Overview
Steroids are sometimes used to build muscle mass, either by bodybuilders looking to improve their physique in a short period of time or by individuals with wasting diseases, for whom steroids prevent muscular atrophy. Like any pharmaceutical or drug, however, steroids have a number of side effects, one of which is acne. Steroid-induced skin breakouts can be awkward and socially uncomfortable, but home and pharmaceutical remedies can help alleviate symptoms.
Expert Insight
According to biochemists Mary Campbell, Ph.D. and Shawn Farrell, Ph.D, steroids (sometimes more appropriately called anabolic-androgenic steroids) are testosterone analogues. This means they mimic the effects of male hormones and increase the rate of anabolism, or cellular chemical reactions that result in an increase in body tissue—particularly muscle. Some side effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids include development or amplification of physical characteristics of the human male, such as increased body hair growth and deepened voice.
Acne
Acne, according to the Merck Index online, is a “common skin condition producing pimples on the face and upper torso.” While oily skin, bacteria and a buildup of dead skin cells are all sufficient and necessary conditions to produce acne, Merck notes that “The use of certain drugs, particularly corticosteroids and anabolic steroids, can cause acne by stimulating the sebaceous glands.” These glands are responsible for producing and secreting oil. Excess gland stimulation increases the oiliness of the skin and traps dirt and bacteria in pores. As opposed to normal acne, anabolic steroid use is associated with shoulder and upper back acne, indicates Merck. The Mayo Clinic suggests that steroid acne may be much more severe normal acne.
Prevention/Solution
While it can be quite difficult to prevent steroid-induced acne, according to the Mayo Clinic, there is some symptom relief available. The Anabolic Bible, an Internet site providing information about anabolic steroids, suggests that “washing your face and always showering after exercises…will reduce this effect. If you have very severe acne, see your dermatologist.” Further, over-the-counter medications for treating acne may reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
Considerations
Steroid research summarized in Med India, a medical news Internet site, indicates that steroid-induced acne is not a common side effect of physician-regulated steroid treatment of HIV patients and others with wasting diseases. The site notes that “[b]odybuilders…often take as much as 10 times the dosage prescribed for legitimate treatments.” It is the overuse, rather than simply use, of steroids that most commonly leads to sebaceous gland stimulation and development of acne.
Warning
The Mayo Clinic warns that while anabolic steroids have legitimate medical uses, acne is only one in a long list of dangerous side effects associated with unregulated use. The clinic further notes that the long-term effects of these drugs have not been well studied, and many side effects may have gone unreported. Mayo recommends that anyone taking steroids should “take the time to learn about the benefits, risks and many unknowns regarding so-called performance-enhancing drugs.”
About this Author
Kirstin Hendrickson is a writer, teacher, coach and athlete. She’s been teaching, coaching, and writing about health, wellness and nutrition for more than 10 years. She has a B.S. in zoology, a B.S. in psychology, an M.S. in chemistry, and a Ph.D. in bioorganic chemistry.
