Anabolics Mall
What effects do anabolic steroids have on the skin?
Steroids promote acne.(1,2) Anabolic steroids
stimulate the production of oils in the skin, known medically as
"sebum".(2) The oils or sebum produced is a fertile
nutrient bath for several different types of bacteria. If an
infection develops, there may be severe scarring and reactions from
the body's immune system.(2) A 21-year-old steroid user
developed severe acne after 4 weeks of anabolic steroid
use.(1) His acne became infected with "Staph" and
"Propionibacterium acnes." Toxic chemicals produced by these
bacteria caused a severe immune reaction that sent him to the
hospital for several weeks.(1)
Drugs prescribed to treat acne (such as tetracycline and
isotretinoin) may become toxic at normal doses if taken by a
steroid abuser.(2) When the liver enzymes are occupied by
anabolics, they are unable to deactivate these prescription drugs
at a normal rate. The prescription drugs accumulate in the body,
leading to toxic effects.(2)
Male pattern baldness occurs in both male and female steroid
abusers.(2-4) Some medical authorities state that
hair growth returns when steroids are stopped.(2) Others
say that hair loss is irreversible.(4)
REFERENCES
1. Heydenreich G. Testosterone and anabolic steroids and acne
fulminans. Arch Dermatol 1989 Apr;125:571-2.
2. Johnson MD. Steroids. Adolescent Med 1991 Feb;2(1):79-93.
3. Yesalis CE, Wright JE, Bahrke MS. Epidemiological and policy
issues in the measurement of the long term health effects of
anabolic-androgenic steroids. Sports Medicine 1989
Sep;8(3):129-38.
4. Wilson JD. Androgen abuse by athletes. Endocrine Reviews
1988;9(2):181-99.
by Trent Tschirgi, R. Ph.
(c) 1992 University of Maryland Office of Substance Abuse Studies.
All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer: Steroid use is illegal in a vast number of countries around the world. This is not without reason. Steroids should only be used when prescribed by your doctor and under close supervision. Steroid use is not to be taken lightly and we do not in any way endorse or approve of illegal drug use. The information is provided on the same basis as all the other information on this site, as informational/entertainment value.
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Disclaimer: The information presented is intended to be used for educational purposes only. The statements made have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (U.S.). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Please consult with your own physician or health care practitioner regarding any suggestions and recommendations made.