Treating Acne in Transgender Persons Receiving Testosterone: A Practical Guide

Transgender persons who undergo masculinizing hormone therapy experience a wide array of dermatologic effects as they initiate and maintain testosterone therapy. Acne is one of the most common adverse effects for many transmasculine patients receiving testosterone. Acne can worsen body image and mental health, with significant impact on quality of life in transgender patients. Specific training and awareness are needed for a clinically and culturally competent encounter while providing care for the transgender patient. This article provides a practical guide for the treatment of testosterone-induced acne in transmasculine patients. Recommendations on creating a welcoming clinical setting, taking a gender-inclusive history, and conducting a patient-centered physical examination relevant to acne care are provided. Assessment of reproductive potential and the appropriate contraceptive methods before prescribing acne treatment with teratogenic potential in transmasculine patients are examined. Interactions between acne treatments with gender-affirming therapies are explored. For patients with severe or treatment-refractory acne, indications, contraindications, and barriers to isotretinoin prescription, such as the US iPLEDGE program, are examined. Multidisciplinary approaches to acne care, involving mental health, reproductive health, gender-affirming hormone therapy and surgeries, are adopted to guide isotretinoin treatment.