Login / Signup

The cutaneous effects of androgens and androgen-mediated sebum production and their pathophysiologic and therapeutic importance in acne vulgaris.

James Q Del RossoLeon Kircik
Published in: The Journal of dermatological treatment (2024)
Background: The recognition of an association between the development of acne vulgaris (AV) and pubertal hormonal changes during adolescence dates back almost 100 years. Since these formative observations, a significant role of circulating hormones in the pathophysiology of AV and other cutaneous disorders has been established. Aims: This review article aims to provide an overview of clinical and preclinical evidence supporting the influences of androgens on the skin and their therapeutic importance in AV pathophysiology. Results: The cutaneous effects of hormones are attributable, to a large extent, to the influence of steroid hormones, particularly androgens, on sebocyte development and sebum production in both sexes. Androgen-mediated excess sebum production is implicated as a necessary early step in AV pathophysiology and is therefore considered an important therapeutic target in AV treatment. Although the local production and/or activity of androgens within the skin is believed to be important in AV pathophysiology, it has received limited therapeutic attention. Conclusions: We have summarized the current evidence in support of the therapeutic benefits of targeted hormonal treatment to decrease androgen-stimulated sebum production for the effective and safe treatment of AV in both male and female patients.
Keyphrases
  • type diabetes
  • stem cells
  • end stage renal disease
  • depressive symptoms
  • drug delivery
  • prognostic factors
  • adipose tissue
  • polycystic ovary syndrome
  • bone marrow
  • wound healing
  • patient reported outcomes