The Relationship of Salivary Free Testosterone Concentration with Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Background: Acne Vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammatory and multifactorial disease involving the pilosebaceous unit. Androgen hormone plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acne. Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship of free testosterone concentration with the severity of acne vulgaris. Methods: This is an observational study using cross sectional design. This study conducted in Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo hospital, Hasanuddin University hospital, and other hospital networks and Prodia laboratory in Makassar starting from January until February 2015. The study samples are 42 patients who met the study criteria. There are 32 patients with AV who have been diagnosed clinically and 10 patients with non AV as a control group. Results: The free testosterone concentration and sebum levels in the AV group are higher compared to the control group (p 0.005), but there is a correlation between the free testosterone concentration with the increased of sebum levels. It is mean that even the free testosterone concentration and sebum levels are increased, the acne vulgaris is not necessarily severe, but the increased of free testosterone concentration makes the sebum levels increased. Conclusions: The free testosterone concentration and sebum levels are higher in the acne vulgaris group than the control group. There is no significant relationship of free testosterone concentration with acne vulgaris with p>0.05.