Distinguishing Gender Identity From Biological Sex in Dermatologic Health Care: Methods, Harms, and Paths Forward

June 2023 in “ JMIR dermatology ”

Noah Nigro, Neal Chandnani, Athena Doshi, Alexa Fritsch, Nathaniel A. Marroquin, Morgan Zuegar, Torunn Sivesind, Robert P. Dellavalle, Cory A. Dunnick

acne vulgaris androgenetic alopecia excessive sebum production melasma hirsutism gender-affirming therapies acne male pattern baldness oily skin dark spots excessive hair growth

TLDR The conclusion is that recognizing the difference between gender identity and biological sex is crucial in dermatology to improve patient care and research accuracy.

The research emphasizes the importance of accurately distinguishing between gender identity and biological sex in dermatology research, as their conflation can undermine patient respect and study accuracy. The study highlights the disparities in skin disease rates, skincare practices, and literature representation, particularly the underrepresentation of transgender and nonbinary patients. It also discusses the impact of gender-affirming therapies on skin health, such as increased risk of acne vulgaris, androgenetic alopecia, excessive sebum production, melasma, and hirsutism. The research also points out the lack of data on gender minority participation in clinical trials and the need for more inclusive treatment eligibility models. The study suggests that medical professionals should receive training in gender-inclusive terminology to foster a welcoming environment for patients.

View this study on derma.jmir.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research Dermatologic Conditions in Transgender Populations

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.

research Gender Aspects in Skin Diseases

48 citations, April 2010 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Men are more likely to get infectious skin diseases, while women are more prone to autoimmune and pigment-related skin conditions, influenced by biological and environmental factors.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 531 results

community Androgenetic alopecia is a skin disease: DHT-mediated skin disorders

in Research/Science 64 upvotes 11 months ago

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) impacts various skin conditions, including Androgenetic alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis, by causing overactivity in sebaceous glands. Topical medications Tacrolimus and Clobetasol can reduce these inflammatory conditions, and treatments like RU58841, Minoxidil, and Finasteride may also be beneficial.

community DHT Itch is real. The connection between Acne and Male Pattern Baldness shows this

in Research/Science 64 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses the link between seborrheic dermatitis, acne, and male pattern baldness, suggesting that DHT may cause both skin conditions and hair loss. Treatments mentioned include RU58841, finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, Nizoral shampoo, and other topical anti-androgens.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 1 month ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Most Recent Interesting Hairloss Studies: 10% Minox vs 5% Minox / Radio Rrequency Treatment for AA / Topical Ketoconazole / PRP+Minox vs Minox vs PRP / Alopecia as a systemic disease

in Treatment 89 upvotes 4 years ago

Treatments for hair loss, such as topical minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma therapy with or without minoxidil, ketoconazole, non-abative radio frequency, natural products, finasteride and cortexolone 17 alpha propionate. The post evaluates the efficacy and safety of these treatments in various studies.

community GT20029 Anageninc Market Availability

in Research/Science 165 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses the potential market release of a hair loss treatment called GT20029 by Anageninc, with users expressing interest and discussing the importance of safety and effectiveness. Some users plan to contact Anageninc to show demand for the product.

community Kintor Has Completed Enrollment in Phase II Clinical Trial of KX-826 (Pyrilutamide) for Treatment of Male AGA Patients in the US

in Update 23 upvotes 2 years ago

KX-826 (Pyrilutamide) being tested in the US for hair loss treatment and that they have found enough people to participate in phase II clinical trials. Other treatments discussed are Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.

Related Research

2 / 2 results

research Distinguishing Gender Identity From Biological Sex in Dermatologic Health Care: Methods, Harms, and Paths Forward

June 2023 in “JMIR dermatology”

The conclusion is that recognizing the difference between gender identity and biological sex is crucial in dermatology to improve patient care and research accuracy.

research Distinguishing Gender Identity From Biological Sex in Dermatologic Health Care: Methods, Harms, and Paths Forward

March 2023

Accurate gender and sex assessment in dermatology is essential for respectful and precise patient care.