Which condition is characterized by an inflammatory response in the skin's sebaceous glands?

Acne is a condition that is specifically characterized by an inflammatory response in the skin's sebaceous glands. This occurs when these glands become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to the formation of comedones, papules, pustules, and sometimes cysts. The inflammation results from the body's immune response to the bacteria often found in acne lesions.

In contrast, dermatitis refers to a broader category of skin inflammation that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as irritants or allergens, and it does not specifically involve the sebaceous glands. Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that causes loss of skin pigmentation without inflammation, while fungal infections typically involve crumbling skin and are caused by fungal pathogens, rather than an inflammatory response linked to sebaceous gland activity. Thus, the unique inflammatory nature of acne linked to sebaceous glands differentiates it from these other conditions.