ADULT PREMENSTRUAL ACNE

Abstract

THE PILOSEBACEOUS structures apparently can be stimulated by a variety of substances, resulting in either acne vulgaris or acneform eruptions. Examples of diverse etiologic types of acne are borne out by tropical acne and chloracne. Bromides, iodides, and certain foods are known to produce acne in some patients or aggravate a previously existing eruption. Emotional factors and foci of infection may play a causal or contributory role. Acne has occurred following corticotropin (ACTH) and cortisone therapy and with adrenal and anterior pituitary tumors. Accumulating evidence points to the endocrine system as playing an important role in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. In recent years an excess of androgens, or a deficiency of estrogens, or varying the ratios between androgens and estrogens have received most emphasis as the major eiologic factors of adolescent acne. Most reports in the literature on the hormonal aspects of acne have dealt with the administration of estrogens. In spite of many favorable reports it