Transgender, Gender-Diverse Individuals Report Acne-Related Stigma
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 3, 2024 -- Transgender and gender-diverse individuals report experiencing acne-related stigma, according to a study published online Jan. 3 in JAMA Dermatology.
Sarah Gold, from the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, and colleagues conducted a mixed-methods analysis at a multidisciplinary gender center using semistructured interviews and surveys to examine the lived experiences of acne and acne treatment in transgender and gender-diverse participants. Thirty-two individuals were included in the study: 17 transgender men, 11 transgender women, and four nonbinary participants.
The researchers found that 10, 11, and 11 participants self-rated their skin as currently clear or almost clear, with mild acne, or with moderate-to-severe acne (31, 34, and 34 percent, respectively). Experiences of rejection and bullying related to acne were described, and participants admitted avoiding social interactions in which they expected acne-related discrimination, which led to depression and anxiety. Body appearance dissatisfaction was worsened with acne. Transgender women reported that acne interfered with feminine gender expression, while transgender men frequently normalized acne development, perceiving it as a sign of testosterone action. Most of the participants tried over-the-counter treatments for acne; acne treatment advice was commonly sought from physicians, peers, online forums, and social media. Cost, lack of multidisciplinary care, mistrust toward the health care system, and lack of transgender-specific acne care education were barriers to acne treatment.
"Clinicians should proactively inquire, monitor, and treat acne to take the onus off the patient and facilitate acne care and should develop further research to guide evidence-based hormonal acne treatment," the authors write.
One author disclosed ties to Epidemiologic Research & Methods LLC.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted January 2024
Read this next
Changes in Gender Identity Not Tied to Depressive Symptoms in Youth
WEDNESDAY, May 29, 2024 -- Changes in gender identity are not associated with changes in depressive symptoms over time among sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth, according to a...
Trifarotene Plus Skin Care Beneficial for Acne Vulgaris
WEDNESDAY, May 8, 2024 -- Trifarotene plus skin care is beneficial for patients with moderate acne vulgaris (AV) and acne-induced hyperpigmentation (AIH), according to a study...
Lesbian, Bisexual Women Face Premature Death Versus Heterosexual Women
TUESDAY, May 7, 2024 -- Female nurses identifying as lesbian or bisexual have markedly earlier mortality than heterosexual nurses, according to a study published online April 25...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.