Why does skin become more susceptible to fungal infections when sebum production is abnormally low, such as in some forms of eczema?

💡 Explanation

Fungal infections increase when sebum is low because the sebum contributes lipids to the skin's lipid barrier, preventing fungal penetration. Therefore, compromised sebum production impairs the barrier function, rather than directly affecting keratinocytes or collagen, allowing fungi to colonize.

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