Gender aspects in skin diseases

Abstract

Gender differences in medicine have been recognized in anatomy, physiology, as well as in epidemiology and manifestations of various diseases. With respect to skin disorders, males are generally more commonly afflicted with infectious diseases while women are more susceptible to psychosomatic problems, pigmentary disorders, certain hair diseases, and particularly autoimmune as well as allergic diseases. Significantly, more female sex-associated dermatoses can be identified than the male sex-associated dermatoses. Dermatoses in the genital area differ between men and women. Gender differences also exist in the occurrence and prognosis of certain skin malignancies. The mechanisms underlying gender differences in skin diseases remain largely unknown. Differences in the skin structure and physiology, effect of sex hormones, ethnic background, sociocultural behaviour and environmental factors may interact to exert the influences. A better understanding of gender differences in human health and diseases will allow the development of novel concepts for prevention, diagnosis and therapy of skin diseases.

Sex differences in the incidence of skin and skin‐related diseases in Olmsted County, Minnesota, United States, and a comparison with other rates published worldwide

“…Factors that may be considered include differences in skin layers and physiology, sex hormones, genetics, age, ethnicity/race, lifestyle, occupation, and others. 1–3 …”

“…Factors that may be considered include differences in skin layers and physiology, sex hormones, genetics, age, ethnicity/race, lifestyle, occupation, and others. [1][2][3] In Olmsted County, Minnesota, United States, population-based incidence studies can be performed using the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP). The REP is a unique records linkage research infrastructure system that has captured healthcare data on almost all residents in Olmsted County since 1966 (described in detail elsewhere).…”

Modulation of CD4+ T Helper Cell Memory Responses in the Human Skin

“…In addition, aging shows an increased proportion of CD4+ IL-23R+ T cells and an altered Th17/Treg balance [100]. These observations suggest a possible causal link between skin electrolytes and dysfunctional cutaneous immunosurveillance, depending on age and gender differences [18]. …”

“…T helper cells producing IL-17 (Th17) are perhaps one of the most emblematic examples of this dichotomy [11] because, although Th17 responses are required for mucocutaneous immunity against Candida and Staphylococcus infections [12], deregulated IL-17 immunity is associated with skin pathology [13,14,15]. Furthermore, crucial recent findings have shown that, although the skin is the barrier organ most exposed to environmental cues, its molecular composition is rather stable over time and largely dependent on individual characteristics, including dietary habits, gender differences, and stress levels [16,17,18]. For instance, it has been recognized that high-salt diets derange immunohomeostasis and promote Th17 pathogenicity [19].…”

“…For instance, it has been recognized that high-salt diets derange immunohomeostasis and promote Th17 pathogenicity [19]. Moreover, some relevant studies have described how a significant gender bias in skin sodium deposition and in the perception of pain is associated with cutaneous diseases [18,20], whereas it is now very well known that stress and mood disorders influence skin physiopathology [21,22]. Thus, cutaneous immune surveillance may be seen as a skin-intrinsic process, whereby accessory cells and endogenous compounds act as modulators of T cell immunity.…”