Cutaneous Side Effects of Acth, Cortisone and Pregnenolone Therapy1

Drug-Induced Acneiform Eruption

“…[3,4] This subset of acne may be observed after topical corticosteroid application, [5] systemic oral or intravenous intake, [6] and even after inhaled administration. [7,8] Acne has also been reported after treatment with corticotropin.…”

“…[7,8] Acne has also been reported after treatment with corticotropin. [3,9] The eruption begins after a variable delay, from shortly after the introduction of topical or oral therapy (usually 2-4 weeks) to several months. Dosage, duration of administration, and individual susceptibility play a role in the clinical presentation.…”

Cutis Punctata Linearis Colli: Stippled Skin

“…The role of the endocrines in sebaceous gland function is complex and still unclear. It has been convincingly dem onstrated th at testosterone induces sebaceous gland hyperplasia [3,5,6,11] and acneiform eruptions developing during corticotropin and corticosteroid therapy are gener ally thought to result from androgenic activity possessed either by these substances themselves or by some metabolic derivative [1,13], Van Scott and MacCardle [12] consider th at the induction of a resting (telogen) phase in the hair roots plays a major role, whilst the work of Lasher, Lorincz and Rothman [8,9] suggests th at an anterior pituitary (" sebotropic") factor is involved. It has been stated th at cortisone actually causes mild sebaceous gland atrophy [7] and Sullivan and Zeligman [15] m aintain th at the acnegenic effect of corticotropin is mediated solely by hyperkeratosis and blocking of the follicular orifice.…”

Drug-Induced Acneiform Eruptions

“…Acneiform eruptions induced by the use of systemic corticosteroid therapy were irst reported in 1950s [4]. Exposure to oral [5], intravenous [6], topical [7], or inhaled steroids [8] may result in or exacerbate acne.…”

“…Exposure to oral [5], intravenous [6], topical [7], or inhaled steroids [8] may result in or exacerbate acne. Development of acneiform eruptions was also reported during corticotropin therapy [4]. Perioral dermatitis is a form of acneiform eruption which may develop due to the use of highly potent corticosteroids [9].…”