweat clog the ducts of the glands and cause inflammation.
The inflammations can be felt as small lumps and cause pain when touched. The surrounding skin is also warm and reddened. In case of bacterial colonization, a furuncle or an abscess on the ear may also develop under certain circumstances.
To prevent sebaceous gland inflammation of the ears, the auricles and the skin behind the ears should be cleaned daily. There are sebaceous glands all over the head. These are either associated with hair, as on the skin of the head and face, or appear in the form of so-called free sebaceous glands on the lips and eye.
Very often atheromas (sebaceous cysts) form on the scalp from blocked sebaceous glands. These atheromas are benign tumors that grow very slowly, cause no pain and have no disease value. However, cysts above a certain size are a cosmetic problem, which is why those affected should consult a doctor.
This doctor can quickly remove the growths with a minor surgical procedure. If an atheroma becomes inflamed and causes pain and pus, a doctor should also be consulted quickly, as otherwise serious infections and complications can occur. Sebaceous glands are also present on the scrotum, although sebaceous gland inflammation occurs here only in very rare cases. The sebaceous glands can become clogged, especially through heavy sweating. Airy cotton underwear can reduce the occurrence of sebaceous gland inflammation on the testicles.
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