Which integumentary system disorder is caused by increased sebum during adolescence?

• A. Acne
• B. Eczema
• C. Psoriasis
• D. Rosacea

Answer: (A)

Adolescence is marked by a rise in androgens, which stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (oil). This excess sebum, together with shed skin cells, can clog hair follicles. The trapped oil-rich environment fosters growth of skin bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes, leading to inflammation and the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads—classic acne. This direct link between hormonal-driven sebum increase and follicular blockage with inflammation is why acne is the disorder most associated with adolescence.

Eczema involves skin barrier dysfunction and immune responses leading to dry, itchy patches rather than a sebum-driven clogging process. Psoriasis is driven by autoimmune-driven rapid skin cell turnover. Rosacea is a chronic facial redness with vascular changes and sometimes inflammatory bumps, not primarily caused by excess sebum during adolescence.