A comparative study of sebum secretion rates and skin types in individuals with and without acne

 

Ajay Govindrao Ovhal^1*, Jerajani H R², Dhurat R S³

 

Abstract              Background: Sebum is always listed as one of the important factors involved in the pathogenesis of acne.The activity of sebaceous gland has been evaluated by measuring the Sebum Excretion Rate (SER). The facial SER depends upon the topography of the face. Aim: To compare sebum secretion rates and skin types in individuals with and without acne. Material and Methods: In this prospective clinical study, a total of 100 individuals 60 patients (Study group) and 40 (Control group) were enrolled. Facial sebum secretions were measured using a Sebumeter from five different facial sites. Results: Despite of having oily skin type in more number of acne patients, there were no statistically significant differences of sebum secretion between the acne and control groups in any facial region. Contrary to finding in oily skin type, in the normal skin type, the patient group showed more sebum secretion than the control group in all facial regions. The non-inflammatory lesions were significantly more in oily skin than normal skin type, whereas mean inflammatory lesions were not significantly more in oily skin type. Conclusion: In patients with acne, sebummay be the one of the factors in pathogenesis of acne. Sebum secretion correlated with inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions in T-zone but not in U-zone. Thus, other factors responsible for pathogenesis of acne, as a whole should also be considered

Key Word: Acne, sebum, oily skin, Sebumeter,Sebum Excretion Rate