Dermatol. praxi. 2011;5(3):126-130

Hormonal contraception of acne in the treatment

MUDr.Petr Křepelka, Ph.D.
Ústav pro péči o matku a dítě Praha
Katedra gynekologie a porodnictví 3. LF UK Praha
Katedra gynekologie a porodnictví IPVZ Praha

Acne vulgaris affects more than 40 % of adolescent women. An enhanced sebaceous gland activity with hyperceratinisation, follicular

occlusion, Propiobacterium acnes overgrowth and inflammatory reaction belongs to the major pathogenetic factors of acne. Hormonal

antiandrogen treatment targets the androgen-metabolizing cells of the pilosebaceous unit. OCs reduce acne lesions by complex effect:

increasing sex hormone-binding globulins levels, decreasing free testosterone and androgen levels , by blocking of androgen receptors

and inhibiting of peripheral androgen conversion. The combinations of ethinyl estradiol with cyproterone acetate, dienogest, drospirenone

and chlormadinone acetate have shown the strongest antiacne activity. Successful treatment of acne with hormonal contraception

requires missing of any generally known contraindications.

Keywords: acne, hormonal contraceptions, antiandrogenic progestins

Published: November 1, 2011  Show citation

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Křepelka P. Hormonal contraception of acne in the treatment. Dermatol. praxi. 2011;5(3):126-130.
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