title: Effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids on the pilosebaceous unit.
abstract: Examination of skin biopsy specimens from persons using anabolic-androgenic steroids demonstrates dramatic hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands. High dosages of testosterone and anabolic-androgenic steroids, often self-administered by athletes, increase skin surface lipids, the cutaneous population of Propionibacteria acnes and the cholesterol and free fatty acids of the skin surface lipids. Acne, oily hair and skin, sebaceous cysts, hirsutism, androgenic alopecia, striae atrophicae, seborrheic dermatitis, and secondary infections including furunculosis may occur in persons using these drugs.
authors.affiliation: Seattle Dermatology Center, Washington.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000139:chemically induced; D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004300:Doping in Sports; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000187:drug effects*; D006201:Hair Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012627:Sebaceous Glands / Q000187:drug effects*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D045930:Anabolic Agents; D013739:Testosterone