Hormonal Therapies for Acne: A Comprehensive Update for Dermatologists

Abstract Introduction Acne impairs quality of life, often leads to permanent scars, and causes psychological distress. This review aims to update dermatologists on the Federal Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and off-label use of combined oral contraceptives (COC), clascoterone, spironolactone, an...

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Main Authors: Courtney A. Smith, Emily Gosnell, Turkan Banu Karatas, Chelsea Deitelzweig, Elizabeth M. B. Collins, Howa Yeung
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Adis, Springer Healthcare 2025-01-01
Series:Dermatology and Therapy
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-024-01324-8
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author Courtney A. Smith
Emily Gosnell
Turkan Banu Karatas
Chelsea Deitelzweig
Elizabeth M. B. Collins
Howa Yeung
author_facet Courtney A. Smith
Emily Gosnell
Turkan Banu Karatas
Chelsea Deitelzweig
Elizabeth M. B. Collins
Howa Yeung
author_sort Courtney A. Smith
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Introduction Acne impairs quality of life, often leads to permanent scars, and causes psychological distress. This review aims to update dermatologists on the Federal Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and off-label use of combined oral contraceptives (COC), clascoterone, spironolactone, and emerging hormonal therapies for acne treatment. Methods We reviewed current literature on hormonal acne treatments and discussed common patient concerns, barriers to care, and individualized care needs. Results Different brands and dosings of COC have generally similar efficacy in treating acne. Dermatologists should discuss contraceptive options and provide individualized shared decision-making with patients based on patient preferences, contraceptive needs, comorbidity profile, access, and cost. Spironolactone is an effective acne treatment with clinical trial data to support its use as a first-line acne treatment for women with acne. Potassium monitoring is of low value for patients on spironolactone unless patients have specific risk factors for hyperkalemia. Clascoterone is a safe and effective topical anti-androgen for the treatment of acne in men and women with limited systemic effects on reproductive hormones. Conclusion Hormonal therapies are essential strategies to treat acne. Clinicians should expand the use of existing and emerging hormone therapy as part of their acne treatment strategies.
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series Dermatology and Therapy
spelling doaj-art-71f5bfbfd12b47ddb66baed84477c5622025-02-02T12:09:44ZengAdis, Springer HealthcareDermatology and Therapy2193-82102190-91722025-01-01151455910.1007/s13555-024-01324-8Hormonal Therapies for Acne: A Comprehensive Update for DermatologistsCourtney A. Smith0Emily Gosnell1Turkan Banu Karatas2Chelsea Deitelzweig3Elizabeth M. B. Collins4Howa Yeung5Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of MedicineDepartment of Dermatology, Emory University School of MedicineDepartment of Dermatology, Emory University School of MedicineDepartment of Dermatology, Emory University School of MedicineDepartment of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of MedicineDepartment of Dermatology, Emory University School of MedicineAbstract Introduction Acne impairs quality of life, often leads to permanent scars, and causes psychological distress. This review aims to update dermatologists on the Federal Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and off-label use of combined oral contraceptives (COC), clascoterone, spironolactone, and emerging hormonal therapies for acne treatment. Methods We reviewed current literature on hormonal acne treatments and discussed common patient concerns, barriers to care, and individualized care needs. Results Different brands and dosings of COC have generally similar efficacy in treating acne. Dermatologists should discuss contraceptive options and provide individualized shared decision-making with patients based on patient preferences, contraceptive needs, comorbidity profile, access, and cost. Spironolactone is an effective acne treatment with clinical trial data to support its use as a first-line acne treatment for women with acne. Potassium monitoring is of low value for patients on spironolactone unless patients have specific risk factors for hyperkalemia. Clascoterone is a safe and effective topical anti-androgen for the treatment of acne in men and women with limited systemic effects on reproductive hormones. Conclusion Hormonal therapies are essential strategies to treat acne. Clinicians should expand the use of existing and emerging hormone therapy as part of their acne treatment strategies.https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-024-01324-8Acne vulgarisHormonal therapiesPathogenesisAndrogens
spellingShingle Courtney A. Smith
Emily Gosnell
Turkan Banu Karatas
Chelsea Deitelzweig
Elizabeth M. B. Collins
Howa Yeung
Hormonal Therapies for Acne: A Comprehensive Update for Dermatologists
Dermatology and Therapy
Acne vulgaris
Hormonal therapies
Pathogenesis
Androgens
title Hormonal Therapies for Acne: A Comprehensive Update for Dermatologists
title_full Hormonal Therapies for Acne: A Comprehensive Update for Dermatologists
title_fullStr Hormonal Therapies for Acne: A Comprehensive Update for Dermatologists
title_full_unstemmed Hormonal Therapies for Acne: A Comprehensive Update for Dermatologists
title_short Hormonal Therapies for Acne: A Comprehensive Update for Dermatologists
title_sort hormonal therapies for acne a comprehensive update for dermatologists
topic Acne vulgaris
Hormonal therapies
Pathogenesis
Androgens
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-024-01324-8
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