Which of the following disorders is caused by an unusual discharge by the oil glands?

Seborrhea is characterized by an overproduction of sebum, the oily substance produced by the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin. This excessive discharge can lead to oily skin and scalp, often accompanied by flaking or scaling. Seborrhea can manifest in various ways, such as dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, where the skin appears red and scaly. The primary cause is the malfunction of the oil glands, which is what distinguishes it from other skin disorders.

In contrast, athlete's foot is a fungal infection affecting the skin between the toes and is not associated with oil glands. Acne vulgaris is caused by clogged hair follicles due to a combination of oil production, dead skin cells, and bacteria, but it is not solely the result of an unusual discharge from oil glands. Rosacea involves persistent facial redness and visible blood vessels and is linked to inflammatory conditions rather than a direct issue with oil gland discharge. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why seborrhea is the disorder related to the problematic functioning of the oil glands.