Drugs that can induce acne

Acne reactions caused by medications are usually self-limiting,which means they disappear when the drugs are stopped. If the drug must be taken for an extended period of time, the ACNE or acnelike lesions can be treated with the same medications that are
used to fight most forms.Corticosteroids
Oral corticosteroids are synthetic derivatives of the natural steroid,cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands. They’re prescribed for a large number of serious inflammatory diseases.They’re called “systemic” steroids if taken by mouth or given by injection as opposed to topical corticosteroids (see the next sec-
tion), which are applied directly to the skin. Prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone are examples.
These drugs sometimes produce inflammatory acnegenic lesions consisting of papules or pustules that have a tendency to appear on the chest and/or back (sometimes called steroid folliculitis). They disappear after the medication is stopped. Comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) are generally absent from steroid-induced acne.The overuse of potent topical corticosteroids (used for many skin conditions) on the face can cause a condition similar to acne. It is known as steroid-induced rosacea. I discuss this condition and its treatment coming posts.I realize that this sounds somewhat contradictory, since the oral corticosteroid drugs are anti-inflammatory, and it would appear that they would actually be used to treat. If fact, they are used for treatment under special circumstances. Sometimes they’re used to treat the nodules and acnetic scars by injection. I describe these situations later. And on special occasions, we dermatologists prescribe corticosteroids orally for short three-to-five-day, low-dose “bursts” as an “emergency” treatment to wipe out acne for a special occasion (wedding, prom, and so on). They can really wipe out acne fast, but only for short periods of time.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids
Abuse of these hormones can lead to acne and other serious health problems. Besides legitimate medical uses of androgens such as testosterone for hormone deficiencies, widespread use and abuse of these compounds exist, particularly the anabolic androgenic steroids, as performance-enhancing drugs.This type of acne is observed in males mainly on their backs,shoulders, and chest, and less often on the face, whereas in female athletes using these drugs, lesions tend to appear on the face as well as on the back and shoulders. An already-existing acne problem may get worse or nonexisting acne may be evoked.
Androstenedione
Androstenedione (andro) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes. It’s a precursor hormone that’s normally converted in the body to testosterone and estrogen in both
men and women. Andro made the news after the former baseball player Mark McGwire admitted taking it around the time of his record-breaking home run season. Although ads claim that androcontaining supplements promote increased muscle mass, studies have shown that andro poses the same kinds of health hazards as anabolic steroids. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions about the risks for young people who take andro:acne, an
early start of puberty, and stunted growth.
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
This hormone, sometimes billed as the “fountain of youth” hormone, is also a steroid hormone, a chemical cousin of testosterone and estrogen. Because DHEA is converted into testosterone, it has been noted to produce excessive facial and body hair, besides
causing acne.
Other oral medications
Other drugs that have been observed to have acnegenic properties
include:
 Lithium
 Iodine
 Isoniazid
 Diphenylhydantoin
 Certain androgenic contraceptive pills (will b in a coming post)