Skip to main content
CSTSetup
Dictionary

sebaceous gland

A small gland in the skin that releases an oil (sebum) into the hair follicles to keep skin and hair soft.

suh-BAY-shus gland noun

What it means

Sebaceous glands are found almost everywhere except the palms and soles. Hormones at puberty make them more active, which plays a part in acne. With age they make less oil, so older adults' skin gets dry.

For the nurse

Teach older adults to use mild soap, bathe less often if the skin is dry and apply moisturizer.

At a glance

Spanishglándula sebácea
Also writtensebaceous glands

Related terms

folliculitis

Inflammation or infection of hair follicles, the small pockets in the skin that hairs grow from.

Filed under

Look up another word