Pilo-sebaceous duct physiology.

Abstract

We have used surface microscopy to measure the pil-sebaceous duct orifices at different sites in 150 subjects. Our data have shown that there are more pilo-sebaceous units on the face compared to the back and that these exists are smaller on the face. Despite the small exit the sebum excretion rate per gland on the forehead was not significantly different from that on the back. Thus the number of pilo-sebaceous duct units and the pilo-sebaceous canal exit size are possible factors in the localization of acne.

Digital image analysis of the effect of topically applied linoleic acid on acne microcomedones

“…Objective assessment of the efficacy of acne treatment benefits from biometrological methods. 9 Among these, the cyanoacrylate follicular biopsy was developed as an extension of skin surface stripping, [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] and refers to a non-invasive collection of stratum corneum and follicular material using cyanoacrylate adhesive. The material so sampled from the upper portion of a follicular duct is referred to as a follicular cast and reflects the balance between comedo formation and lysis.…”

“…The material so sampled from the upper portion of a follicular duct is referred to as a follicular cast and reflects the balance between comedo formation and lysis. This method is a good means of studying acne microcomedones, [11][12][13][14][15][17][18][19] and there is no doubt that patients prone to acne have, even in their clinically normal pilosebaceous ducts, abnormal accumulations of cornified cells. 9,11,19 In this study, the follicular biopsy, in combination with digital image analysis, has been used to study the effects of topical linoleic acid on the size of follicular casts and microcomedones of the faces of acne-prone patients.…”

Effects of swimming on facial sebum in adolescents

“…One theory is that facial pilosebaceous duct hyperhydration during long-term water immersion causes a compensatory "rebound" increase in sebum, resulting in an increased propensity for acne. 2 To assess patterns of change in sebum levels in adolescent swimmers, we measured changes in facial sebum levels both on surface skin and in the follicles before and after swimming.…”

“…The observation that acne occurs in swimmers at normal, or perhaps higher rates, 1 seems somewhat unexpected given regular immersion in typically antimicrobial water and lower sebum levels as a likely cause of skin dryness. One theory is that facial pilosebaceous duct hyperhydration during long‐term water immersion causes a compensatory “rebound” increase in sebum, resulting in an increased propensity for acne 2 . To assess patterns of change in sebum levels in adolescent swimmers, we measured changes in facial sebum levels both on surface skin and in the follicles before and after swimming.…”