[Endocrine regulation mechanisms in the skin with special reference to steroid hormone receptors]

The aetiological factors involved in various dermatological diseases are often endocrine in origin. The interaction of hormones in the skin is multi-layered and the meaning of multiple hormonal activities in the skin itself not fully understood. This paper tries to present factors influencing the action of sexual steroids in the periphery and points to the relevance of hormone receptors. Hormonal interaction in the skin can be measured by hormone receptor determination. Present data seem to point to peripheral hormone metabolism which is independent of central hormone regulation in involved skin areas. Besides, "target-organ" sensitivity for hormonal stimulation seems to be elevated.