Dermatologic needs of transgender and gender diverse youth: A retrospective cohort study

Pediatr Dermatol. 2024 Apr 15. doi: 10.1111/pde.15628. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Several dermatologic concerns are known to disproportionally affect transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) adults, but little is known about dermatologic conditions in TGD youth. This study assesses the prevalence of acne, androgenic alopecia, scarring from gender-affirming procedures, and eczema in pediatric TGD patients seen at Boston Children's Hospital between April 2021 and April 2022. The results demonstrate that, for TGD youth, the studied dermatologic concerns are common, referral rates to dermatology are low, and acne is significantly associated with testosterone use. Future studies should examine additional dermatologic concerns and barriers to accessing dermatologic care for this historically underserved population.

Keywords: acne; health care delivery; quality of life.