TLDR Transgender individuals face unique skin issues, often due to hormone therapy, requiring specialized and stigma-free dermatologic care.
This systematic review highlights the unique dermatological challenges faced by transgender and gender-diverse individuals, particularly influenced by gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and social factors. Key findings include a high incidence of acne (25–88%) in transgender men on testosterone therapy, with alopecia occurring after more than 2 years of GAHT. Hidradenitis suppurativa is worsened by androgen exposure, while hair removal procedures are necessary but can lead to complications like folliculitis and scarring. Transgender women show a high prevalence of HPV/HIV-related dermatoses, with HIV rates up to 40% in some groups. The review emphasizes the need for dermatologic care that combines medical treatment with efforts to reduce stigma and improve healthcare access and equity.
April 2024 in “Pediatric dermatology” Transgender and gender diverse youth often have skin issues like acne and scarring, but few get referred to dermatologists.
1 citations
,
January 2022 in “Transgender health” Hormone therapy in transgender individuals can increase acne and affect hair growth and loss.
3 citations
,
February 2021 in “JAMA Dermatology” Masculinizing hormone therapy increases the risk of hair loss in transgender and gender-diverse patients.
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.
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.
50 citations
,
February 2013 in “Annals of Clinical Biochemistry” Understanding how DHT works is important for diagnosing and treating hormone-related disorders.
September 2024 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery” Bicalutamide may help treat female pattern hair loss.
1 citations
,
January 2021 in “Journal of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association” The convention discussed various skin conditions and treatments, and highlighted the importance of vaccinations for patients on immune-altering medications.
November 2015 in “Springer eBooks” Hair loss treated with minoxidil, finasteride, laser/light, hair transplant, and scalp prostheses; more research needed for skin of color.
