TLDR LGBT individuals have unique skin health needs, including higher STD risks and side effects from gender-affirming treatments, requiring dermatologists to offer knowledgeable and culturally competent care.
The document from 2019 addresses the specific dermatologic health concerns and disparities among LGBT individuals, with a focus on MSM, WSW, and transgender patients. It outlines the increased risk of infectious diseases like HIV, syphilis, and other STDs in MSM, as well as non-infectious conditions such as skin cancer, and stresses the need for tailored screening and preventive care. WSW are noted to have disparities in STDs, and the importance of safer sex practices is emphasized. For transgender patients, the document discusses the dermatologic implications of hormonal therapy and gender-affirming surgery, including the management of side effects like acne and alopecia. A case series mentioned in the document showed that 10 transgender men with grade IV alopecia treated with finasteride 1 mg daily experienced a 1-grade improvement in an average of 5.5 months. The document also addresses the side effects of practices like chest binding in transgender men and the challenges of facial hair removal in transgender women. It concludes with a call for dermatologists to be knowledgeable about LGBT health issues and to provide culturally competent care.
32 citations,
July 2017 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Finasteride effectively treats hair loss in transgender men with few side effects.
126 citations,
February 2017 in “JAMA Surgery” Surgeons must understand the full care process for gender confirmation surgery to help transgender individuals effectively.
41 citations,
December 2016 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology” Hormone therapy and surgeries for transgender individuals affect their skin and hair, requiring specific dermatologic treatments and respectful care.
33 citations,
May 2016 in “Translational andrology and urology” Laser hair removal before genital surgery can prevent complications and improve patient satisfaction.
162 citations,
April 2016 in “The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology” Testosterone therapy in transgender men has both desired effects like increased muscle mass and potential health risks such as higher cardiovascular risk.
210 citations,
November 2015 in “The Lancet HIV” PrEP for HIV is less effective in transgender women mainly due to low adherence to the treatment.
110 citations,
January 2014 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine” Testosterone treatment in trans men increases body and facial hair and may lead to hair loss over time, but severe skin issues are rare.
176 citations,
August 2000 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Hormone treatments in transsexual individuals reduce hair growth and oil production in male-to-females and increase them in female-to-males.
21 citations,
April 2019 in “Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America” Transgender patients need proper skin care, especially when undergoing hormone treatments, to manage issues like acne and hair loss.
28 citations,
October 2018 in “Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology” Testosterone therapy seems safe and effective for transgender men with proper care, but more long-term research is needed.
17 citations,
June 2018 in “Sexual Medicine Reviews” The document concludes that non-operative treatment for gender dysphoria is safe and effective, and hormone therapy does not increase cancer risk.
November 2023 in “Australasian journal of dermatology” Dermatologists are essential in helping transgender and gender diverse patients with skin and hair issues related to gender affirmation and hormone therapy.
21 citations,
March 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” The review highlights the need for more research on transgender dermatology, the role of dermatologists in gender affirmation, and the effects of hormone therapy on skin and hair.
