Dermatologic Care of the Transgender Patient

The 2016 document reviews the dermatologic concerns of transgender patients, highlighting the effects of hormonal therapy on skin and hair. It notes that male-to-female (MTF) transgender patients often require hair removal and experience skin softening and reduced acne, while female-to-male (FTM) transgender patients typically see an increase in acne and body and facial hair growth due to testosterone therapy. The review mentions a study of 20 FTM transsexuals, all of whom showed increased hair growth after six months, and 31% experienced androgenic alopecia after an average of 10 years on hormonal therapy. It also discusses the risks associated with illicit silicone injections and the importance of post-surgical dermatologic care. The document concludes with a call for more research to improve dermatologic care for transgender individuals, including the study of acne treatment in trans men, hair removal methods in trans women, and the long-term skin effects of gender-affirming surgeries.