Dermatologic Conditions in Transgender Populations

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2019 Jun;48(2):429-440. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2019.01.005.

Abstract

Transgender persons receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy and procedures may face specific skin conditions. Skin diseases in transgender patients often are underdiagnosed and underrecognized despite their important impact on quality of life and mental health. This article discusses pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of common skin diseases in the transgender populations. For transmasculine patients, conditions include acne vulgaris and male pattern hair loss. For transfeminine patients, conditions include hirsutism, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and melasma. Postprocedural keloids and other cutaneous complications are discussed. Unique aspects of skin health in transgender persons should be considered in the context of multidisciplinary gender-affirming care.

Keywords: Acne; Dermatology; Gender affirmation; Hair loss; Hirsutism; Keloid; Transgender.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris* / chemically induced
  • Acne Vulgaris* / etiology
  • Alopecia* / chemically induced
  • Alopecia* / etiology
  • Hirsutism* / chemically induced
  • Hirsutism* / etiology
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Keloid* / chemically induced
  • Keloid* / etiology
  • Sex Reassignment Procedures* / adverse effects
  • Transgender Persons*
  • Transsexualism* / drug therapy
  • Transsexualism* / surgery