Question

Escape of sebum into the dermis is the cause of inflammation in which disorder? a. Moniliasis b. Impetigo c. Acne vulgaris d. Psoriasis

Short answer

c. Acne vulgaris

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Concept

Identify the term 'sebum'. Sebum is an oily substance produced by sebaceous glands to moisturize and protect the skin.

Correlate with Disorders

Consider which skin disorders are related to the sebaceous glands. Recall that Acne vulgaris is directly linked to the sebaceous glands.

Focus on the Cause

Note the phrase 'escape of sebum into the dermis'. This means a blockage or disruption in the sebaceous glands, causing sebum to spill into surrounding dermal tissue.

Match the Description

Compare the descriptions of each disorder: Moniliasis (a fungal infection), Impetigo (a bacterial infection), Acne vulgaris (a chronic inflammatory condition of sebaceous glands), Psoriasis (a chronic skin condition). Only Acne vulgaris fits the description involving sebum.

Key concepts

sebum production

Sebum is a crucial substance for maintaining healthy skin. It's produced by sebaceous glands, which are tiny glands found in the dermis layer of our skin. They connect to hair follicles and release sebum through these follicles. Sebum itself is an oily substance made up of fatty acids, lipids, and other organic compounds.
It plays several important roles in skin health, including:

• Moisturizing: Sebum helps to keep the skin hydrated by slowing down the evaporation of water from the skin's surface.
• Protecting: It forms a protective barrier that guards against bacteria, fungi, and other potential contaminants.
• Lubricating: Sebum ensures that our hair remains soft and doesn't become brittle.

However, issues arise when sebum production becomes too intense or when it gets blocked. Excessive sebum can lead to oily skin, while blockages can cause conditions like acne.

skin disorders

The skin, being the body's largest organ, is susceptible to various disorders. These conditions can be caused by infections, genetics, immune reactions, and even the malfunction of the sebaceous glands.
Here are some notable skin disorders that are often caused by different factors:

• Moniliasis: Also known as candidiasis, this is a fungal infection caused by yeast. It usually affects the mouth, and skin folds, and can cause itching and redness.
• Impetigo: This is a highly contagious bacterial infection. It's characterized by red sores that burst and develop honey-colored crusts, often seen in young children.
• Psoriasis: A chronic autoimmune condition that causes rapid skin cell turnover. This leads to the formation of thick, scaly patches on the skin.

Unlike the others, Acne vulgaris directly involves the sebaceous glands and sebum production. It is a multifactorial disorder involving excess sebum, blocked hair follicles, and bacterial infections leading to inflammation.

inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury, infection, or irritants. It's an essential part of our immune system's way of protecting and healing our bodies. In the case of skin inflammation, it can be triggered by various factors, including excessive sebum production and blockages.
Here's how inflammation is linked specifically to Acne vulgaris:

• Blocked Follicles: When sebum and dead skin cells clog hair follicles, it creates a perfect environment for bacteria.
• Bacterial Growth: Propionibacterium acnes, a common skin bacterium, thrives in these clogged environments, leading to infections.
• Immune Response: The body responds to the bacterial infection with inflammation, evidenced by redness, swelling, and sometimes pain.

This inflammatory response is what causes the characteristic redness and swelling seen in acne lesions. Other inflammatory conditions, like psoriasis, may involve different mechanisms but also lead to red, swollen, and sometimes painful skin areas.