Acne Development in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

November 2018 in “ Clinical and Experimental Dermatology ”

A. Rajan, J. Grotts, Chee-Leok Goh

androgenetic alopecia acne vulgaris hyperandrogenism insulin resistance AGA acne

Studysummary This correspondence discusses acne development in male androgenetic alopecia but reports no new clinical findings. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

Male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and acne vulgaris may be linked through hyperandrogenism. A retrospective chart review of 339 male patients with AGA aged 18-65 years at UCLA Dermatology Clinic during the period 2013-2017 was performed. The study found a statistically significant risk of having a concurrent diagnosis of acne in patients with underlying AGA compared with healthy controls. The study suggests that AGA is part of a systemic condition of hyperandrogenism requiring comprehensive treatment and management, owing to complications such as acne, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and insulin resistance.

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