Which skin condition is characterized by excessive sebum production?

Acne vulgaris is characterized by excessive sebum production, which contributes significantly to the formation of the condition. Sebum is an oily substance produced by sebaceous glands in the skin. When these glands become overactive, they can produce too much sebum, leading to blocked hair follicles. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, resulting in the inflammatory lesions commonly associated with acne, such as pimples and cysts.

Understanding the role of sebum in acne vulgaris is essential, as it highlights the relationship between oil production and acne formation. The other conditions listed, while they have their own causes and presentations, do not primarily relate to excessive sebum production. For instance, eczema is associated with skin inflammation, psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, and boils are infections that lead to a localized collection of pus in the skin.