What skin condition is caused by chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that arises from chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing sebum, an oily substance that helps keep the skin moisturized. This condition often manifests as red, flaky, and greasy patches on the scalp and face, particularly in areas where sebaceous glands are abundant, such as the nasolabial folds, eyebrows, and scalp. It can also lead to dandruff. The inflammation that characterizes seborrheic dermatitis is primarily a reaction to the overgrowth of yeast on the skin, along with individual responses to other environmental and genetic factors.

Understanding this condition as a result of sebaceous gland inflammation highlights why it differs from other skin conditions. For instance, psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes rapid skin cell production, leading to thick, scaly patches, while eczema is primarily related to allergic reactions and skin barrier dysfunction. Alopecia, on the other hand, is related to hair loss and is not directly caused by sebaceous gland activity. Thus, the unique relationship between chronic inflammation and the sebaceous glands makes seborrheic dermatitis the accurate answer in this context.