What skin issue can arise from an increase in sebum production?

Acne vulgaris is a skin condition that commonly arises due to an increase in sebum production. Sebum is an oily substance produced by sebaceous glands, which are associated with hair follicles in the skin. When these glands produce excessive sebum, it can lead to the clogging of hair follicles. This creates an environment conducive to the growth of acne-causing bacteria, particularly Propionibacterium acnes.

The presence of excess sebum, combined with dead skin cells, can cause the formation of comedones, which are the basic lesions of acne. These can be either open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads), and inflammation of these clogged follicles can lead to more severe forms of acne such as papules and pustules.

In contrast, other skin issues listed such as contact dermatitis, cellulitis, and erysipelas do not primarily stem from increased sebum production. Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction to allergens or irritants, cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues, and erysipelas is a specific type of bacterial infection affecting the dermis and upper subcutaneous tissue. These conditions have different underlying causes and mechanisms, highlighting the unique role that sebum plays in the pathogenesis of acne