English

Abstract

BACKGROUND There are certain hormones which have direct effect on the sebaceous glands in both the sexes, as excess sebum production is a prerequisite for the development of the acne. Hence this research article about the hormonal profile in adult patients of acne vulgaris. Hormonal parameters which includes androgens, growth hormone, insulin & insulin like growth factors, glucocorticoids, and ACTH. METHODS Selection criteria were the patients attending OPD in the Department of Skin and V.D. in our medical college. Patients within the age group of 12 to 45 years in both the sexes with acne vulgaris of grade 1 to grade 4 were included in this study. A randomized control study for a period of one year among 75 newly diagnosed patients were taken as cases and there were 75 patients in the control group who were free from acne. RESULTS Total 6% of males and 26.6% female patients had increased levels of testosterone. 39.2% and 20% of male and female patients had increased levels of DHEA-S respectively. Normal levels of growth hormone were found in both the groups of cases and controls. 6.6% of female patients had increased levels of insulin. CONCLUSIONS This study concluded that patients with severe acne, acne distributed along the jaw lines, recalcitrant acne not responding to conventional therapy and having other features of hyperandrogenism should be evaluated for the above-mentioned hormones to rule out the underlying hormonal abnormality leading to acne vulgaris. KEY WORDS Acne, Androgens, Growth Hormone, Glucocorticoids, Insulin, Insulin Like Growth Factor.