ACNE

In most instances acne is the result of overactivity of the sebaceous (oil producing) glands of the skin, and the accompanying inflammation or infection of these. This overactivity is most frequently due to the presence of an excessive amount of male sex hormones in the blood stream. Occasionally the overactivity of sebaceous glands (acne) may be due to an increased sensitivity of the glands to normal levels of male sex hormones. In rare instances acne may be present independently of male sex hormones as a manifestation of sebaceous gland hypersensitivity to a specific substance, e.g. chlorine acne, iodine acne, etc. Thus, the most fundamental approach to the treatment of acne in females is to lower the levels of male sex hormones. To accomplish this it is necessary to document the presence of excessive male sex hormone production, the site of its production and the cause of the over-production. It should be remembered that excessive production of male sex hormones causes not only acne, but also hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and ovulatory dysfunction. Thus, the presence of acne in females is usually a sign of an underlying ovarian or adrenal gland disease manifested by elevated androgen (male hormones) levels which, if left undiagnosed and untreated, lead to more pronounced ovulatory dysfunction, disorders of the menstrual cycle (abnormal vaginal bleeding), PMS, infertility, a variety of metabolic disorders, etc. Modern techniques are available to diagnose the endocrine disorders leading to the development of acne. In most instances appropriate therapy is highly effective to treat not only the symptoms (skin manifestations of acne, namely pimples) but also the condition, usually hyperandrogenism, leading to the development of acne.

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