Transgender Adolescents and Acne: A Case Series

March 2018 in “ Pediatric Dermatology ”

Lucía Campos-Muñoz, Diego López-De Lara, Marina L. Rodríguez-Rojo, Alberto Conde‐Taboada, Eduardo López‐Bran

testosterone isotretinoin acne liver function monitoring teratogenic hepatotoxic testosterone treatment Accutane

TLDR Testosterone treatment in transgender teens can worsen acne, requiring careful treatment due to mental health and medication side effects.

The document from 2018 reported on a case series involving five female-to-male transgender adolescents aged 16-18 who experienced increased acne severity as a result of testosterone treatment. Two patients were treated with isotretinoin, with one discontinuing due to remission and the other due to depression, while the remaining patients received other acne treatments with regular liver function monitoring. The study highlighted the need for careful management of acne in transgender adolescents, considering the mental health risks and the ethical and medical implications of isotretinoin use, which is teratogenic and may have hepatotoxic effects when used with testosterone. The study underscored the higher prevalence of depression and suicide in the transgender population, which necessitates a cautious approach to acne treatment in this group.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

1 / 1 results

research Short- and Long-Term Clinical Skin Effects of Testosterone Treatment in Trans Men

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.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Started Finasteride almost three months ago and I'm upset

in Update 153 upvotes 9 months ago

A user started taking finasteride three months ago to treat hair loss and unexpectedly cleared their acne, which they had been struggling with since age 12. The conversation includes others sharing their experiences with finasteride, its effects on acne and hair loss, and mentions a related treatment, clascoterone, for acne and hair loss.

community Boys I am just a gonner. What on earth is my scalp even going through. Looks like world war 3. Pyril 3 months. Topical melitonin/progesterone/fin, dut, fin, oral min, laser trash, anus stimulation. Nothing. Donor area is decimated 😂.

in Progress Pictures 83 upvotes 2 years ago

Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis, a fungal scalp condition which can cause hair loss. Treatments discussed include antifungal shampoos, cold showers, exfoliating the scalp, taking Vitamin D, and stimulating the prostate through the anus.

community DHT levels after 4 weeks of Fina and 8 weeks of Fina + 4 weeks of Duta

in Update 35 upvotes 5 years ago

The user reported early stage diffuse hair thinning and increased DHT levels after 4 weeks on Finasteride and 8 weeks on Finasteride plus 4 weeks on Dutasteride, despite the medications being authentic and stored properly. They are considering increasing their Dutasteride dosage due to the lack of side effects and are unsure if the treatment is helping their hair.

community What else is good. Besides the big 3.

in Chat 34 upvotes 2 months ago

Key treatments for hair preservation include minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride, and microneedling, with additional options like specific shampoos, oils, biotin, zinc, tretinoin, clascoterone, and low-level laser therapy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and addressing nutrient deficiencies can also support hair health.

community Female diffuse hair loss on spiro with irregular periods (photos) + genetic hair loss

in Female 17 upvotes 2 months ago

A 34-year-old woman is experiencing diffuse hair loss and irregular periods, possibly due to long-term spironolactone use. She is considering minoxidil and finasteride for treatment and seeking medical advice for androgenic alopecia and hormonal imbalances.

community So excited! Just got dutasteride for free when I forever thought I’d have to pay! 😭

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 30 upvotes 2 years ago

A user who was able to get dutasteride for free with their insurance, and another user mentioning that finasteride is only covered if it is used for medical reasons.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Transgender Adolescents and Acne: A Case Series

24 citations, March 2018 in “Pediatric Dermatology”

Testosterone treatment in transgender teens can worsen acne, requiring careful treatment due to mental health and medication side effects.