Managing Dermatologic Effects of Gender-Affirming Therapy in Transgender Adolescents

Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2022 Oct 7:13:93-106. doi: 10.2147/AHMT.S344078. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Transgender adolescents seek gender-affirming medical care to address gender identity and incongruence. Improved understanding of the dermatologic impact of gender-affirming medical care such as pubertal suppression, hormone therapy, and surgeries can enhance patient outcome. Pubertal suppression treats dysphoria associated with development of secondary sex characteristics, including androgen-driven acne. Gender-affirming hormone therapy influences acne and hair development in transgender adolescents. Dermatologists can help manage skin effects associated with chest binding and gender-affirming hormone therapy and surgery. Provision of patient-centered gender-affirming care in dermatologic and multidisciplinary settings is essential to improve skin and overall outcomes of gender-affirming therapy.

Keywords: acne; anti-androgen; estrogen; gender-affirming care; testosterone.

Publication types

  • Review