The function

Sebaceous glands are glands that are found in the dermis (skin layer). If the sebaceous glands are attached to hair, they are found in regions lined with field skin. These include, for example, the arms, legs, head or even the labia.

If the sebaceous glands are not attached to hair, they are called free sebaceous glands and are found in regions such as the lips, the ears, the nipples or even the labia minora. The basic function of sebaceous glands is to produce sebum. A relatively firm, whitish yellow secretion is called sebum.

It consists of various fats, such as fatty acids, waxes or cholesterol, and of proteins. The secretion of sebum produced by sebaceous glands is involuntary and is promoted by the vegetative nervous system and some hormones, among other things. The function of the sebum is to cover the upper layer of the skin and thus provide protection against foreign bodies and pathogens.

In addition, the sebum keeps the acidic skin environment constant. The function of the sebaceous glands is particularly essential in the area of the labia, which is why a relatively large number of them are found there. This protection can prevent bacteria and other pathogens from entering the skin.

This is further supported by maintaining the acidic skin environment. If the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, the skin may appear shiny. A side effect of increased sebum production by hair-bound sebaceous glands is “greasy hair”. In addition, increased sebum production, especially in clogged excretory ducts, can lead to acne. With age, sebum production decreases, making the skin drier and more vulnerable.

The diseases of the sebaceous glands

As on the whole body, many sebaceous glands are to be found also in the area of the labia. The clogging of the glands can lead to the fact that the sebum produced cannot be transported to the surface of the skin and thus accumulates under the skin, within the excretory duct and the gland. Possible consequences of such blockages are blackheads, small pimples or even larger sebaceous nodes.

These consequences are often perceived as unaesthetic, especially in the genital area, but in most cases they do not represent a disease value. In such cases, simple hygienic measures usually help to quickly relieve the pimples and blackheads.However, if the pimples do not relieve the symptoms, but instead may even become enlarged, hardened or even inflamed, a more intensive treatment should definitely be considered. If no treatment is given in such cases, painful inflammation and the distribution of the bacteria throughout the body may occur.

Blockages of sebaceous glands are not always avoidable. Excessive production of sebum within the sebaceous glands can be increased by very large sebaceous glands or by increased sweating. In addition, hormonal imbalance, stress or an unhealthy lifestyle are among the possible factors that can promote the constipation of sebaceous glands.

In the case of enlarged, painful, hardened and inflamed pimples, gentle cleansing agents should be used first. Various ointments can bring about an improvement here. These should help soften the skin and at the same time have a disinfectant effect.

In some cases, zinc ointments are also recommended. If there is no improvement, in severe cases a medicinal treatment can be applied. However, this should only be done in consultation with a doctor.

Nicotine and alcohol should be avoided for quick relief. Clogged sebaceous glands can lead to blackheads or pimples. If these remain untreated or if the blockage of the glands lasts longer than average, small to medium-sized, firm nodules can form from the pimples or the sebaceous glands that have accumulated in secretion.

These are very much at risk of becoming inflamed in the further course of the disease and therefore carry the danger of a reaction of the whole body. In such a case, treatment should be started under all circumstances. As a rule, this consists of treating the hardened nodules with your own household remedies, such as camomile baths and ointments.

If there is no improvement after these treatments, a doctor should be consulted at this point at the latest. In consultation with this doctor, a drug therapy can possibly be initiated. In very few cases, nodules in the labia region can also be caused by other, possibly malignant diseases.

In case of longer lasting, persistent nodules, a doctor should be consulted under all circumstances. Nicotine, alcohol and stress should be avoided as far as possible in the interest of quick relief. Sebaceous glands can be found all over the body – including the labia.

As with the rest of the body, sebaceous glands can also be found on the labia. If an excretory duct of a sebaceous gland is blocked for a longer period of time, the sebum can back up into the sebaceous gland, resulting in pimples filled with pus. In most cases, these pimples are completely harmless and heal all by themselves.

However, if bacteria penetrate the pimples or the secretion accumulates for an excessively long time, this can lead to inflammation of the sebaceous glands on the labia. In this case, the pimples and their surroundings may turn slightly reddish, painful and heated. In the case of the above-mentioned symptoms of an inflamed sebaceous gland, a doctor should always be consulted, as the inflammation can spread to other parts of the body in rare cases.

In addition, if the sebaceous glands are inflamed, a specific drug therapy may be necessary, which should be discussed with your doctor. In severe cases, the inflamed sebaceous gland may need to be emptied under local anesthesia. In these cases, consult your gynecologist or your family doctor.