Transient postnatal secretion of androgen hormones is associated with acne and sebaceous gland hypertrophy in early infancy

Abstract

Context: Sebaceous gland hypertrophy (SGH) and acne-like skin eruptions are frequent during the first months of life, yet the etiology and prevalence of these conditions in infants are not clear.

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the association of postnatal androgens with SGH and acne in infants.

Design: This was a longitudinal, monthly follow-up from 1 wk (D7) to 6 months of age (M1-M6).

Patients: Patients included 54 full-term (FT; 26 boys) and 48 preterm (PT; gestational age at birth 27.7-36.6 wk, 22 boys) infants.

Main outcome measures: The occurrence of SGH (present/absent) and acne (5-10, 10-50, and >50 papules) was registered and compared with urinary levels of dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulphate and testosterone measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results: SGH was observed in 89% of FT and 96% of PT infants (P = 0.28). Acne (more than five papules) was observed in 91% of FT infants and in 75% of PT infants (P = 0.06). Both SGH and acne were associated with developmental rather than calendar age: SGH was limited to postmenstrual age less than 46 wk and acne was not observed less than 37 wk of postmenstrual age. Urinary androgen levels showed severalfold differences in magnitude between sexes and between the FT and PT groups. After grouping according to sex and maturity, the occurrence of SGH and the severity of acne were associated with higher urinary dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and testosterone levels in each group.

Conclusions: SGH and acne are common during the first months of life and associated with endogenous, physiologically elevated levels of androgens originating from the adrenals and gonads. These data suggest a novel role for postnatal androgen secretion in infancy.