Correlation Between Chronic Stress, Adrenal Androgen Level And Acne In Postadolescent Women

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between chronic stress, adrenal androgen level and female postadolescent acne, and the correlation betweem lesion severity and patients' Dermatology Life Quality.Methods100 female subjects (50 acne patients and 50 normal controls) aged 26-45 was recruited in this case-control study. All given gynecology and adrenal ultrasonographic examination to expel organ parenchyma pathology. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and cortisol levels of each patient were determined by radioimmunoassay through a single visit for serum sampling. Meanwhile, the chronic tension and stress state of each subject was measured by Life Events Scale (LES), the effects of acne on each patient were messured by Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and the lesion counts and inflammatory severity of each patient was recorded respectively by Acne Lesion Counting and Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) to reflect the lesion severity.Results1. The family history, cosmetic and topica application, menstrual disorder and excessive limb hair occurrences were significantly higher in patients than those in controls (all P<0.001). 2. The serum DHEAS and cortisol levels were significantly higher in patients than those in controls (both P<0.001). The total life events score and negative life events score were significantly higher in patients than those in controls (both P<0.001). The main life events in patients were family-related (39.7%) or work and study (50.2%) problems.3. The serum DHEAS and cortisol levels were significantly correlated with life events in patients (respevtively P<0.05, P<0.01). The lesion counts were significantly correlated with life events, serum DHEAS level in patients (respevtively P<0.05, P＜0.001).4. The DLQI was significantly correlated with serum DHEAS level, lesions counts and inflammatory severity (respevtively P<0.01, P＜0.001, P<0.001).Conclusions1. There is correlation between increased chronic stress level, subsequent high serum adrenal androgen level and postadolescent female acne.2. There is correlation between acne lesion severity and dermatology life quality in female postadolescent acne patients.