This is an in-depth article that may help certain patients. Full text is available online.
Tobechi
L. Ebede, MD, Department of Dermatology, Weill-Cornell Medical Center,
New York, New York; Emily L. Arch, MD, Division of Dermatology,
NorthShore University HealthSystem, Skokie, Illinois; Diane Berson, MD,
Department of Dermatology, Weill-Cornell Medical Center, New York, New
York
Disclosure: Drs. Ebede and Arch report no
relevant conflicts of interest. Dr. Berson serves as a consultant
and/or on the advisory board for Stiefel, Medicis, OrthoNeutrogena,
Dusa, La Roche-Posay, and Galderma.
Abstract: Acne vulgaris is a common and chronic disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. Standard treatment protocols include topical retinoids, topical and oral antimicrobials, and isotretinoin. Hormonal therapies can be added to the regimen in some patients. This article will review the hormonal pathogenesis of acne, discuss the basics of an endocrine evaluation, and provide an overview of the current hormonal treatment options in women. (J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2009;2(12):16–22.)