Hormonal Acne: Leading to a Paradigm Shift in the Management of Acne
June 2013
in “
Expert Review of Dermatology
”
hormonal therapy acne vulgaris hormonal imbalances androgens IGF-I corticotrophin-releasing hormone nonclassical adrenal hyperplasia HAIR-AN syndrome polycystic ovary syndrome androgen production inhibitors androgen receptor blockers hyperandrogenism hormonal treatment acne insulin-like growth factor I CRH NCAH PCOS
TLDR The article concludes that hormonal therapy is an effective long-term acne treatment, even for those without hormonal imbalances.
The 2013 article suggests a paradigm shift towards hormonal therapy for managing acne vulgaris, a disease influenced by hormones, sebum production, keratin formation, bacterial colonization, and inflammation. Hormonal imbalances, particularly during periods of excess, exacerbate acne, with androgens and factors like IGF-I and corticotrophin-releasing hormone being implicated. Conditions like nonclassical adrenal hyperplasia, HAIR-AN syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and others underline acne's multifactorial nature. Hormonal treatments, which can be used long-term and are effective even without hormonal abnormalities, include androgen production inhibitors, androgen receptor blockers, and other agents. The article emphasizes considering hormonal therapy for acne that is resistant to conventional treatments, highlighting its effectiveness in both women and men with signs of hyperandrogenism.
