Resistant acne may respond to hormone therapy: consider if androgen levels are high.(Dermatologic Therapy)

Publication: Skin & Allergy News

Publication Date: 01-APR-04

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COPYRIGHT 2004 International Medical News Group

DORADO, P.R. -- When a woman does not respond adequately to conventional acne treatment, it's time to start thinking about adding on hormone therapy, Dr. Diane Thiboutot said at the Caribbean Dermatology Symposium.

"Most times I add hormonal therapy to conventional acne therapy because I think it works best as an adjunct," said Dr. Thiboutot of Pennsylvania State University, Hershey.

Hormonal therapy should be considered if androgen levels are elevated due to either the ovaries or the adrenal gland. Hormonal therapy can also work quite well in women with normal androgen levels.

"Hormonal therapy could be a reasonable alternative to repeated courses of isotretinoin or antibiotics," she said.

When treating women for acne, Dr. Thiboutot recommends starting with conventional therapies such as topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide,...

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