Sebaceous glands are small oil glands in the dermis that release an oily secretion called sebum. Most open into hair follicles, but some open straight onto the skin, as on the lips, eyelids (meibomian glands), nipples and genitals. They are largest and most numerous on the face, scalp, upper chest and back.
| Location | In the dermis, mostly attached to hair follicles; absent from the palms and soles |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Blood Supply | Dermal capillaries |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Secrete sebum that waterproofs and softens the skin and hair and has mild antimicrobial action.
They secrete by holocrine release, where whole cells break apart to discharge their contents. Androgens at puberty enlarge them and boost sebum output, which together with blocked follicles and bacteria leads to acne. Their absence on the palms and soles is why those areas have no hair and do not get acne.
Blocked, inflamed hair follicles and sebaceous glands producing comedones, pimples and cysts.
Benign enlargement of sebaceous glands forming small yellowish bumps on the face.
A common flaky, red rash in sebaceous-rich areas such as the scalp and face.
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