Prepubertal acne: a cutaneous marker of androgen excess?

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Early-onset acne before obvious signs of puberty is an uncommon phenomenon.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to determine if prepubertal acne is associated with an excess of androgens.

METHODS:

Basal and adrenocorticotrophic hormone-stimulated plasma androgen levels were measured and bone age was determined in 15 children with early-onset acne.

RESULTS:

A late-onset adrenogenital syndrome caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency was diagnosed in two children. These children had early pubic hair development and advanced bone maturation. Heterozygosity for 21-hydroxylase deficiency was found in three other children.

CONCLUSION:

We recommend hormonal evaluation in children with prepubertal acne, especially those with associated advanced bone maturation and early pubarche.

• Authors: L De Raeve, J De Schepper, J Smitz
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 32 Issue 2 Pt 1 Pg. 181-4 (Feb 1995) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7829699 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Androgens
• Biomarkers
• Hydroxyprogesterones
• Testosterone
• Androstenedione
• Dehydroepiandrosterone
• Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
• 17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
• Steroid 21-Hydroxylase

Topics

• 17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone
• Acne Vulgaris (blood)
• Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (blood)
• Age Determination by Skeleton
• Age of Onset
• Androgens (blood)
• Androstenedione (blood)
• Basal Metabolism
• Biomarkers (blood)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (analogs & derivatives, blood)
• Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
• Female
• Heterozygote
• Humans
• Hydroxyprogesterones (blood)
• Male
• Puberty (blood)
• Sexual Maturation
• Steroid 21-Hydroxylase (genetics)
• Testosterone (blood)